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Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
It's finally ~ Masters Week ~
While the prestigious tournament is normally played during the early weeks of April, the Masters is set to start this week after nearly eight months of delays due to the pandemic. This year, there won't be any fans and no "Augusta Roars", but the excitement is still very much present for the final major of the year. One thing that is positive about the postponement, is that Augusta looks stunning in November.
For avid golf fans, this is their Super Bowl. If you aren't the biggest follower, no matter, you can still get into the mix. What's crazy about golf, and a tournament like this, it truly any golfers match to grab. You have your favorites and the dark horses, but anybody can come out on top a secure a Green Jacket. Here is a list of some potential winners, and what the odds look like.
Pre Requiste Information
One thing to note; Six of the past 10 and 10 of the past 15 Masters winners either already had a green jacket in their closet or had a previous top-10 finish at Augusta National. None was a Masters rookie. (Per Matt Bonesteel, Washington Post)
All of the above past champions will be in the field this year except for Garcia, who is missing the tournament due to contracting COVID-19.
When betting The Masters, your eyes always look to previous winners, and as you should with the stats pointed out at the beginning of this section. You should also center some of your bets on those golfers who are either hot right now or have seriously contented in the past.
Best Bets and Odds
The Favorites
Bryson DeChambeau (+650)
Bryson DeChambeau is probably the most talked-about golfer of 2020. He's coming off of a U.S. Open championship and has the highest favorited odds coming into the tournament. The brut has been one of the best on the tour this year with six finishes in the top eight and two wins, including an absolutely dominant performance at the U.S. Open. With all that being said, DeChambeau has never really been a top-dog at the Masters. Does his hype this year carry him to secure the win? This is one of the safest bets you can make.
Dustin Johnson (+850)
Not too far behind Bryson, is Dustin Johnson. Johnson tied for second at last weekend’s Houston Open. Unlike Bryson, Dusti has finished no worse than a tie for 10th in his past four Masters appearances. DJ has finished in the top two in five of his past six starts as well as tieing for the runner-up at the 2019 Masters. He also has placed in the top 10 in his past four starts at The Masters. He is currently rated the Number One ranked player in the world and is seeking a tournament win this weekend.
Jon Rahm (+1000)
John Rahm currently sits at fourth on the tour in shots gained. Rahm has finished fourth and tied for ninth in his past two Masters appearances. Also on his resume include two wins since the tour has restarted, and hasn't finished worse than a tie for 23rd over the last seven tournaments. It is all upside for the 26 year old, and he could turn some heads at the Masters. Also, he is already making news at the Masters, with this incredible trick shot.
Other top-tier bets
- Rory McIlroy (+1200)
- Justin Thomas (+1200)
- Xander Schauffele (+1400)
- Brooks Koepka (+1600)
Photo: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images
The Dark Horses
Tiger Woods (+4000)
Even if you don't follow golf, you know Tiger Woods. Altough he is the best of the best, he hasn't had the strongest 2020 play. Tiger won the Masters last year, and is seeking the repeat. Only three golfers have won the Masters in back-to-back years. Jack Nicklaus (1965-1966), Nick Faldo (1989-1990) and Tiger Woods himself (2001-2002). At +4000 why not throw a couple of bucks for the GOAT. The payout would be incredible.
Bubba Watson (+2800)
Bubba has two Green Jackets, why not marking him down for getting his third? He is coming off strong play at the Zozo Championships and the CJ Cup. He has digressed in his play over the years. Watson tied for 12th in last year's tournament. However, you never know when it comes to The Masters.
Other strong dark horses
- Patrick Cantlay (+2200)
- Rickie Fowler (+3500)
- Justin Rose (+5500)
- Jordan Speith (+5500)
- Ian Poulter (+20000)
The 84th Masters Tournament at Augusta officially starts Thursday and will play through November 15th. Good luck with your bets, and enjoy the "tradition unlike any other".
Photo: Andrew Redington/ Getty Images