Best DFS Lineup for Masters Round 1: Scheffler and Rose Strong Start?

• The 90th Masters gets underway Thursday, April 9, marking the first major championship of the season
• Check out my DFS picks for Round 1 of the 2026 Masters, featuring top plays and lineup strategy
• Scottie Scheffler? Ludvig Åberg? Justin Rose? Read below to find out more!

Round 1 of The Masters is finally here. The opening pairings are packed with scoring opportunities, potential upsets, and plenty of DFS angles for players looking to gain an edge. With so many top golfers ready to make their mark early, it’s shaping up to be an exciting day at Augusta. I’ve got three DFS picks that I’m targeting and plan to use on the PrizePicks app.

My DFS Picks for Round 1 of The Masters

Scottie Scheffler Less than 70 Strokes

Scottie Scheffler has shown a strong ability to come out of the gate at Augusta National, regularly posting low opening rounds that reflect elite ball-striking and course control. At the 2025 Masters, he opened with a 4-under-par 68 in Round 1, playing steady golf and positioning himself well for the weekend alongside the early leaders, a trend that is exactly what you want in a first-round DFS target.

From a Stroke Gained standpoint, Scheffler’s all-around game is elite, especially in key categories that matter on Thursday at Augusta. He has been gaining significant strokes tee-to-green and around the green throughout the season, ranking highly in overall Strokes Gained metrics. This helps him separate from the field early and rack up scorecard-friendly numbers right out of the gate.

Targeting him for less than 70 strokes in Round 1 captures that tendency for strong starts and allows you to profit from his consistent ability to outperform the field immediately, without needing a full tournament result to cash in on your DFS slate.

Justin Rose Less than 71.5 Strokes

Justin Rose is one of the most steady and experienced players in the field, making him a great pick for less than 71.5 Strokes Gained in Round 1 at Augusta. He’s shown he can start majors strong, including a 4 under par opening round at the 2025 Masters, which put him right in the mix from the very beginning. This season, Rose has been solid across the board, gaining roughly +0.3 strokes off the tee, +0.3 on approach, and around +0.2 around the green, showing a well-rounded profile that fits Augusta’s demands.

He’s also been strong with the flat stick, ranking inside the top 20 in Strokes Gained: Putting in recent form, which is key on these fast greens. His precise iron play and reliable short game help him hit a high percentage of greens and limit mistakes, exactly what you want in a first-round DFS target. Backing him for less than 71.5 strokes lets you lean on that consistency and experience, giving you early-round upside without needing him to carry it through the entire tournament.

Ludvig Åberg Less than 71 Strokes

Ludvig Åberg has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most promising young stars on Tour, and he’s already shown he can get off to hot starts on the big stage. At the 2025 Masters, Åberg fired a 6-under-par round in Round 1, posting one of the lowest opening scores of the week and immediately putting himself near the top of the leaderboard. Statistically, he’s been strong in all the areas that matter on Thursday at Augusta, hitting about 72% of greens in regulation, ranking inside the top 25 in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee, and consistently performing well on approach.

While his short game and putting numbers can be more variable, his ability to hit greens and avoid big mistakes gives him a strong chance to outperform the field early. That combination of precision and proven scoring upside makes him an excellent candidate for less than 71 strokes in Round 1, giving DFS players immediate value without relying on a full-tournament outcome.