Bettors have a tough task in picking the first-round leader at the Masters with even weather conditions expected in Thursday’s opening round at Augusta National Golf Club. The early starters will need to cope with a softer layout, which makes life harder from tee to green, while those who are out in the afternoon are faced with the prospect of firmer, fast greens. Scottie Scheffler is the FRL betting favorite to set the pace after 18 holes, but the new father could need time to find his groove on his first competitive outing since the Players Championship, and others catch the eye at more attractive odds. Let’s get into our first round leader predictions for The Masters 2026, which includes a FRL longshot at 100-1!
The Masters First Round Leader best bet: Nicolai Hojgaard (+4000)
Nicolai Hojgaard finished runner-up to Gary Woodland at the Texas Children’s Houston Open a fortnight ago, striking his irons superbly, and that bodes well for the Dane’s 3rd trip to Augusta, where accurate approach play is a huge asset.
Hojgaard led the 2024 Masters in the 3rd round and is an outsider worth considering for the Green Jacket, but it’s more likely that he makes a fast start from an 11:39 am ET group that also features former champion Zach Johnson and Michael Kim.
He opened with a 67 on his Masters debut 2 years ago and has taken his overall form to a new level on the PGA Tour this season, having also finished 3rd in Phoenix and 6th in the Cognizant Classic.
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The Masters First Round Leader prediction: Jake Knapp (+5000)
Like Hojgaard, Jake Knapp has an outside chance of Masters glory and the Californian, who tees off alongside Sam Burns and Cameron Smith at 9:19 am ET, should also be backed to be first round leader.
A prodigious, power-packed driver who won’t be worried by softer early conditions, Knapp ranks 13th in PGA Tour first-round scoring average this year and has also established himself as one of the best putters on the circuit.
He made a respectable Masters debut in 2024 and is back for a 2nd spin in the event with confidence higher than ever, having finished 11th or better in 6 of his 7 PGA Tour starts this season.
The Masters FRL longshot pick: Ryan Fox (+10000)
At 3-figure odds, bettors should also take a chance on Ryan Fox, who was in solid form prior to a missed cut at the Houston Open.
Fox, who withdrew from the Players Championship due to kidney stones, shot 72-71 at Memorial Park, a decent effort on return from surgery.
He could step it up a gear at the Masters, where he carded a first-round 70 on debut in 2023 and a 69 on his only subsequent appearance the following year.
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