LIV Golf Stars Set for Major Spotlight: 2026 Masters Predictions

As the 2026 Masters Tournament tees off next week at Augusta National Golf Club, ten LIV Golf League players will bring elite talent, recent form, and Augusta pedigree to one of golf’s most prestigious stages. Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Cam Smith, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Carlos Ortiz, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson, and Charl Schwartzel headline the contingent, each offering compelling storylines and many with realistic paths to contention. From fully in-form games like DeChambeau and regular major threats like Rahm, to crafty veterans such as Smith, DJ, and Hatton, plus rising stars McKibbin and surprises like Ortiz, this group is poised to make a significant impact. Here’s a closer look at how each might fare and what could propel them deep into the Masters weekend.

The Big Two

Bryson DeChambeau heads to Augusta with confidence after a great start to the 2026 LIV season. The 2020 & 2024 U.S. Open champion’s prodigious length and ability to adapt to the required shots around the property give him a leg up on the field. If his driver cooperates and he finds approach wedge consistency, DeChambeau has the game to put on his first green jacket, though the element in the room is whether the putter can handle major Sunday pressure. Prediction: 2026 Masters Champion

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Jon Rahm, the 2023 green jacket winner, remains one of the most dangerous players in the field. His ball-striking consistency and short-game touch have been on display throughout the early LIV season. Rahm knows every nuance of Augusta National and expects to win. He's had trouble closing out wins since the start of 2025; however, form is great, and Rahm is always in contention. Prediction: Top 5

Momentum Riders

Cam Smith arrives as one of the best putters in golf history and is rolling it well in 2026. The 2022 Open champion can get creative around Augusta’s greens, an edge, and has the weapon to steal a Major if the putter goes nuclear. If Smith finds fairways consistently (and that is a big if) and gets tit rolling right on the undulating surfaces, he’s a legitimate threat to claim his first Masters title. Prediction: Top 8

Dustin Johnson, the 2020 Masters champion, still possesses the length and confidence that once made him a winner at Augusta. The 4Aces captain has looked steadier than in years past in 2026 LIV events, and his experience navigating the property gives him an edge. If DJ finds his rhythm with the driver and rolls in a few key putts, he could easily find himself in the mix come Sunday afternoon. Prediction: Top 12

Tyrrell Hatton's game suits Augusta’s demands. He's finished inside the Top 15 in consecutive years, and this is his 10th trip to the Masters. The Legion XIII star has been up and down this season, but brings the iron play needed to attack the tougher tucked pins. Hatton might be the best player in the world without a Major. He's the definition of a "momentum guy," so if its a good start, he could be an end to the drought. Prediction: Top 15

Carlos Ortiz has been one of the better performers of this group on the LIV circuit this year, sitting 15th in the points. The Torque GC member’s length off the tee should serve him well on a course where positioning is nice, but having a short iron in your hand is even better. We've seen Carlos hole putts at a solid clip at times, and Ortiz has the game to post a competitive number and potentially surprise, as he did at the 2025 US Open. Prediction: Top 20

Coming Out Party

Young gun Tom McKibbin makes his Masters debut after winning the 2025 Hong Kong Open. The 23-year-old has shown composure beyond his years with consistent play across leagues and tours on multiple continents. Although Augusta will test him in new ways. If he leans on what he's soaked up from his Legion XIII teammates and finds a way to be aggressive on the few getable holes, a strong debut is well within reach. Prediction: Top 30

Remaining Past Champions

Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson, and Charl Schwartzel enter the Masters field with just one LIV Golf Top 10 amongst them in 2026. Charl was fighting an injury in South Africa, Sergio's putting and short game have been abysmal this season, and Bubba isn't finding ways to hit greens. For this group, it could be a struggle to play on the weekend. I think one of them makes it through, however. Predictions: Schwartzel Top 50, Watson MC, Garcia MC

Data, quotes, and photos courtesy LIV Golf