The five golfers most likely to win their first major at The Masters this year

This time every year, millions of golf fans around the world try to figure out which player will win The Masters.

And while many will pick the stars of the sport, such as Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, others will make rogue choices.

A handful of people would have even predicted 50/1 outsider Danny Willett to win the Green Jacket in 2016.

The Golfing Gazette now aims to provide some insight into the next potential first-time major winner at Augusta National in 2026.

READ MORE: Why Jordan Spieth needs to stop trying to be perfect ahead of The Masters

Tommy Fleetwood

Tommy Fleetwood is in the form of his life, winning last season’s Tour Championship and climbing to fourth in the world rankings.

The Englishman has only finished in the top 10 at Augusta once in his career (2024), but his game should suit the golf course.

Fleetwood’s natural draw shape and elite iron play make him an obvious threat to win the Green Jacket this week.

Robert MacIntyre has a mixed record at Augusta, with two top-25 finishes and a missed cut last season.

However, the Scotsman’s runner-up result at the 2025 US Open proved it is only a matter of time before he wins a major.

MacIntyre is also trending in the right direction this year after an excellent performance at The Players (4th).

World number three Cameron Young will be a popular pick to win his first major championship at The Masters.

Young arrives in as good a form as anyone, with a victory at The Players and top 10s at the Arnold Palmer and the Genesis.

His missed cut at Augusta last season is the only blemish in his case to be among the favourites to win the tournament this week.

Firstly, the 26-year-old is a natural at Augusta National, finishing 2nd on debut in 2024 and 7th last season.

Secondly, Aberg finished in the top five at the Arnold Palmer and The Players recently, although he should have won the latter.

The Masters is on the horizon and golf fans are getting VERY excited…

Akshay Bhatia has taken his game to another level in 2026, winning his first Signature Event at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

It has only been a month, but the world number 20 could soon take the step towards becoming a major champion at Augusta.

If Bhatia brings his A-game off the tee, his approach play and putting should propel him into Masters contention.