Backing 20/1 Brit to Upset McIlroy for Masters
Can a 20/1 outsider really strip the green jacket from the defending champion? Matt Fitzpatrick’s name keeps coming up as Augusta approaches. Photo: US News Hub Misryoum. The Masters returns with Rory McIlroy defending his title after a gutsy play-off win on the Sunday night of the 2025 edition, and expectations are high across the field.
McIlroy will walk back onto the Georgia course as the reigning champion, but history makes back-to-back victories rare. Tiger Woods was the last to do it in 2002, and Sir Nick Faldo managed it in the 1990s. McIlroy would be the man to break that pattern, yet his form in 2026 has been indifferent to say the least. At 14/1, a repeat remains a tempting prospect, officials noted.
Scottie Scheffler feels like the logical choice for many. The world No.1 has won just one tournament in 2026, and his ability to lift at the majors is unmatched by most rivals. Still, industry pricing has pushed his odds as low as 7/1, reports indicated, and for some that removes the thrill of backing him.
That is why the argument for Matt Fitzpatrick looks persuasive. The Sheffield-born golfer finished 2025 strongly and played a starring role for Team Europe in the Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black. He hasn’t won on tour this calendar year, but he was a close second at The Players Championship last month, finishing one stroke behind Cameron Young. Fitzpatrick’s major resume includes the 2022 US Open, yet he enters the 2026 Masters as an outsider — one priced at 20/1.
If you want a payout, consider staking each-way rather than a straight win. A measured approach now could pay off as markets shift.
Odds and narratives keep shifting as the week approaches. Tommy Fleetwood has been moving in the right direction and can still be found at 22/1; unlike Fitzpatrick, he has not yet won a major. Cameron Young carries momentum after The Players and is being quoted as low as 16/1; the 28-year-old draws plenty of buzz. Be wary of the LIV-linked names: Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are available at 11/1 and 12/1 respectively, but many observers argue those moves to LIV, close to four years on from most of them ditching the PGA Tour, have altered competitive sharpness and value.
There are other routes for those seeking each-way value. Ludvig Aberg could place well if he holds up under late pressure. Xander Schauffele has recovered from a disappointing 2025 and should be around the lead. Justin Rose, who agonisingly missed out on a maiden green jacket last year, has vowed to use that heartache to his advantage this time around. At 25/1, he might be the best value among the serious contenders.
Matt Fitzpatrick remains the headline long shot. Backing him at 20/1, or taking an each-way punt, blends recent form, major experience and a history of strong finishes. Fitzpatrick’s blend of short-game precision and recent match-play pedigree makes him a compelling outsider, and markets are already reacting as the tournament nears.