The Masters 2026: Prime Video's Debut and Betting Odds Unveiled
The Masters has officially arrived, marking the start of golf's first major championship of 2026. This year's event at Augusta National introduces groundbreaking coverage and high-stakes betting favorites, setting the stage for an unforgettable tournament.
Prime Video's Historic Coverage Launch
Prime Video will make its foray into Masters coverage on Thursday, exclusively live-streaming the first two hours of the initial two rounds from the iconic azaleas and dogwoods of Augusta National. As part of its debut, the platform will feature Inside Amen Corner, a dedicated feed offering a stats-enhanced viewing experience with real-time ball tracking and swing analysis, providing an in-depth look at how players tackle the famed 11th, 12th, and 13th holes.
Coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET on Prime Video, with ESPN taking over at 3 p.m. for weekday rounds until 7:30 p.m. On the weekend, Paramount+ starts at noon, and CBS carries live tournament coverage from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Additionally, the Masters offers live video channels featuring pairings, holes 4-6, Amen Corner, and holes 15-16 for comprehensive viewing.
Key Details and Tee Times
The Masters begins at 7:25 a.m. EDT on Thursday with ceremonial tee shots by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson, followed by Johnny Keefer's first competitive shot. The field includes 91 players, adhering to Augusta National's tradition of fewer than 100 participants since 1967. Tee times for the first two rounds are available for fans planning their viewing schedules.
Betting Favorites and Trends
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Scottie Scheffler is the betting favorite at +600, followed by Jon Rahm (+1000), defending champion Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau (+1200), and Ludvig Aberg and Xander Schauffele (+1400). Trendy picks include Cameron Young (+2000), Matt Fitzpatrick (+2200), Justin Rose (+3000), and Akshay Bhatia (+5500). Bettors can also wager on hole scores, American versus international players, hole-in-one occurrences, and playoffs.
Scheffler's Quest for a Third Green Jacket
Scottie Scheffler aims to continue his streak of winning on even-numbered years at the Masters, having triumphed in 2022 and 2024, and become only the ninth player to earn three green jackets. However, questions surround his recent form, with top-five finishes at Phoenix and Pebble Beach followed by three straight events outside the top 10 and two outside the top 20.
Notable Absences and New Additions
Tiger Woods misses the Masters for the second consecutive year following a March 27 arrest for driving under the influence in Florida, with opioid pain pills found at the scene. He has pleaded not guilty and taken an indefinite leave for treatment. Phil Mickelson is also absent for only the third time as a pro due to a family health matter, marking the first time since 1994 neither he nor Woods is at Augusta National.
New at Augusta National is a player services building behind the driving range, featuring a gym, locker room, and dining areas. For ticket holders, a new concession item called the Candy Bar debuts.
McIlroy's Defense and First-Timers
Rory McIlroy seeks to become the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters, following Nicklaus (1965-66), Nick Faldo (1989-90), and Tiger Woods (2001-02), after his dramatic 2025 victory. Among 22 newcomers, Chris Gotterup stands out as the third player since World War II to win four times before his first Masters, with qualifications from the Scottish Open and wins at the Sony Open and Phoenix Open. Other debuts include Ben Griffin, Jacob Bridgeman, Kristoffer Reitan, and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, part of a record eight Nordic players.
