The Herd with Colin Cowherd (Go Low Edition)

Masters 2026 Predictions & Preview — Bryson, Aberg, MacIntyre, and More

📅 April 8, 2026 | Host: John Middlekauff

Episode Overview

In this Masters-week episode of “Go Low,” John Middlekauff delivers his annual deep-dive into Augusta National, making bold predictions for the tournament and sharing detailed bets, observations, and golf culture insights. He covers why the Masters remains uniquely mythical among sports events, how the absence of legends like Tiger and Phil shapes this year’s narrative, and pinpoints the players he believes will define the 2026 leaderboard—including a headline prediction: Bryson DeChambeau to win and both Ludvig Aberg and Bob MacIntyre to finish in the top 10.

Masters Magic: The Augustan Aura

[01:00–08:00]

Event Scarcity & Prestige: Middlekauff likens the Masters' build-up and exclusivity to the NFL, noting the event’s mythical status due to its singular venue and limited access for fans and players.
- “It feels huge. It really matters. NFL style. And then there’s like this mythology to it — I just don’t know if I’ll ever get to attend.” (06:00)
The Augusta Experience: Reflects on how watching the Masters on TV is as legendary as being there, thanks to its visual perfection and tradition-laden presentation (“Hello, friends”—Jim Nantz, green jackets, Butler Cabin).
Traditions & Tech Adaptation: Praises Augusta’s ability to adapt—like increased streaming coverage—while retaining quirks (no cell phones, “patrons” not “fans”), enhancing the event’s mystique.
- “They have certain rules that you have to follow. We don’t call them fans, we call them the patrons…which some of that stuff’s kind of cheesy, but also you kind of appreciate it.” (07:55)

The Storylines: Rory, Tiger, and Golf’s Generational Shift

[08:00–18:00]

Rory McIlroy’s Defining Moment: Delves into Rory’s rollercoaster Masters win the prior year, likening it to classic sports comebacks (“It was even more insane than I remember.”).
Golf Icons Stepping Aside: For the first time in 32+ years, both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson miss the Masters, marking an end of an era.
- “It’s the first time in 32 plus years that Tiger and Phil are not attending this event…It kind of sucks…if you’re Rory, I bet he dreamed about the moment of, like, his cheers and looking and seeing Tiger Woods. And then he looks and Tiger’s not there. Like, that sucks.” (16:30)
Golf Beyond Tiger: Argues that the sport is in a good place—star power (Scheffler, Rahm, Rory, Bryson), the Ryder Cup buzz, and LIV-fueled intrigue ensure relevance even as legends fade.
- “Tiger didn’t move the needle, he was the needle…But I think golf’s in a position now where they can handle those guys going away.” (18:00)

Field Breakdown & Tournament Predictions

[18:00–25:45]

Why the Masters Leaderboard is Always Loaded: With only about 30 real contenders among 91 players, history and course knowledge matter more than for other majors.
Expectations for Favorites: Middlekauff expects elite names in the mix, but doesn’t see Rory winning again—he predicts McIlroy will enjoy the week but not contend, and doubts Scheffler’s form post-baby.
- “I’d be stunned, honestly, if Rory topped 10. I just think he’s in a good mood…this has to be one of the most surreal, cool weeks of his career.” (22:45)
Dark Horses & Course Horses: Stresses Augusta’s tendency to bring out the best in certain veterans and “horses-for-courses” types (Rose, Adam Scott, Spieth, Koepka).

Official Picks & Betting Card

[25:45–38:00]

Prediction to Win:

Bryson DeChambeau
- “My pick to win the Masters this year is Bryson DeChambeau, which a couple years ago you would have laughed me out of the room…He’s played great and LIV, for whatever that means…if you can hammer him top 5, top 10, I’d just be stunned if he’s not in the mix.” (23:30–24:45)

Top-10 Finishers:

Ludvig Aberg — top 10 (+180)
- “There is no one I like more to top 10 than Ludwig. Plus 180, I don’t like it, I love it…his floor is extremely high.” (29:40)
Bob MacIntyre — top 10 (+250)
- “Bob McIntyre has really turned into a high-level golfer … you get a top 10, plus 230. So I’m taking … McIntyre to top 10.” (30:10)

Long Shots (Flyers):

Jordan Spieth (win, 50:1)
- “If you see someone in the trees, if you’re at a golf tournament…I wonder who that is, for it to be Jordan Spieth…But that’s the thing with Augusta, you don’t have to be perfect–course knowledge matters a lot.” (30:30)
Brooks Koepka (win, 50:1; top 10/top 5)
- “Say what you want, Brooks has not putted well this year, but tee to green he’s been excellent…if you tell me this course is rock hard… I’m going to take Brooks at 50 to 1.” (31:30)
Adam Scott (win, 75:1)
- “He’s a guy that I threw a couple nuggies on at 75 to 1…just hope to catch lightning in a bottle.” (32:30)

Strategy Takeaways:

Heavy emphasis on ballstrikers and those with Augusta course experience
Current weather—dry/hard conditions—favors approach-play maestros

Memorable Quotes & Moments

On Masters Mystique:
- “There’s just something that almost feels, I don’t know, unattainable to this event…It just may never happen.” — Middlekauff, [06:00]
On the Leaderboard’s Power:
- “I’d be stunned if our leaderboard doesn’t look incredible…You’re getting the heavy hitters coming around.” [19:30]
On Bryson’s Evolving Game:
- “Anyone that’s watched Bryson DeChambeau’s YouTube channel…he works the ball right to left, which can be an advantage [at Augusta]…He’s confident coming in.” [23:30]
On Augusta’s Concessions:
- “When it goes viral that you get a sandwich for two or three dollars, when you can get a beer for three dollars—it’s like that stuff doesn’t exist anymore.” [35:40]
On Tiger’s Tough Road:
- “If you tell me that the rehab or whatever works and he no longer can take the powerful pills, I’ll tell you he’s never swinging a golf club again…It’s over.” [46:00]

Listener Q&A Highlights

[38:40–49:00]

Golf Simulators vs. Topgolf:
- Finds modern simulators more fun and viable than Topgolf, but suspects the business model may be “a little fatty.”
- “If you go, hey, I got this cool place, got sweet simulators, they got a bar. You want to come have a beer and hit some shots? I’d probably be interested.” [40:00]
Tiger’s Demise & Future:
- Discusses Tiger’s struggles post-surgeries, addiction issues, and why his love for golf and working out likely explain much of his painkiller use.
- “He’s led a chaotic life…The story of his life is going to be closer to like Elvis or Michael Jackson or something just outrageous than just Tom Brady.”
On Golf Career Peaks:
- Explores whether Scottie Scheffler’s run is ending: “To me, Scottie is much closer to a Tiger, a Phil, a Rory…than just like, ‘Scottie had the craziest three year run.’” [47:45]
- “When you’re an all-time great…you can kind of figure it out even through the lulls.”

Key Timestamps

[01:00] The Masters mystique and TV experience
[07:55] Augusta’s rules and traditions
[16:30] Rory, Tiger, and the end of an era
[23:30] Bryson DeChambeau: Why he’s the pick
[29:40] Aberg, MacIntyre: Top-10 locks
[31:30] Koepka, Spieth, Scott: Flyers & longshots
[35:40] The magic of Masters’ concessions
[38:40] Listener Q&A: Golf simulators, Tiger, golf career peaks
[47:45] Is Scottie Scheffler’s run ending?

Summary Table: Middlekauff’s 2026 Masters Picks

| Type | Player | Odds (approx.) | Reason/Notes | |------------------|----------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------| | To Win | Bryson DeChambeau | 9:1 | Power, ball flight, Augusta-ready | | Top 10 | Ludvig Aberg | +180 | High floor, ball striking | | Top 10 | Bob MacIntyre | +230/+250 | Course fit, trending up | | Flyer to Win | Jordan Spieth | 50:1 | Augusta magic possible | | Flyer to Win | Brooks Koepka | 50:1 | Ball striking, major pedigree | | Big Flyer to Win | Adam Scott | 75:1 | Past champ, long odds |

Closing Thoughts

Middlekauff reaffirms the magic of Masters week, urges listeners to enjoy the historic vibes, and foresees Bryson DeChambeau adding a green jacket to his wardrobe in 2026—with Aberg and MacIntyre as top-10 locks and a few veteran flyers worth a flutter.

“Enjoy the Masters. I will see you guys later.” (49:33)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd (Go Low Edition)

Masters 2026 Predictions & Preview — Bryson, Aberg, MacIntyre, and More

📅 April 8, 2026 | Host: John Middlekauff

Episode Overview

Masters Magic: The Augustan Aura

[01:00–08:00]

Event Scarcity & Prestige: Middlekauff likens the Masters' build-up and exclusivity to the NFL, noting the event’s mythical status due to its singular venue and limited access for fans and players.
- “It feels huge. It really matters. NFL style. And then there’s like this mythology to it — I just don’t know if I’ll ever get to attend.” (06:00)
The Augusta Experience: Reflects on how watching the Masters on TV is as legendary as being there, thanks to its visual perfection and tradition-laden presentation (“Hello, friends”—Jim Nantz, green jackets, Butler Cabin).
Traditions & Tech Adaptation: Praises Augusta’s ability to adapt—like increased streaming coverage—while retaining quirks (no cell phones, “patrons” not “fans”), enhancing the event’s mystique.
- “They have certain rules that you have to follow. We don’t call them fans, we call them the patrons…which some of that stuff’s kind of cheesy, but also you kind of appreciate it.” (07:55)

The Storylines: Rory, Tiger, and Golf’s Generational Shift

[08:00–18:00]

Rory McIlroy’s Defining Moment: Delves into Rory’s rollercoaster Masters win the prior year, likening it to classic sports comebacks (“It was even more insane than I remember.”).
Golf Icons Stepping Aside: For the first time in 32+ years, both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson miss the Masters, marking an end of an era.
- “It’s the first time in 32 plus years that Tiger and Phil are not attending this event…It kind of sucks…if you’re Rory, I bet he dreamed about the moment of, like, his cheers and looking and seeing Tiger Woods. And then he looks and Tiger’s not there. Like, that sucks.” (16:30)
Golf Beyond Tiger: Argues that the sport is in a good place—star power (Scheffler, Rahm, Rory, Bryson), the Ryder Cup buzz, and LIV-fueled intrigue ensure relevance even as legends fade.
- “Tiger didn’t move the needle, he was the needle…But I think golf’s in a position now where they can handle those guys going away.” (18:00)

Field Breakdown & Tournament Predictions

[18:00–25:45]

Why the Masters Leaderboard is Always Loaded: With only about 30 real contenders among 91 players, history and course knowledge matter more than for other majors.
Expectations for Favorites: Middlekauff expects elite names in the mix, but doesn’t see Rory winning again—he predicts McIlroy will enjoy the week but not contend, and doubts Scheffler’s form post-baby.
- “I’d be stunned, honestly, if Rory topped 10. I just think he’s in a good mood…this has to be one of the most surreal, cool weeks of his career.” (22:45)
Dark Horses & Course Horses: Stresses Augusta’s tendency to bring out the best in certain veterans and “horses-for-courses” types (Rose, Adam Scott, Spieth, Koepka).

Official Picks & Betting Card

[25:45–38:00]

Prediction to Win:

Bryson DeChambeau
- “My pick to win the Masters this year is Bryson DeChambeau, which a couple years ago you would have laughed me out of the room…He’s played great and LIV, for whatever that means…if you can hammer him top 5, top 10, I’d just be stunned if he’s not in the mix.” (23:30–24:45)

Top-10 Finishers:

Ludvig Aberg — top 10 (+180)
- “There is no one I like more to top 10 than Ludwig. Plus 180, I don’t like it, I love it…his floor is extremely high.” (29:40)
Bob MacIntyre — top 10 (+250)
- “Bob McIntyre has really turned into a high-level golfer … you get a top 10, plus 230. So I’m taking … McIntyre to top 10.” (30:10)

Long Shots (Flyers):

Jordan Spieth (win, 50:1)
- “If you see someone in the trees, if you’re at a golf tournament…I wonder who that is, for it to be Jordan Spieth…But that’s the thing with Augusta, you don’t have to be perfect–course knowledge matters a lot.” (30:30)
Brooks Koepka (win, 50:1; top 10/top 5)
- “Say what you want, Brooks has not putted well this year, but tee to green he’s been excellent…if you tell me this course is rock hard… I’m going to take Brooks at 50 to 1.” (31:30)
Adam Scott (win, 75:1)
- “He’s a guy that I threw a couple nuggies on at 75 to 1…just hope to catch lightning in a bottle.” (32:30)

Strategy Takeaways:

Heavy emphasis on ballstrikers and those with Augusta course experience
Current weather—dry/hard conditions—favors approach-play maestros

Memorable Quotes & Moments

On Masters Mystique:
- “There’s just something that almost feels, I don’t know, unattainable to this event…It just may never happen.” — Middlekauff, [06:00]
On the Leaderboard’s Power:
- “I’d be stunned if our leaderboard doesn’t look incredible…You’re getting the heavy hitters coming around.” [19:30]
On Bryson’s Evolving Game:
- “Anyone that’s watched Bryson DeChambeau’s YouTube channel…he works the ball right to left, which can be an advantage [at Augusta]…He’s confident coming in.” [23:30]
On Augusta’s Concessions:
- “When it goes viral that you get a sandwich for two or three dollars, when you can get a beer for three dollars—it’s like that stuff doesn’t exist anymore.” [35:40]
On Tiger’s Tough Road:
- “If you tell me that the rehab or whatever works and he no longer can take the powerful pills, I’ll tell you he’s never swinging a golf club again…It’s over.” [46:00]

Listener Q&A Highlights

[38:40–49:00]

Golf Simulators vs. Topgolf:
- Finds modern simulators more fun and viable than Topgolf, but suspects the business model may be “a little fatty.”
- “If you go, hey, I got this cool place, got sweet simulators, they got a bar. You want to come have a beer and hit some shots? I’d probably be interested.” [40:00]
Tiger’s Demise & Future:
- Discusses Tiger’s struggles post-surgeries, addiction issues, and why his love for golf and working out likely explain much of his painkiller use.
- “He’s led a chaotic life…The story of his life is going to be closer to like Elvis or Michael Jackson or something just outrageous than just Tom Brady.”
On Golf Career Peaks:
- Explores whether Scottie Scheffler’s run is ending: “To me, Scottie is much closer to a Tiger, a Phil, a Rory…than just like, ‘Scottie had the craziest three year run.’” [47:45]
- “When you’re an all-time great…you can kind of figure it out even through the lulls.”

Key Timestamps

[01:00] The Masters mystique and TV experience
[07:55] Augusta’s rules and traditions
[16:30] Rory, Tiger, and the end of an era
[23:30] Bryson DeChambeau: Why he’s the pick
[29:40] Aberg, MacIntyre: Top-10 locks
[31:30] Koepka, Spieth, Scott: Flyers & longshots
[35:40] The magic of Masters’ concessions
[38:40] Listener Q&A: Golf simulators, Tiger, golf career peaks
[47:45] Is Scottie Scheffler’s run ending?

Summary Table: Middlekauff’s 2026 Masters Picks

Closing Thoughts

“Enjoy the Masters. I will see you guys later.” (49:33)

wavePod

Go Low - Masters 2026 Predictions: Bryson DeChambeau will WIN, Aberg, MacIntyre to place Top 10

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd (Go Low Edition)

Masters 2026 Predictions & Preview — Bryson, Aberg, MacIntyre, and More

Episode Overview

Masters Magic: The Augustan Aura

The Storylines: Rory, Tiger, and Golf’s Generational Shift

Field Breakdown & Tournament Predictions

Official Picks & Betting Card

Prediction to Win:

Top-10 Finishers:

Long Shots (Flyers):

Strategy Takeaways:

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Listener Q&A Highlights

Key Timestamps

Summary Table: Middlekauff’s 2026 Masters Picks

Closing Thoughts

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd (Go Low Edition)

Masters 2026 Predictions & Preview — Bryson, Aberg, MacIntyre, and More

Episode Overview

Masters Magic: The Augustan Aura

The Storylines: Rory, Tiger, and Golf’s Generational Shift

Field Breakdown & Tournament Predictions

Official Picks & Betting Card

Prediction to Win:

Top-10 Finishers:

Long Shots (Flyers):

Strategy Takeaways:

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Listener Q&A Highlights

Key Timestamps

Summary Table: Middlekauff’s 2026 Masters Picks

Closing Thoughts