Heading into the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, world No. 1 pro golfer Scottie Scheffler remains the betting favorite. He has been celebrated on the golf course while celebrating the birth of his newborn son in his personal life. But things don’t always stay consistent – even if you’re at the top of a global sport.
As the most exclusive competition in golf begins, the story this week is how much Scheffler’s grip has loosened. Here’s what to know about his odds as the Masters Tournament commences, as well as how much he has to lose if he doesn’t come out on top.
Scottie Scheffler’s Odds Have Dipped Ahead of The Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club
GettyAUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 08: Scottie Scheffler of the United States, wife Meredith, son Bennett and son Remy walk the fourth hole during the Par Three Contest prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 08, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
According to ESPN betting data, Scottie Scheffler opened this week as the clear frontrunner – but his odds have gradually lengthened as the tournament moves closer to kicking off. After sitting as short as +380 earlier in the season, Scheffler’s odds have moved to around +485 before drifting even further to roughly +510. Some sports books have even listed him as long as +600.
While Scheffler is still the man to beat, the shift in his odds reflects growing uncertainty among betters about his chances at winning the Masters. A key factor to this has been his recent inactivity in the sport as he has not played competitively in nearly a month following the birth of his newborn son. This has raised concerns about potential rust on his game as he enters golf’s most demanding major.
Fellow Competitors Playing at The Masters Tournament Are Placing Additional Strain on Scheffler’s Odds
GettyAUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 08: Scottie Scheffler of the United States watches his tee shot on the fourth hole during the Par Three Contest prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 08, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
At the same time, pressure is building from a stacked chasing pack of competitors in the exclusive event at Augusta National. Bryson DeChambeau has gained traction as a popular public pick, while both Jon Rahm and defending champion Rory McIlroy have continued to draw strong betting support for their chances at winning the tournament. The result is one of the most competitive Masters betting markets in recent history. Though Scottie Scheffler still leads the field, his margin over the rest has considerably shrunk – especially this week as the tournament has approached.
Even with the odds movement, Scheffler’s resume explains why he remains the favorite. The American golfer has established himself as the dominant player of his generation, holding the No. 1 spot int he Official World Golf Ranking and consistently contending in major championships. He has also garnered praise in recent days for prioritizing his family as he and his wife welcomed their second child. Both children, including Scheffler’s infant son, are in attendance at Augusta National this week, so winning the tournament could be a memorable experience for the Schefflers to add onto their already joyous welcoming of their newborn.
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