{"id":58207,"date":"2026-04-08T02:41:05","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T06:41:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/sport\/the-masters-2026-will-scottie-scheffler-and-rory-mcilroy-be-stopped-sky-sports-pundits-predict-who-will-win-at-augusta-golf-news\/08\/04\/2026\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T02:41:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T06:41:20","slug":"the-masters-2026-will-scottie-scheffler-and-rory-mcilroy-be-stopped-sky-sports-pundits-predict-who-will-win-at-augusta-golf-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/sport\/the-masters-2026-will-scottie-scheffler-and-rory-mcilroy-be-stopped-sky-sports-pundits-predict-who-will-win-at-augusta-golf-news\/08\/04\/2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The Masters 2026: Will Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy be stopped? Sky Sports pundits predict who will win at Augusta | Golf News"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n<\/p>\n

\n

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?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

As Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta National to defend his Masters title, take a look at some of the best shots he has ever played at the event<\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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?<\/p>\n

Ahead of the opening major of the year, live on Sky Sports from 2pm on Thursday<\/em>, we asked the Sky Sports Golf<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n Monterosa<\/span>
\n
\n This content is provided by Monterosa<\/span>, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
\n To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
\n You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa<\/span> cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
\n You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options<\/a>.
\n <\/span>
\n
\n Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa<\/span> cookies.
\n To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa<\/span> cookies for this session only.
\n <\/span><\/p>\n
\n Enable Cookies<\/a>
\n Allow Cookies Once<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n

An English winner at The Masters? <\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“My prediction to win is Justin Rose<\/strong>, 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].<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n


\n \"JUSTIN
\n <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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<\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

Andrew Coltart added: “Matt Fitzpatrick<\/strong> 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.”<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n


\n \"MASTERS
\n <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The most shocking moments from Masters history, including Jordan Spieth’s collapse on the 12th hole and an injury-plagued Tiger Woods being tackled by security<\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Who else could challenge at The Masters? <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cameron Young<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player<\/p>\n


\n \"golf\"
\n <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Highlights from the final day of The Players, where Cameron Young shot a four-under par 68 to win at TPC Sawgrass<\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

Ludvig \u00c5berg <\/strong>and Bryson DeChambeau<\/strong> both contended on the final day last year before falling short, with Bob MacIntyre<\/strong> among the contingent looking to challenge for a maiden major victory.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n \"Robert\n <\/div>
\n Image:<\/span>
\n Could Bob MacIntyre become the next first-time major champion?
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

“\u00c5berg 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.”<\/p>\n

On MacIntyre, Dame Laura Davies said: “This week could be one for a left-hander and MacIntyre has been playing consistently all year.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n Twitter<\/span>
\n
\n This content is provided by Twitter<\/span>, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
\n To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
\n You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter<\/span> cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
\n You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options<\/a>.
\n <\/span>
\n
\n Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter<\/span> cookies.
\n To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter<\/span> cookies for this session only.
\n <\/span><\/p>\n
\n Enable Cookies<\/a>
\n Allow Cookies Once<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n

Who will win The Masters? Sky Sports’ pundit predictions<\/strong><\/h3>\n