With The Masters set to begin at Augusta National, ESPN’s panel of experts has made their selections—and the results highlight just how unpredictable this year’s tournament is shaping up to be.
There is no unanimous favorite. No overwhelming consensus. Instead, analysts are split across several elite contenders, reinforcing the idea that this year’s Masters is wide open.
Who Each Expert Is Picking
Here is how ESPN’s panel sees the tournament:
- Matt Barrie → Jon Rahm
- Michael Collins → Scottie Scheffler
- Marty Smith → Rory McIlroy
- Mark Schlabach → Scottie Scheffler
- Bob Harig → Jon Rahm
- Paolo Uggetti → Bryson DeChambeau
- Dylan Dethier → Rory McIlroy
Breaking Down the Picks
Jon Rahm received strong backing from multiple experts, with analysts pointing to his consistency, experience, and proven success at Augusta. His complete game continues to make him one of the most reliable contenders in the field.
Scottie Scheffler remains firmly in the mix as well. As the world No. 1 and a past Masters champion, his ball-striking and composure still make him one of the safest selections, even as the field closes in.
Rory McIlroy is another name drawing significant support. After winning the Masters last year, he enters Augusta with confidence and without the pressure that once followed him, making him a dangerous contender to repeat.
Bryson DeChambeau stands out as the lone pick outside the top trio. His power and recent form have kept him firmly in the conversation, with at least one expert believing he is ready to break through at Augusta.
What This Means for the Tournament
The most telling takeaway is how evenly the picks are distributed. No player received a majority, and three different golfers tied for the most selections.
That level of balance suggests this year’s Masters will not be dominated by one player. Instead, it sets up a competitive tournament where multiple stars have a legitimate path to the green jacket.
The Bottom Line
When experts cannot agree on a clear favorite, it usually signals a tournament full of uncertainty and opportunity.
Rahm, Scheffler, McIlroy, and DeChambeau all enter Augusta with strong cases to win, and the lack of consensus only adds to the intrigue.
This year’s Masters is not about one dominant name. It is about a field full of contenders—and a wide-open race to the top.
