I’ve Watched Every Golf Tournament in 2026: A Tier Guide to the 2026 Masters

Because of a minor golf betting addiction—and one successful coup d’état in my father-in-law’s fantasy golf league—I have watched every golf tournament in 2026. I am seeing players for who they truly are. I have looked into the Mirror of Erised (as well as Harry Potter), and I have seen the deepest desires of each golfer. I have assembled the only guide to what form all the players are in coming into Augusta.

Here are the tiers I landed on, along with a few notable tidbits:

S – “God Tier”: These players are le crème de la crème and will likely win the tournament.

• Morikawa is the riser here. Probably the best golfer in 2026—until a first-hole withdrawal at The Players.

  
  

A – “Hot Hot Hot”: These players are scorching right now and playing some of the best golf of their lives.

• Reed has always played well at The Masters and has won two DP World Tour events this year that might have been swept under the rug.

• Hideki might win his second. His ball-striking is God-level, and if he starts rolling in putts, look out.

• “Who the hell is Jacob Bridgeman?”—maybe 20 million people by Sunday. Not Saucy Sports, though.

  
  

B – “Sneaky Playing Well”: This tier may not have the finishes that reflect how well they’re actually playing. These are the value plays when it comes to betting on The Masters—sleepers.

• Brooks Koepka is the drum I’m beating three times a day. Unreal ball-striking with just a shaky putter. His finishes don’t represent the form he’s in. Watch out.

• Maverick McNealy has really emerged as an elite player this year. Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup lock.

• Ryan Fox will top 25.

• Spieth will either win by four or miss the cut, but he looks as good as I’ve seen him in the last four years (if he doesn’t double-bogey 18 every round).

  
  

C – “Glimpses, but Shocked”: These players are not in form, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they piece together four rounds and make a run at the green jacket.

• Lowry — I fear the collapse at the Cognizant Classic railroaded his season.

• JT — still a lot of question marks for me.

  
  

D – “Big Name, No Game”: Some big names in this bracket that are honestly playing terribly this year. A lot of casual golf fans will bet on or pick these players without realizing the radioactive material they’re touching.

• Just don’t bet these guys (other than Finau, who has been playing better of late).

  
  

E – “Don’t Show Up”: Really zero chance at all.

• Sorry, Tiger—it seems more ceremonial at this point.

Use this tier ranking to your advantage in your gambling pools, sports betting, and friendly wagers

—and remember: use it well.