Masters Betting Odds: Prices shift dramatically ahead of final round at Augusta National

Rory McIlroy remains the bookmakers’ favourite heading into the final round of the 2026 Masters, but the betting market tells a very different story compared to 24 hours ago. 

What once looked like a foregone conclusion has now developed into a far more open contest, with odds shifting dramatically after a volatile third round at Augusta National.

The defending champion, 36, saw his commanding six-shot advantage wiped out on Saturday, forcing a significant market correction. 

Having been priced as short as 1/3 before the third round, McIlroy is now widely available at around 11/8 with just 18 holes remaining. 

The world number two still leads the betting, but punters are no longer treating victory as a certainty.

A costly double bogey at the 11th, followed by another dropped shot at the 12th, briefly knocked him off top spot before a late rally steadied the ship. 

Birdies at the 14th and 15th helped repair the damage, but a closing bogey on 17 meant McIlroy signed for a one-over 73.

At 11-under par, he now shares the 54-hole lead with Cameron Young, setting up a compelling final pairing on Sunday.

Despite the stumble, McIlroy remains the man to beat. 

However, his erratic driving and less precise iron play — especially compared to his sparkling second-round 65 — will be a concern heading into the final day. 

Another round in the 70s is unlikely to get the job done given the strength of the chasing pack.

Victory on Sunday would see McIlroy join an elite group as just the fourth player to successfully defend the Masters title, alongside Jack Nicklaus (1966), Nick Faldo (1990) and Tiger Woods (2002).

Young, meanwhile, surged into contention on Saturday with one of the standout rounds of the week. 

The in-form American fired a superb 65 to climb from four-under to 11-under, continuing a remarkable turnaround after opening with a 73 that left him four-over early in round one.

Now priced at 9/4, Young — who was one of GolfMagic's betting tips for The Masters at odds of 20/1 at the start of the week — carries strong momentum into Sunday as he chases a maiden major title. 

The Players Championship champion has regularly threatened at the biggest events, and another low round could see him finally break through on golf’s major stage.

Sam Burns is also firmly in the hunt at 10-under, just one shot off the lead. 

The American, still seeking his first major, is available at odds of 13/2 and remains well-positioned to capitalise on any slip-ups ahead of him.

Shane Lowry sits two back at nine-under after making history earlier in the day. 

The Irishman became the first player to record multiple holes-in-one at Augusta National, adding an ace at the par-three sixth to his tally. 

Priced at 12/1 ahead of Sunday's final round, Lowry will be hoping to add a second major to his 2019 Open Championship triumph.

A further shot behind, Jason Day and Justin Rose are tied on eight-under. 

Rose, a three-time Masters runner-up, including last year’s playoff defeat to McIlroy, is priced at 14/1, while Day is considered more of an outsider at 22/1.

World number one Scottie Scheffler has also forced his way back into contention with a brilliant 65, matching Young for the lowest round of the day. 

Starting the weekend 12 shots off the lead and at odds of 80/1, Scheffler now sits four back at seven-under and is priced up at 10/1 as he bids for a third Masters title in five years and a fifth career major title. 

Scheffler is tied for seventh with China’s Haotong Li, who remains a long shot at 70/1 despite an impressive week thus far. 

Elsewhere, Patrick Reed, Russell Henley and Patrick Cantlay are all at six-under and priced between 70/1 and 100/1 heading into the final round.

With 18 holes to play, the 2026 Masters is now finely balanced — not just on the leaderboard, but in the betting markets too. 

McIlroy may still be favourite, but the odds have dramatically shifted, and with several in-form challengers within striking distance, Sunday at Augusta promises a high-stakes, wide-open finish.

Who are you backing to win The Masters on Sunday? Share your thoughts and comments below, or come and join the debate on our social media channels - @GolfMagic