The very first golf Major of the year starts on Thursday as the Masters go back to Augusta National Golf Club and Sky Bet are offering Racing Post readers an improved Rory McIlroy offer for the very first round.

New Sky Bet customers can back McIlroy to make a birdie in the preliminary at 50-1. Click on this link to discover more.

Sky Bet Rory McIlroy betting offer: Get 50-1 on McIlroy to make a first-round birdie

A year on from his career-defining Masters success, Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta National for the 90th edition of the first Major of the year, which begins on Thursday.

McIlroy, who saw off Justin Rose at the very first playoff hole 12 months ago to complete the profession Slam, tees off for his title defence at 3.31 pm BST along with Players Championship hero Cameron Young and amateur star Mason Howell.

The Northern Irishman carded four first-round birdies on the method to winning the Green Jacket last year, and his firepower enables him to assault Augusta's 4 par-five holes at will, particularly given the firm, fast conditions that await the Masters field this year.

Sky Bet rate McIlroy a 1-200 opportunity to card a birdie in the very first 18 holes, so punters must lose no time at all in buying the 50-1 available if they are qualified.

Click on this link to back Rory McIlroy at 50-1 to make one or more birdies in the preliminary of the Masters.

How to claim your Masters Rory McIlroy betting offer

Opening an account with Sky Bet is hassle-free. You can create an account now using your mobile or laptop.

Following the steps listed below, you can create an account with Sky Bet in lots of time for the Masters:

Here's how to join: Register with Sky Bet here

1. Register with Sky Bet here.
2. Deposit a minimum of ₤ 5 by cards or Apple Pay.
3. Place a max ₤ 1 bet on 'McIlroy 1+ Birdies in Round 1' in the Masters 2026 at the typical odds.
4. Cashed Out, Partially Squandered and Power Price bets will not count towards the promo.
5. Where the bet wins, the profits from improved odds will be credited as five ₤ 10 bet tokens, (the "Free Bets"). If the bet loses (McIlroy does not make a birdie in Round 1) clients will receive ₤ 10 in totally free bet credits as one ₤ 10 bet token.
7. Customers will receive their ₤ 10 Football totally free bet in 24 hours after the Staking Requirements are met and the Qualifying Bet is settled.
8. Visit Sky Bet for more info and T&C s.

Offer ends at 1pm BST on Thursday, April 9.

Sky Bet McIlroy betting deal terms & conditions

New clients only. ₤ 5 minimum deposit. Qualifying ₤ 1 bet on 'McIlroy 1+ Birdies in Round 1' market only. First ₤ 1 single bet only. 5 x ₤ 10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets are non-withdrawable. 2 week totally free bet expiration. Eligibility limitations. Further T&C s use.

When does the Masters begin?

The Masters starts at 12.40 pm BST on Thursday, April 9. The last round will commence on Sunday with the last group sent off around 7.30 pm BST.

Where does the Masters take location?

The Masters is constantly staged at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. It is the just one of the four Majors which occurs at the exact same venue each year.

Where can I view the Masters in the UK and Ireland?

All discovered rounds of the Masters will be shown on Sky Sports Centerpiece & Sky Sports Golf.

What are Rory McIlroy's chances for the Masters?

Here are Sky Bet's latest Rory McIlroy Masters chances:

Remember to gamble properly ...