The Masters 2026: DFS and Betting Preview

April 7, 2026

The first major of the year is here, and as always, Augusta National delivers one of the most unique tests in golf. With lightning-fast greens, dramatic elevation changes, and the chaos of Amen Corner, this isn’t just about ball striking — it’s about course history, elite iron play, and avoiding big numbers.

The 2026 field is stacked, featuring defending champion Rory McIlroy and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, but there’s plenty of value deeper down the board.

Let’s break it down 👇

Tournament Overview

The Masters Tournament is unlike anything else on the golf calendar. Held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, it’s the most prestigious and tradition-rich event in the sport — and one of the most predictable in terms of player archetype.

This is an invite-only field, meaning fewer golfers (typically ~85–95 players), no cut line variability from weaker qualifiers, and a heavier concentration of elite talent. The top 50 (and ties) make the cut, which increases the importance of getting 6/6 golfers through in DFS formats.

Weather and course conditions are always a factor, but Augusta consistently demands the same thing: elite ball striking, creativity, and experience. Debutants historically struggle, while veterans with strong course history tend to rise.

Simply put — this is a stars-and-scrubs or balanced build decision week, not a “random punt” week.

⛳Course Breakdown: Augusta National

Augusta National is a par 72 playing around 7,500+ yards, but distance alone doesn’t define it. This course is all about angles, elevation, and elite shot shaping.

Key characteristics:

• Wide fairways off the tee → distance is rewarded, but positioning matters more than raw accuracy

• Undulating, lightning-fast greens → among the fastest on Tour

• Severe run-off areas → missed greens lead to extremely difficult up-and-downs

• Par 5 scoring is essential → all four are reachable and must be taken advantage of

The course forces players into uncomfortable spots — downhill lies, sidehill stances, and approach shots that require precise trajectory control.

And of course, there’s Amen Corner (11, 12, 13) — the most volatile stretch in golf, where tournaments are won and lost in a matter of minutes.

📊 Key Stats

When building lineups or betting cards, these are the metrics that consistently correlate with success at Augusta:

• Strokes Gained: Approach

• Strokes Gained: Around the Green

• Strokes Gained: Putting

• Par 5 Scoring

• Course History

• Driving Distance

Our Favorite Golfers This Week (DraftKings pricing and odds)

The Masters brings the best golfers in the world together to earn their place in the most exclusive club in the golf world. As such, we do not believe anyone ranked outside the top 40 truly has a chance to win this event. Also, since we are looking at such a top heavy field, be ready to see us fading some big names.

DFS Strategy Notes

The Masters is one of the most strategic DFS weeks of the year. Here’s how we approach it:

• Prioritize 6/6 Lineup Upside: Avoid low-upside punts. Pick six golfers with cut equity and upside.

• Embrace Ownership Leverage: Ownership tends to condense around former champions and recent top finishers. Fading one or two high-owned players (like Scottie/Rory) can be the difference in your DFS contests.

• Lean Into Experience: First-timers almost never win here. It's fine to include one if the talent is elite, but building around proven Augusta performers is the sharper approach.

Top Picks T15 or better

Bryson DeChambeau ($10,200 DFS; +1050 to win)

Bryson is built for Augusta when he’s dialed in. The distance advantage is real, but what’s changed is his improved touch and course management, leading to strong recent finishes here. He’s also coming in with solid form and sits near the top of the betting board. If his putter cooperates, Bryson has legitimate win equity — and at his price, he’s one of the best DFS anchors.

Jon Rahm ($10,000 DFS; +910 to win)

A former Masters champion who continues to thrive in big events, Rahm checks every box: elite tee-to-green, strong scrambling, and major pedigree. Rahm has been dominant on LIV and continues to show he can contend anywhere. In a field where volatility is high, Rahm offers one of the safest combinations of floor + ceiling.

Matt Fitzpatrick ($8,700 DFS; +2350 to win)

Fitzpatrick feels like the perfect DFS play this week — not flashy, but incredibly reliable.

He excels in precision iron play and short game, both critical at Augusta. His odds have him just outside the elite tier, which makes him extremely valuable in balanced builds.

Fade - Outside of top 15

Scottie Scheffler ($14,000 DFS; +495 to win)

Scheffler is the betting favorite — and for good reason, given his absurd consistency at Augusta (multiple top-10s and never outside the top 20 recently). In DFS, that popularity comes at a cost. You’re paying a premium for a player who needs to win to justify it. In tournaments, fading the chalk can create massive leverage.

Rory McIlroy ($11,600 DFS; +1175 to win)

Yes, he’s the defending champ. Yes, he completed the career Grand Slam last year.

But this is a classic letdown spot. There are already concerns about recent form and physical issues, and repeating at Augusta is historically difficult. At his ownership and price, this is a leverage fade.

Collin Morikawa ($9,500 DFS; +3100 to win)

Elite ball striker, but he's simply not healthy. Morikawa injured back is clearly still bothering him and it's been a full month since he's played on Sunday. A month ago, we would have included Morikawa in our top picks, but he does not seem worth the risk today.

Tommy Fleetwood ($9,300 DFS; +2250 to win)

Fleetwood always draws buzz — and often delivers solid finishes — but rarely wins.

At his projected ownership and mid-tier pricing, he’s more of a “fine” play than a tournament-winning one.

Dark Horse - outright winner to top 15

Brooks Koepka ($8,500 DFS; +3700 to win)

Major Brooks is always in play. His Augusta history is strong, and he’s consistently in the mix in big events. At longer odds, he’s one of the best win equity plays outside the top tier.

Sepp Straka ($8,000 DFS; +7800 to win)

Straka continues to show up in big tournaments and offers a steady all-around game. He’s not flashy, but he fits Augusta better than people think.

Chris Gotterup ($8,000 DFS; +4300 to win)One of the more interesting deep sleepers in the field. He has the length + upside profile that can spike in DFS, especially if conditions favor aggressive play.

Cameron Smith ($7,500 DFS; +11000 to win)

If this turns into a short game and putting contest, Smith is one of the most dangerous players in the world. His Augusta record speaks for itself.

Sam Burns ($7,400 DFS; +7200 to win)

Burns is volatile, but that’s exactly what you want in GPPs. If the putter heats up, he can absolutely contend.

Patrick Reed ($9,000 DFS; +4300 to win)

Say what you want — Reed knows how to play Augusta. Former champion, elite around the greens, and always dangerous when conditions get tricky.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The Masters is one of the most predictable yet chaotic events in golf. Course history matters more here than anywhere else. Distance of the tee and elite iron play is the winning combo. Ownership leverage is critical in DFS. Here's to hoping we see a new golfer win a green jacket. 🟢

Our One-and-Done Picks

Collin – Bryson DeChambeau

Frank – Bryson DeChambeau

That’s it for this week. Check back next week for our RBC Heritage preview and follow us on our new X account @FTO_picks and @FTO_Fun. Always feel free to reach out in the comments or over on X. We are always happy to talk golf with you!

*This preview does not represent our final betting picks for this event. For our full set of picks, check out our Game Picks section!

**Odds accurate at time of posting.