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Scottie Scheffler Leads 2026 Masters Favorites; McIlroy Under Pressure

4/2/2026

36 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Scheffler Tops Masters Odds

Scottie Scheffler is the +405 favorite for the 2026 Masters, which starts April 9, 2026.
Jon Rahm is the second-favorite at +850, ahead of Rory McIlroy.
Rory McIlroy faces pressure to defend his Masters title after a rollercoaster season.
The field includes 11 LIV Golf players, including Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson.
Rory McIlroy reflects on his Grand Slam journey and aims for back-to-back Masters victories.

History

Historical Context

The emergence of LIV Golf in 2021, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, disrupted traditional golf by luring top players like Phil Mickelson with lucrative contracts. This challenge to the PGA Tour intensified competition, leading to suspensions of players who joined LIV Golf. The ongoing rivalry is reshaping professional golf, culminating in a merger announcement between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour in June 2023.

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Scheffler Tops Masters Odds

Scottie Scheffler is the +405 favorite for the 2026 Masters, which starts April 9, 2026.
Jon Rahm is the second-favorite at +850, ahead of Rory McIlroy.
Rory McIlroy faces pressure to defend his Masters title after a rollercoaster season.
The field includes 11 LIV Golf players, including Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson.
Rory McIlroy reflects on his Grand Slam journey and aims for back-to-back Masters victories.

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