Let’s first look at the outrights market.
Arguably the man in form right now is Scottie Scheffler. Having won his first PGA Tour event at the WM Phoenix Open back in February, the New Jersey native also took the Arnold Palmer Invitational and WCG Match Play a fortnight ago in Austin. Having won three of the last 10 Tour events, the new world number one will be looking to seal his first major in his third visit to Augusta and is available at a best price of 18/1 with PariMatch, SportNation, BetVictor and William Hill.
Or, perhaps the man he dethroned, Jon Rahm is your pick? The Spaniard is value at 12/1 with QuinnBet. Players champion Cam Smith is also one to watch like a hawk at 20s with MatchBook and having pushed 2020 winner Dustin Johnson all the way two years’ ago, the Australian has the game to impress at Augusta.
Could 2022 finally see Rory McIlroy seal the Modern Grand Slam? Without a major win in eight years, the Northern Irishman has been overtaken by a growing field on contenders. With doubts over his mentality, the 32-year-old missed the cut 12 months ago but to take his place in the annuls of golf, McIlroy is also best valued at 20/1 with Bet365.
Of the bigger names poised to burst into the major winner’s enclosure, Viktor Hovland is primed. A regular winner on both sides of the globe this season, the Norwegian is being tipped for big things. Could this week be the making of Hovland? SBK will back you at 26/1.
A significantly longer shot, perhaps Paul Casey can continue his excellent major form of late? With two T7 or better finishes in two of the last three majors, the veteran Englishman is in terrific shape on the PGA Tour also. A name very likely to be a prominent figure come moving day, Casey’s 74/1 with MatchBook looks outstanding e/w value.
Whoever you back, remember to take advantage of SkyBet’s Hotshots once more. If you place a £5 stake on outright winner, for every birdie your player makes during the opening round you will receive a free £1 bet. With the same bookie, Sky are paying 11 places before the first tee on Thursday so picking a long punt could yet bring home a tidy sum.If we look at the some of the Masters specials available, top-five finishes will fetch a good price so maybe backing Brooks Koepka to finish T5 or better at 9/2 with UniBet and SportingIndex looks a smart move. For the prize of top Englishman meanwhile, both Matt Fitzpatrick and Casey are a little short in value, so backing Lee Westwood at 11/1 with BoyleSports and Coral is another to consider.
As documented, McIlroy failed to make the weekend in 2021 and though his game is much improved this season, the pressure of the Grand Slam could weigh heavy. To miss successive Masters cuts, Betway are offering 4/1 for another McIlroy mishap.
Finally, the other big story this week is the return of Tiger Woods after his car crash last year. Huge uncertainty hangs over the Californian but after his stunning win three years ago, the Tiger is capable of the magnificent. He may not be a feature at the top of the standings – indeed some are suggesting he will struggle to make it to Saturday. Nevertheless, SkyBet’s boosted 3/1 for a Woods top 20 finish – including ties – is one that can’t be overlooked.
