Scheffler the betting favorite

Scottie Scheffler opened 2026 with a four‑shot victory at The American Express in La Quinta — his 20th PGA Tour title, a 27‑under total that earned $1.656 million and 500 FedExCup points. (pgatour.com) The Official World Golf Ranking lists Scheffler at No. 1 heading into Augusta, a position supported by his season results and recent win totals. (owgr.com) At Augusta Scheffler arrives with prior high finishes at the Masters: he won the tournament in 2024 and finished fourth in 2025 at 8‑under, three strokes behind the champion. (sg.news.yahoo.com) Rory McIlroy claimed the 2025 Masters in a one‑hole playoff over Justin Rose to complete a career Grand Slam on April 13, 2025, making him the reigning champion Scheffler will chase. (nbcnews.com) No player has defended the Masters since Tiger Woods won consecutive green jackets in 2001 and 2002; only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger have posted back‑to‑back Masters victories. (golfmonthly.com) Scheffler’s pre‑Masters tuneup schedule has been notable: he skipped the Houston Open after withdrawing late, and his team opted for a lighter lead‑in to Augusta. (cbssports.com) The Masters field tees off April 9–12, 2026, with television coverage on CBS, Golf Channel and ESPN and supplemental coverage via the Masters App and Masters.com. (usatoday.com)