The Masters: Betting Tips

With The Golf Spiv

Words: Nick Kevern Photography: Getty Images

It’s finally here! The first Major of the season. The Masters in Augusta begins on Thursday and let’s face it, we are all excited. The betting market will be excited too. Skybet is so excited that they are offering eight places on all Each Way bets (I've had some of that action. Bernhard Langer 8/1?? – Ed).

So that must be worth a look. However, in some cases, their prices reflect in their offer. You might get some lower odds so it’s well worth shopping around.

Jason Day starts as the favourite with the best odds going at 7/1. An Each way is pointless on him so if you fancy Day to do well then best to go for an outright win. After winning his previous two tournaments if might be a good bet. Jordan Spieth’s form of late has not been that of a player touted as 9/1 and yet that is where he is. 9/1 is also the best price for Rory McIlroy as he attempts to complete his grand slam. However, I’m not going for any of those. Day’s odds are too low whilst Spieth and McIlroy have been far from electric to warrant those prices. So where are the one’s I’m going for:

Adam Scott 12/1 (SkyBet)

Won the Masters before? Check. Entering in good form? Check. This is a no brainer really. Won back to back events this year and his putter looks hot again. Given that he has already won the Masters shows that he’ll know what to do to win again. Scott loves it here and after a couple of years in the wilderness looks set to challenge for Majors again. 12/1 is the best odds and at SkyBet, you’ll get eight places on your Each Way bet. Must be worth it.

Bubba Watson 12/1 (Bet365)

Two-time Masters winner who really should enter this as a strong favourite. He’s winning again to and looks dangerous. The Masters is always Bubba’s best chance of a Major success. Hotly tipped by many to gain a third Green Jacket and hotly tipped by the Spiv too. The course suits his game too well.

Dustin Johnson 20/1 (Ladbrokes)

If golfers were bands, DJ would be in Queen... apparently

Johnson has the game to conquer Augusta. All that Dustin lacks is the mental side. Looked great at the WGC Matchplay and played well at the Houston Open. This could be his year...as long as he doesn’t let it slip. Expect him to challenge.

Hideki Matsuyama 40/1 (Ladbrokes)

Won on Phoenix earlier in the year. Don’t let his odds fool you. He had a strong Masters last year finishing in 5th. Here is a man that likes Augusta. It suits his game. Good form and a natural talent...he could be a dark horse.

Charl Schwartzel 40/1 (Coral)

The South African has won twice this year ending a long winless streak. He also won the Masters back in 2011. There are similarities between him and Adam Scott already. The only major difference is the price. 40/1 for a man who is playing well, knows Augusta well and previously won there...you’ll be a fool not to take him at this price.