Golf’s biggest trophies often feel just out of reach, but for those who like to think ahead, futures markets offer a way to back your instincts months before the crowds gather at Augusta or Royal Birkdale next year. Picking the next major champion is part prediction, part timing. Odds can shift quickly once players hit a run of form, so locking in early can bring genuine value if you’re willing to wait.

A wider range of futures markets

While traditional sportsbooks offer major futures, many players seeking broader markets or different lines are looking at betting sites not on GamStop. These platforms cater to UK players seeking flexible deposit options and fewer restrictions, often listing wider ranges of futures, prop bets on player match-ups, and odds on under-the-radar contenders well before mainstream sites. For those tracking potential breakthrough players or chasing value in less obvious markets, these sites can provide an alternative that suits long-term betting plans. They also often offer competitive odds for each-way bets. This can be particularly useful in golf, where strong finishes frequently pay off even if your player doesn’t lift the trophy.

In 2024, Scottie Scheffler was the world’s top-ranked player and a relentless presence on leader-boards, with wins including The Players Championship and the Masters, where he took his second Green Jacket. Currently, futures markets for 2026 list Scheffler at around 9/1 for the Masters and 10/1 for the PGA Championship. His consistency, particularly in majors where he has finished top ten in ten of his last twelve appearances, keeps him among the clear favourites.

Rory McIlroy’s long wait for a Masters win finally ended in 2025 when he captured his fifth major and completed the career Grand Slam with a playoff victory at Augusta. He remains one of the most consistent players on tour, with multiple top-10 finishes during the season and strong performances in the FedEx Cup playoffs. Futures markets now place McIlroy among the favourites for the 2026 majors, with odds around 6/1 for a Masters title defence and near 5/1 for the PGA Championship, reflecting his steady form and continued relevance in the game’s biggest events.

Jon Rahm, who now plays LIV Golf while retaining his eligibility for majors, remains a player to watch. His odds are in the 12/1 to 16/1 range across the 2026 majors, reflecting his ability to contend under pressure and his proven record, including two major wins. Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Åberg are among those moving into the conversation, with Åberg’s odds shortening to around 20/1 following his impressive 2024 season, where he claimed his first PGA Tour title and posted top finishes in the majors.

What futures punters should watch

Looking at the 2026 majors, a few themes are worth considering if you plan to place an early bet:

1. The Masters (Augusta National): The course rewards precision and a hot putter, making players like Scheffler and Rahm reliable choices. Watch for updates on course conditions closer to April, as Augusta has seen subtle changes that can affect scoring.
2. The PGA Championship (Aronimink Golf Club): A course known for its tree-lined fairways and firm, demanding greens. While distance helps, precision and a strong approach play are often rewarded here. Players like Bryson DeChambeau, who remains one of the longest hitters in the game, could see their odds adjust depending on early-season form and how they handle Aronimink’s tighter setup. DeChambeau is currently priced around 10/1 for the PGA, reflecting his continued ability to contend in majors.
3. The US Open (Shinnecock Hills): A test of patience and ball-striking. Collin Morikawa, with odds near 26/1, fits the profile, especially if conditions become firm and fast. Shinnecock demands a complete game, and players who can handle tough greens will be worth a look.
4. The Open Championship (Royal Birkdale): Returning to Birkdale, the Open often rewards creative shot-makers. Tommy Fleetwood, fresh from a strong 2024, is currently around 18/1. His ability in windy conditions and consistent play on links courses make him a tempting pick.

Longshots worth watching

Golf futures aren’t just for the favourites. Players like Min Woo Lee and Tom Kim have shown flashes of brilliance and are priced in the 40/1 to 80/1 range, depending on the major. Both have the game to contend if they can find consistency in the lead-up to the majors.

Rickie Fowler, who returned to the winner’s circle in 2023, remains a longshot in the majors, with futures odds around 100/1 for Augusta. Betting futures on these players is about timing. A win in an early-season event could see odds shorten dramatically.

The timing factor

Timing is everything in futures betting. Odds can move after key tournaments, equipment changes, or even personal developments in a player’s life. For example, Ludvig Åberg’s first PGA Tour win in 2025 caused his Open Championship odds to drop from 40/1 to 20/1 in some markets.

If you have players you trust, placing futures now can secure better odds than waiting until a week before the tournament. Following smaller events and seeing who consistently places in the top ten is often a better indicator than simply looking at winners alone.

Why futures betting can work in golf

Golf is unique for futures betting because even favourites carry sizeable odds. This creates an opportunity for thoughtful selections and each-way bets that can pay well without needing a win. The majors often feature deep fields, but history shows a relatively narrow group of players tends to win, especially those already with top finishes in the season.

As 2026 approaches, consider tracking player schedules, early-season form, and course fits to refine your futures picks. While it requires patience, the pay-out can be rewarding, and there’s a certain satisfaction in seeing a player you backed months prior walk up the 18th on a Sunday in contention for a major title.