Want to win your 2026 Masters pool? It's a blend of strategy, insight, and a little bit of luck. With the 91-player field set at Augusta National, it's time to finalize your picks. Here’s a breakdown of key strategies and players to target to help you finish in the money and claim those bragging rights.

First, understand the fundamentals. Course history at Augusta is incredibly predictive, and combining it with a player's current form is your best bet for identifying favorites. While picking the right favorite might not single-handedly win your pool, picking the wrong one can certainly lose it. The real key is often in the middle tier—identifying those value picks who can outperform their odds is paramount. Don't be afraid to include a contrarian pick or two, but avoid overdoing it; balance is everything.

Now, let's look at some top-tier contenders. You want players who are proven on this stage and arrive in peak condition.

Xander Schauffele is a must-have. He's gained strokes across the board in his last five events and his last three Masters appearances, making him a model of consistency.

Scottie Scheffler's 2026 has been unique, but his ceiling is unmatched. He's the type of player who could run away with the tournament or still deliver a solid top-20 finish.

Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, faces the difficult task of going back-to-back—a feat last achieved by Tiger Woods. However, his elite current form and stellar Augusta record make him impossible to ignore.

Don't sleep on the LIV Golf contingent. Bryson DeChambeau is riding high on consecutive LIV wins and has a strong T5-T6 history here. Jon Rahm, the 2023 champion, is back in top ball-striking form; any perceived "LIV discount" on him is a mistake.

This is where contenders separate themselves from the pretenders. The middle of your roster is where pools are often won or lost.