The Masters Betting Odds and Event Info
Date: 2027.04.08 - 2027.04.11
Contest: GOLF
Location: Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia, United States
The Masters opens the men's major championship season. It is the only one of the four majors played at the same course every year, giving its holes, hazards and viewing spots a familiarity that builds with each edition.
The 2027 tournament takes place from April 8 to 11, with Rory McIlroy entering as the two-time defending champion.The 2027 Masters
McIlroy's next visit presents an opportunity that no player has converted before: a third consecutive Masters victory. His wins in 2025 and 2026 placed him alongside Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as the only golfers to successfully defend the title.
The opening round is scheduled for Thursday, April 8, with the second round on Friday, April 9. Players who make the cut continue into the weekend, and the final round is set for Sunday, April 11.
Scottie Scheffler has his own strong connection to the tournament. The champion in 2022 and 2024 finished second in 2026, just one stroke behind McIlroy. Their recent results provide a starting point for the build-up, although form and fitness closer to April will shape expectations.
How the Masters Began
Augusta National grew from the plans of Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, with Alister MacKenzie and Jones designing the course. The first tournament was held in 1934, when Horton Smith won what was then called the Augusta National Invitation Tournament.
The Masters name became official in 1939. Another defining feature arrived a decade later, when Sam Snead became the first champion to receive a green jacket. Previous winners were also given jackets, connecting the new tradition with the tournament's earliest years.
The Champions Dinner followed in 1952 at the suggestion of Ben Hogan. The defending champion now chooses the menu and hosts the gathering on Tuesday of tournament week. Wednesday's Par 3 Contest adds a more relaxed occasion before the main competition begins.
Augusta National and the Tournament Format
The Masters is decided by the lowest total score over four rounds. A cut after 36 holes reduces the field to the leading 50 players and anyone tied with them. Those remaining play another 36 holes over the weekend.
If the lead is shared after 72 holes, a sudden-death playoff determines the champion. It begins at the 18th hole, moves to the 10th if necessary, and continues alternating between those holes until the tie is broken.
Augusta National is a par-72 course. Its elevation changes and sloping greens make the position of an approach shot particularly important. Finding the putting surface can still leave a difficult task if the ball finishes on the wrong side of the hole.
Amen Corner covers the 11th, 12th and 13th holes. The short 12th requires a tee shot across Rae's Creek, while the par-five 13th offers a chance to gain ground. The par-five 15th presents another important choice later in the round, with water guarding the approach to the green.
How Players Qualify
The Masters uses invitation categories to assemble its field. Past champions receive lifetime invitations, while other routes include recent major victories, selected tournament wins, world-ranking positions and results in leading amateur championships.
Finishing among the top 12, including ties, at the previous Masters also earns an invitation. For a player outside the title race, that position can therefore carry significance of its own.
The field continues to develop as qualifying events and ranking deadlines are completed. Its mix of established champions, current contenders and amateurs is part of the tournament's character.
Masters Tournament Records
Most victories: Jack Nicklaus, six.
Nicklaus won in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975 and 1986. Tiger Woods follows with five titles, while Arnold Palmer won four.
Lowest 72-hole total: Dustin Johnson, 268 in 2020.
Johnson finished at 20 under par in the edition postponed to November, establishing the tournament scoring record.
Lowest tournament round: 63.
Nick Price shot 63 in the third round in 1986, and Greg Norman matched it in the opening round in 1996.
Youngest and oldest champions:
Woods was 21 when he won in 1997. Nicklaus was 46 when he collected his final green jacket in 1986.
Recent Masters Winners
2026: Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland
Total: 276, 12 under par.
Won by one stroke over Scottie Scheffler.
2025: Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland
Total: 277, 11 under par.
Defeated Justin Rose with a birdie on the first playoff hole, completing his career Grand Slam.
2024: Scottie Scheffler, United States
Total: 277, 11 under par.
Won by four strokes over Ludvig Aberg.
What Happened in the 2026 Masters?
McIlroy opened with rounds of 67 and 65 to build a six-shot lead at the halfway stage. That advantage disappeared on Saturday, when his 73 left him tied with Cameron Young heading into the final round.
Sunday brought another test. McIlroy recovered from an early double bogey and closed with a 71, enough to finish one shot ahead of Scheffler. The American had surged into contention with weekend rounds of 65 and 68.
The victory gave McIlroy his sixth major championship and made him the first repeat Masters winner since Woods in 2001 and 2002. He received $4.5 million from the 2026 prize fund of $22.5 million.
The two victories carried different milestones. In 2025, McIlroy finally completed his collection of the four major titles. A year later, he showed he could return to Augusta and win again.
Masters Betting Markets
Masters betting covers the overall winner, finishing positions and smaller groups of players. Market availability varies by sportsbook, and the rules attached to a selection matter when comparing prices.
Outright winner: Select the golfer who will win the tournament, including any playoff used to decide the champion.
Top-five, top-10 or top-20 finish: Back a player to finish within the stated positions. Ties may be settled using dead-heat rules, which can reduce the return.
Head-to-head matchups: Choose which of two named golfers will record the better result over a round or the full tournament. The market specifies the period being compared.
First-round leader: Select the player who will lead after Thursday's round. Shared leads are common enough that the tie rules deserve attention.
Make or miss the cut: Bet on whether a golfer will qualify for the weekend, where this market is offered.
Top nationality: Back the highest-finishing player from a specified country or group, if available.
Withdrawal rules and the treatment of players who miss the cut can differ between markets. Those details are especially relevant to tournament matchups and bets placed well before the opening round.
What to Consider Before the Tournament
Augusta experience can help a player understand where to aim and which misses are manageable. Recent approach play, performance around the greens and scoring on par fives provide other useful ways to assess the field.
Weather can change how the course plays. Wind affects club selection and flight, while softer or firmer greens alter the risks attached to an aggressive approach. The forecast is particularly relevant when comparing players with different tee times in a single-round market.
A familiar name or an impressive past result is only part of the assessment. The challenge is to weigh that history against current performance and the odds available when the tournament approaches.
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