Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy look to build on their recent success at The Masters, but who is most likely to challenge them for major victory at Augusta National?
The world’s top two have won three of the last four Masters between them, with Scheffler claiming the Green Jacket in 2022 and winning again in 2024 before McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam in last year’s contest.
Scheffler arrives as the pre-tournament favourite to claim a fifth major title in as many years despite finishing outside the top 10 in his last three PGA Tour starts, his worst run in four years, with the world No 1 already a winner this season at the American Express.
The 29-year-old has finished inside the top 20 in every past appearance at Augusta National and is expected to challenge again, while McIlroy bids to become the first player since Tiger Woods to successfully win back-to-back editions of The Masters.
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McIlroy became just the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam after last year’s dramatic play-off win over Justin Rose, ending his 11-year wait for an elusive fifth major title, but who from outside the world’s top two could also challenge for victory this week?
Ahead of the opening major of the year, live on Sky Sports from 2pm on Thursday, we asked the Sky Sports Golf pundits to predict who they think will win this week, and to select a player who could be an under-the-radar option to contend.
An English winner at The Masters?
Only two Englishman have ever won The Masters, with this year’s edition marking the 10th anniversary of Danny Willett’s surprise victory in 2016 and the 30th of Sir Nick Faldo’s third – and final – triumph at Augusta National.
Willett is back among an eight-strong English contingent in this week’s field, with Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick both winners on the PGA Tour this season and Tommy Fleetwood the reigning FedExCup champion.
“My prediction to win is Justin Rose, based on his form for this season and the fact he’s already got that win,” Sky Sports’ Nick Dougherty said. “It hasn’t been all brilliant stuff, but he again proved that he can get by all the best players – at a huge event – by winning on a big golf course at Torrey Pines [Farmers Insurance Open].
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Speaking ahead of the 2026 Masters tournament, three-time runner-up Justin Rose claims that he has no regrets from his near misses at Augusta National
“At 45 years of age he’s never been longer, having picked up length over the last couple of years when you’re supposed to get shorter. He works so tirelessly towards his recovery and fitness, so his longevity is one of his shining assets.
“He has a wealth of experience with how many times he’s participated here and experience counts at Augusta. He has finished runner-up three times – including against Rory last year – and is ready for the next step. I just think he’s a great bet this week.”
Andrew Coltart added: “Matt Fitzpatrick won last time out, his numbers are pretty good and he’s right on form. He likes it here and he’s got the temperament and patience required. He’s just getting better and better after that resurgence last year.”
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Who else could challenge at The Masters?
Cameron Young is looking to join Scheffler and McIlroy in following victory at The Players with a win at The Masters, having claimed a one-shot victory over Fitzpatrick at the PGA Tour’s flagship event last month.
“His [Young’s] fine victory at The Players has elevated him into the top bracket of the game,” said Sky Sports’ Ewen Murray. “He would have learned much about his runner-up finishes before his first victory last autumn.
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“TPC Sawgrass was what his confidence and belief required to make the next step up the ladder – the next rung could well be a major.”
Ludvig Åberg and Bryson DeChambeau both contended on the final day last year before falling short, with Bob MacIntyre among the contingent looking to challenge for a maiden major victory.
Could Bob MacIntyre become the next first-time major champion?
“Åberg is just unbelievable,” said Sky Sports’ Rich Beem. “He has given it [chance of winning] away a couple of times this year on the PGA Tour. He’s just playing too well and it’s about time he puts it all together.”
On MacIntyre, Dame Laura Davies said: “This week could be one for a left-hander and MacIntyre has been playing consistently all year.
“He didn’t get the job done last week but was right up there all week and has the experience of handling the pressure at the US Open last summer. I think he’s ready to win a big one.”
Who will win The Masters? Sky Sports’ pundit predictions
- Rich Beem: Ludvig Åberg
- Andrew Coltart: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Dame Laura Davies: Bob MacIntyre
- Nick Dougherty: Justin Rose
- Butch Harmon: Tommy Fleetwood
- Paul McGinley: Jon Rahm
- Inci Mehmet: Justin Rose
- Ewen Murray: Cameron Young
- Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley: Bryson DeChambeau
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- Rich Beem: Adam Scott
- Andrew Coltart: Jake Knapp
- Dame Laura Davies: Jon Rahm
- Nick Dougherty: Jacob Bridgeman
- Butch Harmon: Harry Hall
- Paul McGinley: Akshay Bhatia
- Inci Mehmet: Tom McKibbin
- Ewen Murray: Jacob Bridgeman
- Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley: Patrick Reed
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When is The Masters live on Sky Sports?
Wall-to-wall coverage from the tournament begins at 2pm on Thursday, with Featured Group action and regular updates from around the course available on Sky Sports Golf until the global broadcast window begins at 6pm.
The same timings will apply on Friday, before an earlier start kicks in for the weekend – with coverage starting at 4.30pm ahead of full coverage getting under way at 5pm and lasting until long after the final putt is holed.
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The notorious Amen Corner stream will also be available, focusing on the famous three-hole stretch from the 11th, with that Featured Group offering also available on the Sky Sports+ channel.
A feed of the fourth, fifth and sixth holes will go live each day as soon as the opening group reach that part of the course and another stream covers the 15th and 16th holes, with Featured Groups also available on Sky Sports+.
Who will win The Masters? Watch the opening major of the year exclusively live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the first round begins on Thursday from 2pm on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.
