How does a tiered Masters pool work?

In a tiered Masters pool, the field is divided into groups (tiers) based on betting odds. Tier 1 contains the favorites with the shortest odds, Tier 9 contains the biggest longshots. Each participant picks one golfer from every tier — so everyone has a mix of chalk and value picks. Your best 4 scores (out of 9) typically count toward your total, and lowest combined score wins.

How is a Masters pool scored?

Most Masters pools use the golfers' actual tournament scores (strokes relative to par). Your team's score is the combined total of your best-performing golfers. In Masters Madness, your best 4 of 9 golfer scores count — so if one of your picks misses the cut or plays poorly, they simply don't count against you.

Do I need to know golf to join a Masters pool?

Not at all. Masters pools are designed to be fun for casual fans and serious golf followers alike. The tiered format means you don't need deep golf knowledge — every participant picks from the same groups of players. Use the free AI-powered player research on Masters Madness to get up to speed on any golfer in under 30 seconds.

Free Guide

What Is a Masters Pool?

A Masters pool is one of the most popular office and friend-group traditions in sports. Here's everything you need to know — from how the tiered draft works to how winners are decided at Augusta National.

The Basics

A Masters pool is a friendly competition tied to the Masters Tournament — the first major of the golf season, played every April at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Each person in the pool drafts a team of golfers before the tournament starts. Whoever's team posts the lowest combined score over the four rounds wins.

Masters pools have been a staple of office culture and friend groups for decades. They're quick to set up, easy to follow during the tournament, and make every round of coverage more exciting — whether you care about golf or not.

The Tiered Draft System

The most popular Masters pool format uses a tiered draft. The field is divided into groups — or tiers — based on betting odds to win. Tier 1 holds the favorites (shortest odds, best players), while Tier 9 holds the biggest longshots. Each participant picks exactly one golfer from every tier.

Tier 1–2

Elite Favorites

Scheffler, McIlroy, Rahm — the players oddsmakers expect to contend.

Tier 4–6

The Value Zone

Solid players at longer odds. Where pools are often won or lost.

Tier 8–9

Longshots

Big odds, big upside. One hot week at Augusta can flip a whole pool.

This format is popular because it forces everyone to have a mix of chalk and upside picks — no one can load up exclusively on favorites. It keeps every tier of the leaderboard interesting throughout the week.

How Scoring Works

Masters pools use real tournament scores — strokes relative to par. Lower is better, just like real golf. Your team score is the combined total of your golfers' scores across all four rounds.

Masters Madness Scoring Rule

Your best 4 of 9 golfer scores count toward your total. This means missed cuts and bad weeks don't automatically eliminate you — your top performers carry the team.

You draft 9 golfers — one from each tier.

All 9 play in the Masters Tournament April 9–12.

Your 4 best-scoring golfers' strokes-vs-par total becomes your pool score.

Lowest combined score at the end of Sunday wins the pool.

Entry Fees & Payouts

Most pools collect an entry fee from each participant — commonly $20–$50 — and pay out to the top finishers. The pool commissioner sets the rules: winner-take-all, top 3 split, or any structure the group agrees on.

Winner-Take-All

One payout, maximum drama. Works great for smaller groups.

Top 3 Split

Classic 50/30/20 split across first, second, and third place.

Free to Play

No entry fee required. Run the pool just for bragging rights.

Why Masters Pools Are So Popular

Works for any group size

From 5 friends to a 100-person office pool — the format scales.

No golf knowledge required

The tiered system levels the playing field. A first-timer can beat a golf junkie.

Every round matters

Unlike brackets that go bust on Day 1, your team stays alive all week.

AI makes research easy

Masters Madness gives every participant free AI-powered scouting reports on every golfer in the field.

Common Questions

Do I need to know golf to play?

Not at all. The tiered format is designed to be accessible. Use the free AI player research on Masters Madness to get a quick read on any golfer in under 30 seconds.

What happens if a golfer misses the cut?

In Masters Madness pools, missed cuts simply don't count toward your score — your best-performing picks carry you. In other formats, missed cuts typically get assigned a penalty score.

How many people can be in a Masters pool?

There's no hard limit. Masters Madness supports pools of any size. Larger pools create bigger prize pools but also more competition.

When do picks lock?

Picks are typically locked when the first round tee times begin — usually Thursday morning of Masters week. You must submit your team before the tournament starts.

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