Six pundits make Masters winner predictions as Rory McIlroy receives verdict

Augusta Nationwide prepares to welcome the world’s finest golfers for the 2026 Masters this week.

Rory McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy has some main contenders for his title (Picture: Getty) This text incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra

The 2026 Masters is simply across the nook, with pleasure mounting for golf’s most prestigious match. Rory McIlroy arrives at Augusta Nationwide because the defending champion, having clinched his maiden inexperienced jacket final 12 months in a dramatic playoff in opposition to Justin Rose.

The Northern Irishman is as soon as extra amongst the main contenders, and triumph this week would see him develop into solely the fourth participant to efficiently defend the crown, becoming a member of icons Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods in an elite group. Standing in his path, nevertheless, is a world-class area. Two-time champion Scottie Scheffler can be concentrating on a 3rd Masters victory to cement his standing amongst the match’s all-time greats.

In the meantime, different main challengers embrace Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Tommy Fleetwood, Xander Schauffele, and Ludvig Aberg, all of whom deliver further high quality to an already formidable leaderboard. Right here, Specific Sport examines which gamers golf consultants are backing to don the inexperienced jacket this time spherical.

“Xander Schauffele was the closest pursuer to Jon Rahm in my estimations this 12 months, however, whereas I leant extra in the direction of the Spaniard in the long run, I nonetheless love Xander on this occasion at his present value.”