2026 Masters predictions: Expert picks for Augusta National

Is predicting the Masters difficult? Absolutely. But it's not impossible. Just last year, there were whispers that Rory McIlroy would finally break through and earn the career Grand Slam, despite having never won the event before.

This year feels different though. The usual favorites like Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau are obviously getting picked to win, but this year feels a little more open than previous Masters tournaments.

With guys like Ludivg Aberg and Tommy Fleetwood nipping at the heels of the top dogs, Augusta feels more wide open. That only makes predicting the tournament that much harder. Alas, still many an expert are trying their darnedest to prophecize the tournament.

Here are expert predictions from around the internet for the 2026 Masters Tournament:

2026 Masters Tournament predictions

Nick Stavas, Golfweek: Robert MacIntyre to win

Stavas writes, "Augusta National famously sets up really well for lefties (see: Mike Weir, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson) and Robert MacIntyre's game is in excellent form entering the Masters, where he's made two cuts in three starts with a high finish of T-12. He seems primed for a major championship breakthrough and I think he'll join the legendary Sandy Lyle as the only Scottish players to slip on the Green Jacket."

Cody Williams, FanSided: Ludvig Aberg is a good pick

Williams writes, "It's hard not to like where Ludvig Åberg is trending, especially at The Masters. He's finished in the Top 5 in each of his last three starts on the PGA Tour, including the API and The Players, and has done so with impressive tee-to-green play each time, while also gaining with the putter. Let's also not forget the fact that he's had two starts at Augusta in his career, which resulted in a runner-up as a debutant and then a solo seventh finish a year ago."

Jeff Goudy, Forbes: Justin Rose could surprise

Goudy writes, "[Rose's] history at Augusta is defined not just by consistency, but by near-misses at the very top. Rose is one of only nine players in Masters history to finish runner-up at least three times, a testament to both his excellence and how close he’s come to claiming the green jacket. At 45, he has shown flashes of both inconsistency and brilliance this season. While he’s missed three cuts, he also reminded everyone of his ceiling with a dominant seven-shot victory at Torrey Pines, along with a solid T-13 finish at The Players Championship."