DeepDiveGolf - David Bieleski 
The 2024 Masters is nearly upon us. What is it about Augusta National Golf Club that makes this golf course so very special? Is it because this is the only major played at the same golf course every year? Is it the legacy; where winning here places you firmly amongst the greats in the annals of golf history? The lack of cell phones; in an age where we are addicted to those glowing white screens? Or the $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches; which have not changed in price in over 20 years? The blooming azaleas, the roars on Sunday, the carefully manicured grass, or the spring sunshine glistening through the tall pines?
Whatever it is that makes this event special for you, the 2024 Masters feels a little more so than most. As the fractured game of professional golf puts all those conflicts aside (hopefully), we see the best in the game all play together for a change in pursuit of donning the green jacket. A tradition unlike any other.
Our Record at The Masters
Typically, this is actually one of the more predictable events on the PGA Tour. Certainly, it is the easiest of the majors. Although the field averages between just 80-90 players, you can further strike a line through a number of amateurs and past champions who realistically have little chance of success in The Masters for 2024.
I’ve correctly tipped Danny Willett at 100/1, Garcia at 50/1, Woods at 20/1, and Matsuyama at 50/1 over recent years. We even had Charl Schwartzel in 2011 at 100/1 (if you want to go back before I was covering golf more seriously). Add in a few close calls and near misses as well.
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Trends at The Masters 2024
This week more than most, you will see all sorts of trends thrown around. Those desperate to unravel the 2024 Masters winner will latch onto any thread they may stumble across in order to try tip who will eventually lift the Augusta National clubhouse trophy aloft come Sunday.
The inherent flaw of any trend is you can make it suit whatever timeframe and statistic suits the trend’s narrative. Trends like “7/10 recent winners had a top 12 in the month before The Masters” only matter if this is statistically significant compared to other venues. Is 70% having a 12th place finish or better in the last month disproportionally higher than those winning other tournaments? Or, is some general decent form in the past month a reasonable guide to those who have a chance to win any upcoming tournament?
My favourite recently was that 7/8 of the recent winners had finished 37th or better in their prior Masters start. Reed had a MC the year before, demonstrating how you can manipulate a trend to display something “meaningful”. Particularly, I enjoyed this because you then supposedly have to exclude a player who finished 38th. Imagine Scottie Scheffler finished 38th last year. Sorry Scottie, know you are playing great, but you just don’t fit the trend. And the field only has 90 players, so is finishing 37th really all that determinative?
There is merit to those who have had opportunities to learn the course. However, you will likely hear the average number of starts prior to winning is 6. Again, limiting it to that many events means Will Zalatoris gets punished for having finished 2nd and 6th. Or Theegala is excluded for having finished 9th on debut.
In short, my advice is to approach trends with caution and a dose of skepticism.
Finding Possible Champions for The Masters 2024
Augusta National Golf Club Course Analysis
What makes identifying a potential winner at The Masters easier than most golf courses?
Firstly, it is well documented that Augusta National has the stickiest course history of any PGA Tour event. What does that mean? Well, if you have played here well previously, that is a very good predictor of playing well again here in the future. There is perhaps no finer recent example than a 52-year-old Phil Mickelson turning up to this event in 2023, having played competitive golf just three times with finishes of 27-30-41 in a 54 man tournament, and still finishing 2nd.
The next question is: why? Much of that comes down to the heavily contoured greens. The subtleties (and, sometimes, severities) of these green complexes, along with often very sharp runoffs, reduces down the effective size of the target depending on where the pin is placed. At Augusta National Golf Club, more than most, the pin is the destination but your optimal journey may involve aiming away from the target initially. As such, SG: ATG is important with the ability to get up and down from tight lies and bunkers key to keeping momentum.
Driving distance is a real asset, with the golf course ranking in the top 5 for length on the PGA Tour at 7,545 yards. The attention to detail goes as far as the landscapers extends to mowing the grass in the direction of the tees to further inhibit carry distance from off-the-tee. As such, we see a disproportionate number of approach shots from 200+ yards but particularly from 150-200 yards. The list of past champions reads of some of the best ball-strikers the game has ever seen.
Augusta National Course Comps
Secondly, we also have some of the best comp courses as predictive form guides towards Augusta National. On the PGA Tour, those are Riviera Country Club, host of the Genesis Invitational, and the Plantation Course at Kapalua, host of The Sentry. That goes well beyond Jon Rahm winning both events enroute to putting on the green jacket last year.
Riviera is a ball-striking paradise, where shot shaping is key alongside a stout short-game. Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson has won three times at Riviera. 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott has won twice there. Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson is also a two-time winner at Riviera in 2008 and 2009. Dustin Johnson won there in 2017 and, most recently, 2021 Masters winner Hideki Matsuyama won at Riviera earlier this year.
The Plantation Course at Kapalua is heavily undulated with multiple elevation changes. This often results in iron shots with the ball either above or below your feet, much akin to what is required at The Masters. On paper, they are a very similar yardage as well at 7,545 yards vs 7,596 yards at Plantation.
Spieth finished 2nd in the 2014 Sentry, won the 2015 Masters, won the 2016 Sentry, then nearly defended at the 2016 Masters. He finished 3rd at The Sentry again this year. Cam Smith has an excellent record at Augusta National. He won the 2022 Sentry before finishing 3rd at The Masters. Other winners completing the double are Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson, Patrick Reed, Mark O’Meara, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, and Tiger Woods.
Don’t forget the Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour. Danny Willett and Sergio Garcia both won in Dubai the same year they won The Masters, a promising sign for 2024 champion Rory McIlroy.
Weather Forecast for The Masters 2024
Finally, regular readers of these pages will know that weather plays an important factor in our process. No sport is more susceptible to the elements than golf. Additionally, bookmakers are notoriously slow to reacting to weather forecasts, potentially providing a weather edge for those going out at a certain tee-time.
Thursday and Friday simply look decidedly gnarly. Thursday currently has forecasts for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and winds gusting above 45mph. Friday should see clearer skies, but winds in the vicinity of 38-42mph based on long-run forecasts.
It is likely to early to accurately predict whether early or late starters get an advantage. However, there is a very real possibility that some form of weather advantage will exist this week. Although The Masters 2024 field numbers 89, all players go off the first tee meaning a wide range of tee-times are experienced.
Make sure you stay locked in with us right until tournament start. We will be posting the latest weather predictions using our premium modelling in the WinDaily Premium Discord here.
The Masters 2024 Player-by-Player Guide
Having enjoyed our tapas, we arrive at the basque ribeye portion of the article.
The players below are listed in order of odds for The Masters 2024, from favourite to the longest of long-shots. I’ve covered every player in the field who is priced less than 150/1 to win the tournament.
Provided are each golfer’s odds, best Masters finish, Masters record, Masters average score, number of Masters scores in the 60s, Riviera record, Plantation record, and Dubai Desert Classic record if it exists.
Remember The Sentry tournament (which aptly dropped the “of Champions” part of the title this year) features a limited field of golfers. Previously only featuring the winners from the previous calendar year, it is now slightly larger by also including all golfers who qualified for the Tour Championship. Therefore, read the Plantation course form in this context as finishing 20th there is actually a relatively poor week.
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Scottie Scheffler
Average Betting Odds: $4.50
Draftkings Pricing: $12,100
Best Masters Finish: 1st (2022)
Masters Record: 19-18-W-10
Masters Average Score: 70.69
Riviera Record: MC-30-20-7-12-10
Plantation Record: 13-7-5
Scottie Scheffler arrives at The Masters as the shortest-priced favorite since some bloke named Tiger Woods in 2013. He has also been hitting the ball consistently at a rate only previously seen by Tiger Woods. The issue for the last year has been the putter. Had the flat-stick been firing and gaining only one strokes to the field per round putting, he would easily have at least another half-dozen PGA Tour victories to his name.
The odds have only plummeted further after a switch to a new mallet putter found immediate rewards. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational, successfully defended against the strongest field in golf at The Players Championship, and then came 2nd at the Texas Children’s Houston Open. The latter also saw him miss a 7-foot putt at the last hole to take it to a playoff.
Scheffler has finished 12th or better in an absurd 31 of his last 35 starts without missing a cut. That is 88.5% of his tournament starts finishing in the Top 12 since August 2022. Quite easily the best golfer in the world right now.
Obvious huge chance.
Rory McIlroy
Average Betting Odds: $11
Draftkings Pricing: $10,800
Best Masters Finish: 2nd (2022)
Masters Record: 20-MC-15-40-25-8-4-10-7-5-21-5-MC-2-MC
Masters Average Score: 71.50
Riviera Record: 20-20-4-4-5-MC-10-29-24
Plantation Record: 4
Dubai Desert Classic Record: MC-52-MC-W-6-10-5-9-W-6-2-3-W-W
Oh Rory, Rory, Rory. Where to start with you. McIlroy arrives at Augusta National once again pursuing the final title to complete the career grand slam, a feat only completed by 5 golfers.
Although 2022 was his best finish yet, he was never in contention before a final round 64. I hoped that round would give him the confidence to exorcise some of the demons he has accumulated over the years at The Masters. He duly missed the cut.
I recently rewatched the 2011 Masters. He held a 4 shot lead entering the final round and you have to feel a tinge of sadness for the then 21-year-old McIlroy given the context of what has transpired since.
On paper, the course is a perfect fit for Rory’s game. He possess the physical skills and talent to win here. But, The Masters is not played on paper. And the hallowed turf of Augusta National has had the mental measure of McIlroy on many an occasion now.
In a positive for his chances, he has recently visited Butch Harmon again. The results were immediate, finishing 3rd at last week’s Texas Open (albeit losing by 9 strokes after an epic duel between Bhatia and McCarthy). Promisingly, he found his irons again. He was 3rd for SG: APP for the tournament, including ranking 2nd for SG: APP when gaining+3.72 SG: APP in the final round alone. Undoubtedly another positive is stepping away from his spokesperson role with PGA Tour in dealing with the LIV Golf threat. It was an unnecessary distraction to his primary purpose: playing golf and winning The Masters.
Who knows?
Jon Rahm
Average Betting Odds: $13.00
Draftkings Pricing: $11,200
Best Masters Finish: 1st (2023)
Masters Record: 27-4-9-7-5-27-W
Masters Average Score: 70.50
Riviera Record: 9-17-5-21-W
Plantation Record: 2-8-10-7-2-W
Jon Rahm enters the 2024 Masters as the defending champion and easily the biggest name to defect to LIV Golf.
How those two factors influence his title defense are anyone’s guess. Being champion comes with a multitude of obligations, from additional press conferences to hosting the Champion’s Dinner. Likewise, we can expect he will be questioned on his decision to move to LIV Golf.
Whilst the former may well be a distraction, I believe the latter may act as a catalyst. Rahm seems to be at his best when he is a little bit angry. I’m sure some savvy reporters can illicit that emotion from him this week.
Rahm won both The Sentry and the Genesis Invitational enroute to his Masters title, further entrenching those strong bonds entering 2024. Since the move to LIV he has not won, but has also performed as expected finishing no worse than 8th from 5 starts. Also boasts the joint lowest scoring average from The Masters 2024 field, a notable feat having played 28 rounds here.
Would become just the 4th golfer to successfully defend The Masters joining Jack Nickalus (1965, 1966), Nick Faldo (1989, 1990), and Tiger Woods (2001, 2002).
He is a strong chance to do so.
Xander Schauffele
Average Betting Odds: $15.00
Draftkings Pricing: $9,900
Best Masters Finish: 2nd (2019)
Masters Record: 50-2-17-3-MC-10
Masters Average Score: 71.32
Riviera Record: 9-15-23-15-13-33-4
Plantation Record: 22-W-2-5-12-WD-10
Theoretically, this may be the best chance for Xander to finally knock the monkey off his back and get his first major victory.
Xander ranks out the 2nd best golfer for SG: Total over the past 6 months in this field. He has finished 18th or better in the 7 majors since missing the cut here in 2022.
The difficulty comes as it often does with Schauffele: actually winning. He has now failed to win a tournament in any format since July 2022. He had a fabulous opportunity to close out The Players Championship earlier this year, before missing several key putts on his way to a runner up finish.
His most notable achievement has been winning the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Although, it should be noted he finished runner-up here to Tiger Woods’ return to glory in 2019.
Would not be surprised if he finishes top 5 without ever being in contention. Again.
Hideki Matsuyama
Average Betting Odds: $19.00
Draftkings Pricing: $9,000
Best Masters Finish: 1st (2021)
Masters Record: 27-54-MC-5-7-11-19-32-13-W-14-16
Masters Average Score: 71.54
Riviera Record: 23-4-11-MC-9-5-MC-39-MC-W
Plantation Record: 3-2-4-41-13-21-58
Matsuyama looks to have rediscovered his very best form right before The Masters for 2024.
After a 13th at the long and tricky Torrey Pines, and a weird weather affected Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Hideki has hit his stride. 22nd at the WM Phoenix Open was followed by a win at the correlated Riviera, with one of the finest final rounds we may see this season. Keeping his hot hand, he has ticked off a 12th at Bay Hill, a 6th at The Players, and 7th last week in the Texas Open.
The fact those results have come off the back of a return to his best ball-striking is even more promising. That is the fundamental profile of Hideki Matsuyama as a golfer, and why Augusta National is such a good fit for him.
Strong chance to become a multiple Masters champion.
Jordan Spieth
Average Betting Odds: $21.00
Draftkings Pricing: $9,300
Best Masters Finish: 1st (2015)
Masters Record: 2-W-2-11-3-21-46-3-MC-4
Masters Average Score: 70.66
Riviera Record: MC-12-4-MC-22-9-51-59-15-26-MC-DQ
Plantation Record: 2-W-3-9-21-13-3
It still amazes me that Jordan Spieth is only a one time Masters champion. It truly feels like he has compiled at least three here.
Much of that comes from his stunning introduction to Augusta National, finishing runner-up on debut to then win the title the following year and go close again in 2016. Finishing 4th or better in 60% of his Masters starts is no small feat. Not only is Spieth strong enough off the tee to contend, his irons can fire at any time, and his magical short-game is a superb asset few possess at Augusta National.
Finished an admirable 3rd at The Sentry and was well on track for a good Genesis Invitational finish before an untimely wrong scorecard saw him DQ.
He played the Texas Open in perhaps the most Spieth-ian fashion one can imagine. That featured an opening round with 5 bogeys and a double bogey, plus a hole-in-one. Finished his Sunday by purposely hitting onto the clubhouse as his best option given his situation, en route to a final round 69 and 10th place finish. Predictably unpredictable.
You could tell me Spieth wins this week or finishes 43rd and I would believe you.
Brooks Koepka
Average Betting Odds: $21.00
Draftkings Pricing: $10,200
Best Masters Finish: 2nd (2019, 2023)
Masters Record: 33-21-11-2-7-MC-2
Masters Average Score: 71.46
Riviera Record: MC-43-38-MC
Plantation Record: 3-34-24-28
Dubai Desert Classic Record: 3
Don’t let the record at the comp courses or his recent form perturb you. Koepka cares about literally nothing but the Majors.
Few golfers can boast that they have won fewer PGA Tour events than Majors. None can say they have won 5 Majors, but just 4 regular season PGA Tour tournaments. Truly bizarre.
That freakish ability to simply turn on his game for these events is what makes Koepka so difficult. I could write about how dreadful he looked last week in LIV Miami, finishing 45th out of 54 players. Or that he has one win and one 5th place finish since July 2023. Because none of that really matters. The man is an enigma.
Will be keen to make right the final 29 holes from last year, where he lead by 4 shots before a rain delay and subsequent collapse to open the door for Jon Rahm.
Could win by multiple strokes from nowhere.
Joaquin Niemann
Average Betting Odds: $26.00
Draftkings Pricing: $9,600
Best Masters Finish: 16th (2023)
Masters Record: MC-40-35-16
Masters Average Score: 73.21
Riviera Record: 44-MC-43-W
Plantation Record: 5-2
Dubai Desert Classic Record: 4
It was pleasing to see Niemann earn a special invitation to this year’s Masters. It was awarded, deservedly so, after some superb play over the past 6 months.
Although the argument can certainly be made that the LIV Golf defectors knew the consequences of their actions, I do have some sympathy for those who joined early. They were promised by Greg Norman they would have OWGR points all nicely tucked away shortly. All whilst LIV failed to make any changes necessary to address the two key issues: lack or promotion/relegation and proof that team golf could influence play in individual leaderboard.
Niemann has earned the chance to play here and has been determined to do so. He took opportunities to play on DP World Tour where they were available, winning at the Australian Open to qualify for The Open Championship and finishing 4th at the Dubai Desert Classic. Two additional wins on the LIV tour made a compelling case for the Masters board. If only Talor Gooch had done the same.
His record at The Masters is one of continual improvement. 16th last year, he was also sitting 3rd after the first round in 2022.
We tipped Niemann at 50/1 in 2022, following his emphatic win at Riviera. We managed to snag a 2024 Masters bet on him at the same number with 5 places in the WinDaily Premium Discord as soon as he was added to the field. That number is long gone, delivering more CLV for our Premium family.
Leading chance.
Ludvig Aberg
Average Betting Odds: $29.00
Draftkings Pricing: $9,100
Best Masters Finish: N/A
Masters Record: N/A
Masters Average Score: N/A
Riviera Record: 19
Plantation Record: 47
Dubai Desert Classic Record: 70
Were he to win, Aberg would make an even larger splash on the world of golf than he has made already. Not only is this his first appearance at The Masters, it is also his first major. Ever.
That is a rare feat, given the majority of world number one amateurs manage to earn a Masters start by one of the numerous other pathways available through winning amateur tournaments.
Only two golfers have won on their major debut in the last 100 years. They were Ben Curtis at the 2003 Open Championship and Keegan Bradley in the 2011 PGA Championship. Aberg would also become the first player to break the curse on debutants since the 1979 win of Fuzzy Zoeller.
There may be no better chance for that record to fall than this week. The combined threat of Aberg and the next golfer in this list both provide a credible charge at the title.
Given his relative lack of tournament play anywhere, it is a little difficult to gauge where his performance may sit at The 2024 Masters. On paper, he possesses all of the talent required for success at Augusta National.
Would cement his name in the best 5 golfers on the planet for the foreseeable future with a win here.
Wyndham Clark
Average Betting Odds: $29.00
Draftkings Pricing: $10,000
Best Masters Finish: N/A
Masters Record: N/A
Masters Average Score: N/A
Riviera Record: 17-8-DQ-33-MC
Plantation Record: 29
Wyndham Clark became an immediate favourite of the WinDaily Sports family, having been successfully tipped for his debut win at the Wells Fargo Championship at 75/1 and then again at his US Open win at 80/1.
Clark has since gone on to gain a reputation as a big game player. He finished 3rd at the Tour Championship, then started the year quietly before winning a signature event in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in wild weather. He popped back up again at two more signature events, finishing runner-up to Scottie Scheffler both at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and then The Player Championship a week later. His odds were immediately cut from 50/1 to the 28s you can find now.
Of some concern would be the fact that outside the US Open win he has finished no better than 33rd in his other 7 major starts. However, I would point out that he is quite a different golfer than he was for the majority of those starts.
What changed for Clark was his approach play. He developed from simply a very long driver who could also putt well. Adding in his irons makes him a very dangerous prospect on any golf course, now ranking 13th for SG: APP in this field over the last 3 months.
Victory may be a bridge too far on debut, but wouldn’t be surprised by a top 10.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Average Betting Odds: $31.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,900
Best Masters Finish: 7th (2016)
Masters Record: MC-7-32-38-21-46-34-14-10
Masters Average Score: 72.24
Riviera Record: 30-5-MC-MC
Plantation Record: 7-14
Dubai Desert Classic Record: MC-45-5-MC-16-45-17
Notably for Fitzpatrick, his biggest victories have come at golf courses he shares a personal connection with. He won the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town, where he used to visit as a child. His debut major victory came at the US Open on the same golf course he won the US Amateur.
Making significant strides in his driving distance is an undoubted asset when arriving at Augusta National. You have to think as well that should the wild weather remain as forecast that would benefit Fitzpatrick, a well-renowned “mudder”. He won the 2023 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the DP World Tour in torrid conditions.
Certainly playable in DFS given his low price tag, but unsure he represents any value in betting markets.
Viktor Hovland
Average Betting Odds: $31.00
Draftkings Pricing: $9,500
Best Masters Finish: 7th (2023)
Masters Record: 32-21-27-7
Masters Average Score: 71.69
Riviera Record: 5-4-20-19
Plantation Record: 31-30-18-22
Dubai Desert Classic Record: 23-W
It was a landmark 2023 for Hovland as he finished 7th at The Masters, 3rd at The Players Championship, 2nd at the PGA Championship, won The Memorial at Jack’s place, played a key role in Europe’s Ryder Cup win, then recorded back to back victories in the playoffs to lift the FedEx Cup.
So, Viktor did the only logical thing. He fired his coach.
Since then it has been, well, dreadful. 22nd at The Sentry is not all that impressive in a field of just 59. 19th at Riviera is at least correlated to here, but again came in a limited field with the tournament moving to a signature event. Outside of that, he has finished 58th, 36th, and 62nd. Perhaps there is more to the split than simply wanting to try something new, but Hovland has proven true the old adage of not fixing what ain’t broke.
In one positive, you can get a massive bump in his odds as a result. There is no chance you would find him anywhere above 15/1 had he shown a modicum of form over the past 3 months.
Can’t touch him until he shows something. Anything.
Patrick Cantlay
Average Betting Odds: $36.00
Draftkings Pricing: $9,400
Best Masters Finish: 9th (2019)
Masters Record: 47-MC-9-17-MC-39-14
Masters Average Score: 72.38
Riviera Record: MC-MC-4-15-17-15-33-3-4
Plantation Record: 15-4-13-4-16-12
Undoubtedly a talented, if somewhat frustrating and boring, golfer.
Much akin to his good friend Xander Schauffele, he is a perennial underachieve in the majors. Cantlay has perhaps managed even less in the biggest events, managing just 4 tops 10s in 26 attempts at the majors.
To his credit, he does look to have shown some improvement in that area. Since missing the cut in the 2022 PGA Championship, he has gone 14-8-14-9-14-33 in the majors. He also finished 4th at Riviera this year, backing up a 3rd place finish there in 2023.
The difficulty comes that he has never really felt the heat of battle down the final stretch. Further, he finished a lowly 68th at The Players and 36th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in his two starts when losing on approach both tournaments.
Has the talent, unsure he has the moxie.
Bryson DeChambeau
Average Betting Odds: $36.00
Draftkings Pricing: $8,200
Best Masters Finish: 21st (2016)
Masters Record: 21-38-29-34-46-MC-MC
Masters Average Score: 72.96
Riviera Record: WD-41-15-5-MC
Plantation Record: 26-7-7-25
Dubai Desert Classic Record: 18-W-8
Augusta National has a funny way of enacting karma on it’s victims. None more so than Bryson DeChambeau, who outrageously claimed the course was a “par 67” for him in 2020. His record at The Masters since tells the rest of the story.
He attempted to walk back those comments somewhat last year, saying that he respected the course and what he really meant was that if you have the driving distance and you are also on your “A” game that there is a good chance of being able to do that. Ironically, Bryson has yet to bring that here since, only shooting his mythical “par” once since.
Despite a recent run of 4 Top 10 finishes on LIV, data suggests much of that has come from his driving distance alone. That might work on other courses but, despite driving distance being a prerequisite here, you need to show a bit more at Augusta National. Namely, on approach with your irons. Bryson has gained only +0.14 SG: APP per round this season.
Unlikely to contend.
Will Zalatoris
Average Betting Odds: $36.00
Draftkings Pricing: $9.200
Best Masters Finish: 2nd (2021)
Masters Record: 2-6
Masters Average Score: 70.50
Riviera Record: MC-15-26-4-2
Plantation Record: 11
Holding an impeccable record at Augusta National, Zalatoris nearly won here when 2nd on debut and followed that up with a 6th place finish in 2022.
The form extends to other majors. He has a 2nd and 6th at The US Open and 2nd and 8th at the PGA Championship. It leads to an outstanding record to say the least.
I’ll reiterate: Will Zalatoris has finished 8th or better in 6/8 majors he has played to completion (given WD from Open Championship in 2021 with injury). Including 3 runner-up finishes. Talk about knocking on the door. He is basically smashing it down with a battering ram.
Having missed the 2023 Masters with a back injury which saw him out of the game for 9 months, Zalatoris is clearly back to full health. We really started to see murmurs of that return at The American Express, before 13th at major venue Torrey Pines followed by a runner-up at the heavily correlated Riviera (where he was also 4th in 2023).
The current price on Zalatoris is really a factor of two things. One, being some lingering concerns in markets of the injury. Second, a missed cut at The Players Championship and 74th at the Houston Open. Before those results, he had narrowed as low as 16s before drifting back out again sharply. However, he lost all his strokes putting and the ball-striking remained stout. He has gained a significant number of strokes putting at both Augusta National starts.
Played a practice round with Tiger Woods and undoubtedly would’ve gained some valuable knowledge from that time with the GOAT.
Could knock this one off on his third attempt.
Justin Thomas
Average Betting Odds: $36.00
Draftkings Pricing: $8,700
Best Masters Finish: 4th (2020)
Masters Record: 39-22-17-12-4-21-8-MC
Masters Average Score: 71.70
Riviera Record: 41-54-39-9-2-MC-MC-6-20-MC
Plantation Record: 21-W-22-3-W-3-5-25
It was a difficult 2023 for JT, where he missed the FedEx Cup playoffs and required a Captain’s Pick in order to make the Ryder Cup team.
Looked to find a bit of form in the fall season events and start of 2024. However, now arrives after a four tournament stretch of MC-12-MC-64. Of some promise is that his trademark ball-striking has started to return, gaining on SG: APP at every tournament bar one since September 2023.
A two-time winner at The Sentry, Justin Thomas also holds a runner-up finish at Riviera previously. A windy and wild forecast for the first two days could prove helpful. He won the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills in very windy conditions.
Capable of winning this at his best, but no signs he is near that currently.
Shane Lowry
Average Betting Odds: $41.00
Draftkings Pricing: $8,000
Best Masters Finish: 3rd (2022)
Masters Record: MC-39-MC-MC-25-21-3-16
Masters Average Score: 72.62
Riviera Record: WD-MC-14
Plantation Record: N/A
Dubai Desert Classic Record: MC-66-MC-MC-12-11-27-24-MC
Talented Irishman who easily won the 2019 Open Championship by 6 shots.
Outside that result, has not won on the PGA Tour since 2015 although has two victories at big events on the DP World Tour.
That 2015 win came at Firestone, a golf course that has produced its fair share of crossover to Augusta National outside the fact that Tiger Woods won there 8 times. Completing the double includes Matsuyama who won in 2017, Dustin Johnson in 2016, Adam Scott in 2011, and Vijay Singh in 2008. Masters Champions Zach Johnson, Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, and Phil Mickelson all finished runner-up there.
He has been in excellent form since September last year. Included in that was a 4th place at the Cognizant Classic, with PGA National having its own correlation to major champions. Lowry has finished 5th and 2nd there in 2023 and 2022. Additionally, he was 3rd at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, with Bay Hill another stern test.
Lowry has found much success at Augusta National lately, finishing in the top 25 for 4 consecutive years. Taht included when selected in these pages at 50/1 when finishing 3rd. Has finished 28th or better in 13 of his 19 most recent major starts, including 7 finishes of 12th or better.
You would have to think the weather is a massive positive for Lowry. Any wind and rain will toughen conditions and surely remind Lowry of the green pastures of Ireland. The tougher the better for him.
Big chance to win a 2nd major this week.
Tommy Fleetwood
Average Betting Odds: $41.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,500
Best Masters Finish: 14th (2022)
Masters Record: MC-17-36-19-46-14-33
Masters Average Score: 72.23
Riviera Record: 37-28-20-10
Plantation Record: 47
Dubai Desert Classic Record: 57-10-MC-47-50-MC-6-16-11-17-12-59-14
Likeable Englishman, although often coming across as quite… mellow.
Fleetwood started off the year well, snatching victory from Rory McIlroy at the Dubai Invitational before a 14th a week later at the more correlated Dubai Desert Classic. 10th at Riviera Country Club was also his best finish in the Genesis yet.
However, he has never really shown very much at The Masters. From his 7 visits here, he has only shot two rounds in the 60s. Still yet to achieve his first PGA Tour victory, although that has not often come from fading in the heat of battle more from not putting himself in contention enough.
Have always thought he is capable of winning a major, but far more likely at The Open Championship.
Dustin Johnson
Average Betting Odds: $41.00
Draftkings Pricing: $8,800
Best Masters Finish: 1st (2020)
Masters Record: 30-38-38-13-MC-6-4-10-2-W-MC-12-48
Masters Average Score: 71.52
Riviera Record: 59-10-3-MC-2-2-4-W-16-9-10-8-MC
Plantation Record: 11-16-9-W-6-10-6-W-4-7-11
2020 Masters champion, DJ had been threatening a victory for some time. However, he did benefit from a delay in the tournament during COVID to November which suited his game perfectly. Subsequently, he romped to a 5 strokes victory.
Having won both at Riviera in 2017 and Plantation Course in 2013 and 2018 again links those two key courses to Augusta National. Won LIV Las Vegas, before three middle-of-the-pack finishes and no better than 21st in the last two months. Given a lowly ranking of just 336th in OWGR, he has the added motivation (or pressure, depending on your perspective) to perform well here and make the most of this start.
Has the credentials to compete here, but may be coming in a little underdone.
Sahith Theegala
Average Betting Odds: $41.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,700
Best Masters Finish: 9th (2023)
Masters Record: 9
Masters Average Score: 70.75
Riviera Record: 49-48-6-37
Plantation Record: 33-2
As debuts at The Masters go, they don’t come much better than for Sahith Theegala. Finishing 9th in his first appearance, he shot a final round 67.
Correlated form could be found with a 6th at Riviera. We selected him as our best value selection at The Sentry to start 2024, given The Masters and Genesis form. He duly cashed both as our 60/1 FRL selection and finished 2nd for a full place at 80/1 in win markets. We snagged him at that same number for The Masters 2024 in a future bet. You’ll now only find him at half that price.
What impresses me with Theegala is he has now transformed from a player with known huge upside. Perhaps best demonstrated by his Fortinet Championship win in September, but also reiterated in the boom-or-bust potential of his top 5 finishes mixed with missed cuts.
Instead, we now have a golfer who has began to show a significant amount of consistency in his game. 6 consecutive finishes of 37th or better demonstrate his increased ability for course management. Included in that stretch was a 9th place at The Players Championship, a course that on paper should not suit him given his inaccurate driving on a TPC Sawgrass course which has trouble at every turn.
Has to rate a chance.
Collin Morikawa
Average Betting Odds: $41.00
Draftkings Pricing: $8,400
Best Masters Finish: 5th (2022)
Masters Record: 44-18-5-10
Masters Average Score: 71.44
Riviera Record: 26-43-2-6-19
Plantation Record: 7-7-5-2-5
Having long been regarded a home for those who draw the golf ball, I’ve always struggled with where Morikawa would potentially fit into that picture when he is here at his best. The ability to hit a strong draw has littered previous Masters leaderboards, as has the success of left-handed golfers here.
I had a similar conversation with Ben Coley, a fellow golf analyst I respect immensely. With the increased distance and advances in the golf ball, many of the lines at Augusta National may now become a bit blurred and move way from that narrative.
Has a deep connection to The Sentry, a runner-up at Riviera, and The Masters form has continued to improve. Unfortunately, Morikawa looks to be well and truly stuck currently. He has finished no better than 14th since that 5th at The Sentry and has lost on approach in three straight tournaments. Since 1 January 2024, he has shown negative regression in nearly every approach metric you look at.
Could win here when his approach is firing. Which it isn’t.
Cam Smith
Average Betting Odds: $41.00
Draftkings Pricing: $8,900
Best Masters Finish: 2nd (2020)
Masters Record: 55-5-51-2-10-3-34
Masters Average Score: 71.61
Riviera Record: 63-28-6-49-MC-4-33
Plantation Record: 17-24-W
Masters record speaks for itself for the 2022 Open Champion. Withdrew at LIV Miami following a dose of food poisoning, although all reports indicate he is feeling much better now.
Prior to that, lost in a play-off at LIV Hong Kong. He won The Sentry with a PGA Tour record -34 in 2022 to beat Jon Rahm by one. Holds a 4th at Riviera as well. 4 top 10s, 3 of which were Top 5s, in his 7 Masters starts.
Has to be respected.
Cameron Young
Average Betting Odds: $46.00
Draftkings Pricing: $8,500
Best Masters Finish: 7th (2023)
Masters Record: MC-7
Masters Average Score: 72.67
Riviera Record: 2-20-16
Plantation Record: 13-33
On paper, a great course fit for Cam Young. His excellent ball-striking metrics and long driving distance makes an intrguing prospect for Young.
The issues comes that I struggle to see him getting his victory on the PGA Tour at The Masters 2024.
Threw away the aforementioned 2022 PGA Championship, although notable he was right there with JT in windy conditions. Was in contention when chasing McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic. Any time he sniffed the lead in the final round, he managed to find a way to lose.
Holds an excellent record at Riviera and 7th at his second Masters start also worthy of attention.
Wouldn’t be surprised if he were in contention, would be surprised if he got the job done.
Brian Harman
Average Betting Odds: $56.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,800
Best Masters Finish: 12th (2021)
Masters Record: MC-44-12-MC-MC
Masters Average Score: 73.29
Riviera Record: 51-3-MC-72-MC-51-47-43-MC-44
Plantation Record: 17-3-16-5
Augusta National isn’t necessarily the best course fit for Harman. His record here demonstrates as such, having made just two cuts and only holding one finish of any note.
Conversely, he is easily playing the best golf of his career currently. Had a chance to win The Players when selected on these pages at 80/1, with putts to force a playoff with Scottie Scheffler. Also finished 5th at The Sentry, where he was also 3rd in 2018.
Won The Open Championship by a landslide in windy and wet British conditions. That came with an epic display of short-game prowess, gaining +11.92 SG: PUTT. You have to think he would need a similar putting display to overcome the obvious short-comings at this venue.
Playing great golf, just likely on the wrong course.
Russell Henley
Average Betting Odds: $56.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,200
Best Masters Finish: 4th (2023)
Masters Record: MC-31-21-11-15-30-4
Masters Average Score: 72.12
Riviera Record: MC-MC-61-44-17-38-33-MC-24
Plantation Record: 27-3-17-30-52
Consistently disrespected in betting markets and DFS pricing, Data Golf rank Henley as the 9th best golfer in the world currently. And before you LIV-bros come at me, remember that Data Golf uses strokes gained data including LIV players. You’re welcome.
The issue for me, like others in this article, is that he doesn’t win anywhere near as much as he should. I’ve started to develop a nagging feeling that Henley can stumble in victory, as statistically he should have won by now in this run. That includes when we tipped him at the Sony Open, where he looked the likely winner until playing his final 5 holes at +1. A birdie at the par 5 last would’ve been sufficient to make the play-off.
4th place in 2023 Masters was impressive, although the manner is concerning for me to his chances in 2024. He achieved that result solely with the putter and SG: ATG, never a sustainable way to build a result that provides little confidence. The poor record at Riviera is also a red flag here.
Avoid the chalk in DFS and spend your money elsewhere.
Tyrrell Hatton
Average Betting Odds: $56.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,600
Best Masters Finish: 18th (2021)
Masters Record: MC-44-56-MC-18-52-34
Masters Average Score: 73.88
Riviera Record: MC-40
Plantation Record: 14
Dubai Desert Classic Record: MC-55-8-3-38-22-4-38-31
Any time Hatton says he hates something, you have to take it with a grain of salt. Because Hatton as a general aura of hating everything and anyone at times.
However, he may be genuine in his hatred for Augusta National. A record where he has never finished better than 18th is not what you would expect for a golfer of his standard. Likewise, gave Riviera one go before being somewhat persuaded to play in 2023 as a signature event. His record at the Dubai Desert Classic is also poor for a golfer often stepping back to DP World Tour level.
Easy fade.
Jason Day
Average Betting Odds: $61.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,700
Best Masters Finish:
Masters Record: 2-WD-3-20-28-10-22-20-5-MC-MC-39
Masters Average Score: 71.85
Riviera Record: MC-MC-62-64-MC-9-9
Plantation Record: 9-3-10-12-13-10
Former world number 1 golfer, who showed a return to form in 2023 leading to a well-deserved return to the winners circle at the AT&T Byron Nelson. Followed that with a 2nd place finish in a wet and windy Open Championship, his best major finish since 2016.
Although finished 2nd on his Masters debut in 2011, he never held the lead on the final day and benefitted from the collapse of Rory McIlroy. Finished 9th in the last two editions of the Genesis Invitational, which is doubly impressive given the elevation to a signature event seeing the best players in those editions.
Has gone off the boil a little since, going 36th at the Arnold Palmer, 35th at The Players, and missing the cut at the Houston Open.
Could be sneaky.
Sam Burns
Average Betting Odds: $56.00
Draftkings Pricing: $8,100
Best Masters Finish: 29th (2023)
Masters Record: MC-29
Masters Average Score: 73.00
Riviera Record: MC-23-3-MC-MC-10
Plantation Record: 19-32-33
Was absolutely on fire in February, racking up 4 top 10s in strong field including a 10th at Riviera.
Multiple time winner at the Valspar Championship is not the worst comp course. Spieth won there in 2015 prior his Masters victory and Paul Casey went back-to-back there in 2018-19 holding 5 Masters Top 10s and a Dubai Desert Classic win.
Much like the next name, contending in the majors is the next step for Burns but he is yet to show much. Has only finished a best of 20th in 14 attempts.
Prefer to see him in the heat of battle for a major title before recommending.
Max Homa
Average Betting Odds: $56.00
Draftkings Pricing: $8,300
Best Masters Finish: 43rd (2023)
Masters Record: MC-MC-48-43
Masters Average Score: 74.08
Riviera Record: MC-MC-37-5-W-10-2
Plantation Record: 25-15-3-14
On initial glance, it may be surprising to see Homa so far down the betting market. Until you remember his major form.
Managed his first 10 at a major at The Open Championship, which has always shaped as his most likely major. Outside that and a 13th at the 2022 PGA Championship, he has finished 43rd or worse in 15/17 majors including 9 missed cuts.
Homa is a real student of the game. He absolutely loves the history and legacy of golf, which may well be a hinderance at the major championships. It is almost if these events actually mean too much to him.
Offering the smallest glimmer of hope is the weather. His 13th came in the windy Southern Hills tournament, and his top 10 at the Open was also in torrid weather. His wins at the Wells Fargo and Fortinet also came in foul weather, and he holds an excellent record at Riviera.
Would be a surprise winner. But he will probably still have a great time in the merch tent.
Si Woo Kim
Average Betting Odds: $67.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,100
Best Masters Finish: 12th (2021)
Masters Record: MC-24-21-34-12-39-29
Masters Average Score: 72.38
Riviera Record: MC-MC-MC-3-37-MC-73-MC-44
Plantation Record: 30-10-23-25
Si Woo will always pop in my models given his consistent excellence on approach. Unfortunately, I just struggle to ever see this being a reasonable course for him.
Far too short off the tee, Si Woo possesses a hot and cold putter that could prove his demise at this event.
Often found missing the cut or down the pack at both The Sentry and Riviera, he lacks the power to ever be considered a viable option in betting or DFS here. Even easier to avoid given his projected ownership being very high in the latter.
Might sneak a Top 30, struggle to see anything more for him.
Corey Conners
Average Betting Odds: $67.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,500
Best Masters Finish: 6th (2022)
Masters Record: MC-46-10-8-6-MC
Masters Average Score: 71.85
Riviera Record: MC-MC-MC-61-24
Plantation Record: 19-18-33
Went on a run of three consecutive top 10 finishes starting in 2020. It is easy to see why.
The perennially classy ball-striker is one of the best in the game with his irons and enters the event as the 3rd best for SG: APP over the past 6 months in this field. He is particularly strong on approach from 150-200 yards, a range that sees a disproportionate number of approach shots at Augusta National.
Has finished with Top 25s in 4/5 of his recent starts, including a 13th at The Players and 18th at the Arnold Palmer.
Value.
Patrick Reed
Average Betting Odds: $67.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,400
Best Masters Finish: 1st (2018)
Masters Record: MC-22-49-MC-W-36-10-8-35-4
Masters Average Score: 71.89
Riviera Record: MC-59-51-MC
Plantation Record: 16-W-2-6-25-2-21-15
Dubai Desert Classic Record: 2
Impossible golfer to root for. However, you have to acknowledge The Masters record.
4 Top 10s in his last 6 Masters starts included a win in 2018. Finished 2nd in a battle with Rory McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic, his only appearance there, following controversial incidents on the Emirates Golf Club driving range.
The 4th recently in Macau should be tempered by the fact it was a very weak field and he performed only as expected at best. The 9th at LIV Miami when last seen was more impressive, with Doral holding some links to Augusta National.
Possible villain on Sunday. Would hate to see it and dread how his victory interview would go.
Adam Scott
Average Betting Odds: $81.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,100
Best Masters Finish:
Masters Record: MC-33-27-27-25-MC-18-2-8-W-14-38-42-9-32-18-34-54-48-39
Masters Average Score: 72.56
Riviera Record: W-2-69-14-MC-17-10-2-11-53-7-W-38-4-65-19
Plantation Record: 7-5-2-18-21-6-21-29
Dubai Desert Classic Record: 9-7
From one of the most classless golfers in the professional game to arguably one of the classiest.
Scott is a previous Masters champion, but also boasts extensive correlated form. He won at Riviera on debut, adding another victory there in 2020, along with two additional runner-up finishes. He has also finished runner-up at The Sentry and accumulated two Top 10s in both Dubai Desert Classic starts.
The likeable Aussie was also in superb form either side of the New Year. That included a run of 7 consecutive top 20 finishes all around the globe. Finished 14th last week at the Texas Open. Ranking 2nd in this field for SG: PUTT over the last 6 months could prove useful if the winds get as bad as forecast.
Don’t be surprised if he finishes Top 10.
Akshay Bhatia
Average Betting Odds: $81.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,200
Best Masters Finish: N/A
Masters Record: N/A
Masters Average Score: N/A
Riviera Record: N/A
Plantation Record: 14
Earned his way into the field with his Texas Open victory last week.
Ended up in an epic tussle with Denny McCarthy, having looked like he would run away with the tournament holding a 6 shot lead at one point. Keeping his nerve when surprisingly finding himself in a play-off was impressive. For context, Bhatia and McCarthy ended up 9 strokes clear of Rory McIlroy in 3rd place.
Have to think that he would benefit for a go or two around this place, although on paper this does look to be a good fit for the talented 22-year-old. Left-handed golfers also hold a good record at The Masters with Mike Weir, Bubba Watson, and Phil Mickelson all victorious here.
Some interest in “Best Lefty” markets at $3.00.
Min Woo Lee
Average Betting Odds: $81.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,300
Best Masters Finish: 14th (2022)
Masters Record: 14-MC
Masters Average Score: 73.33
Riviera Record: MC
Plantation Record: N/A
Dubai Desert Classic Record: MC-13
Talented young Australian who is looking to replicate his sister’s achievements, with Min Jee Lee already a two time major champion.
Min Woo Lee can struggle with his approach and ranks just 67th over the last 6 months in this field of 89. He has lost on approach in both his Masters starts, only finishing 14th on debut thanks to sitting 3rd in the field for SG: Putt that week. Also, Min Woo is in some pretty average form. Outside a 2nd at the Cognizant Classic, he has finished no better than 43rd in 6/7 tournaments since January.
Suspect he will be a chance at the US Open, where he has already finished 27th and 5th in two starts.
Avoid here for now.
Sergio Garcia
Average Betting Odds: $91.00
Draftkings Pricing: $6,800
Best Masters Finish: W (2017)
Masters Record: 4-MC-46-MC-MC-38-45-35-12-8-MC-17-34-W-MC-MC-MC-23-MC
Masters Average Score: 72.97
Riviera Record: 20-6-46-4-13-4-MC-49-37-37-MC-39
Plantation Record: 10-7-11
Dubai Desert Classic Record: 20-17-MC-W-32-3-23-6-12
Became the second golfer after Danny Willett to win both the Dubai Desert Classic and The Masters in the same year.
In doing so, he got the monkey of his back as one of the best players to never win a major to that point. Named his daughter Azalea a year later after the famous flowers dotting Augusta National.
Price nose-dived from 150/1 to 90/1 following his 2nd place finish at LIV Miami last week. Has done little here since his Masters win, but could be in the top 20 if his recent result actually means anything.
Hard to argue he presents value, but playable in DFS if you find yourself down there.
Denny McCarthy
Average Betting Odds: $101.00
Draftkings Pricing: $6,200
Best Masters Finish: N/A
Masters Record: N/A
Masters Average Score: N/A
Riviera Record: MC-37-MC-14-39
Plantation Record: 43
Silly price on Draftkings, given they released pricing early before his charge at the Texas Open last week. But, bear in mind he will also be very high ownership as a result.
Likely lacks the driving distance and ball-striking consistency to really say Augusta National suits him. However, he would be far from the first excellent putter to find a way around the course. Especially, after an emotional loss last week he might need another week to recover from still not being a PGA Tour winner in his 7th season.
Would be happy with a top 30 on debut here.
Byeong Hun An
Average Betting Odds: $101.00
Draftkings Pricing: $6,700
Best Masters Finish: 33rd (2017)
Masters Record: MC-MC-33-MC
Masters Average Score: 74.40
Riviera Record: 55-16
Plantation Record: 4
Dubai Desert Classic Record: 13-4-6-12
Having started his career on the DP World Tour, made his way across to the PGA Tour before struggling with the step up in class. Was demoted to the Korn Ferry Tour in 2022, before earning his Tour card again and playing some of his best golf yet.
Held an excellent record at Emirates Golf Club prior to his move to the USA, as well as a 4th earlier this year at The Sentry, and a 16th at only his 2nd try around Riviera in an elevated event. This will mark his first return to The Masters 2024 field since 2020. So, although he has never shown much of anything at Augusta National, you could argue he is playing much better than he ever was during those starts.
Likely goes more under-owned than he should in DFS given a poor Masters record on paper.
Sungjae Im
Average Betting Odds: $101.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,600
Best Masters Finish: 2nd (2020)
Masters Record: 2-MC-8-16
Masters Average Score: 71.64
Riviera Record: MC-MC-33-56-44
Plantation Record: 5-8-13-5
Have to say that Sungjae’s record at The Masters is impressive, although his 2024 leaves much to be desired.
Sungjae finished runner-up on debut at just 22 years old, never slipping outside the top 5 all week. He has since added an 8th and 16th place finish at Augusta National, as well as being the 2022 first-round leader.
Had looked to have found some form at the end of 2023, carrying that into the start of the 2024 year with a 5th place finish at The Sentry making him a tempting Masters prospect. However, since then he has really fallen off the boil.
Most concerning is he has lost his irons completely. Typically, this is the strongest aspect of Sungjae’s game. He ranks a lowly 61st in this field for SG: APP over the last 6 months. Combined with his high DFS price, he is likely to go very low owned. If you wanted to take a risk, he might be worth popping into a few line-ups in large GPPs if relying solely on his form at The Masters.
Will likely be on my Masters betting card if he arrives back here with a smidge of form in future.
At the moment, he has none.
Rickie Fowler
Average Betting Odds: $111.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,300
Best Masters Finish: 2nd (2018)
Masters Record: 38-27-38-5-12-MC-11-2-9-29
Masters Average Score: 71.47
Riviera Record: MC-35-62-MC-20-55-20-35
Plantation Record: 6-5-4-5-56
Unfortunately, I’m increasingly convinced that the story of Rickie Fowler’s career will be one of what could have been.
A marketers dream with his baby-faced looks and obvious talent, Fowler has compiled 12 Top 10 finishes in majors over his career. Entered some particularly dark years between 2020 to 2023. Having achieved his first win in 4 and a half years in July 2023, many would have hoped to see that spur him on to even better things.
Unfortunately, the opposite has occurred. Fowler looks like he is firmly back in the doldrums. Since the start of the year, he has played 9 times, missed 3 cuts, and finished no better than 35th. He has not played in The Masters since the November 2020 event and may well struggle on his return.
Easy fade.
Harris English
Average Betting Odds: $126.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,000
Best Masters Finish: 21st (2021)
Masters Record: MC-42-21-43
Masters Average Score: 73.64
Riviera Record: 51-10-30-39-MC-MC-MC-12-7
Plantation Record: 11-W-30-14
Although his Masters record may look average at first glance, this should also be interpreted that he was in pretty poor form at each of those starts. In 2023, he arrived after a missed cut and winning just 1/3 matches in the WGC Matchplay. He had incoming form of 32-MC-MC-66-26-42 when arriving here in 2021. Likewise, in 2016 he had two missed cuts and a 57th as his lead-in. 2014 he actually had his best incoming form, although a missed cut can be forgiven for a debut at Augusta National.
So, all considered, 3 made cuts in that context is perhaps better than it appears. English has finished 12th at Riviera in 2023, followed by 7th there two months ago. He was a winner at The Sentry in 2021.
Most promising is his recent form is much better. He accumulated finishes of 17th at the WM Phoenix Open, 7th at the Genesis Invitational, 21st at the Arnold Palmer, and 19th at The Players Championship. A missed cut last week came after playing the final 4 holes in +5, although I hardly think arriving earlier at Augusta National is necessarily a negative for him.
English has also already shown upside in majors. Particularly, this is true at the US Open where he has 3 finishes of 3rd, 4th, and 8th since 2020.
Ranks inside the top 15 for both SG: ATG and SG: PUTT in this field over the last 3 months is an undoubted asset. Given the forecast, missing greens will be inevitability for at least the first two days of play.
Darkhorse.
Tom Kim
Average Betting Odds: $126.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,400
Best Masters Finish: 16th (2023)
Masters Record: 16
Masters Average Score: 71.50
Riviera Record: 45-24
Plantation Record: 5-45
Given his emergence on the professional golf scene, it is easy to forget that Tom Kim is still just 21 years old.
Impressed on debut when finishing 16th, especially given coming in with indifferent form. He had 4 made cuts, but no finish better than a 34th and won just 1/3 in the WGC Matchplay.
Unfortunately, he has started 2024 in poor form. He has recorded just one top 20 in 8 starts, including a lowly 45th out of 59 at The Sentry and finishing 24th at Riviera. Have to suspect Augusta National will be a tricky course for him until he adds some more driving distance. Maybe after he has done some more speed training with Matt Fitzpatrick.
Prefer others.
Justin Rose
Average Betting Odds: $126.00
Draftkings Pricing: $7,200
Best Masters Finish:
Masters Record: 22-5-36-20-11-8-25-14-2-10-2-12-MC-23-7-MC-16
Masters Average Score: 71.79
Riviera Record: 59-58-39-62-MC-37-9-13-45-16-4-56-MC
Plantation Record: 12-40
Dubai Desert Classic Record: 35
Has accumulated an impressive record at Augusta National over the years, missing the cut just twice in 17 attempts.
After a rather excellent 2023, has shown little to start 2024 in the lead up to The Masters. Outside of an 11th at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (where he was defending champion), he has finished no better than 40th in his other 6 starts. The 40th came at The Sentry, meaning he still placed in the bottom third of that field.
Would need to show a remarkable turn in form to feature this week.
Large GPP option only.
Tiger Woods
Average Betting Odds: $126.00
Draftkings Pricing: $6,800
Best Masters Finish: 1st (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019)
Masters Record: 41-MC-1-8-18-5-1-1-15-22-1-3-2-2-6-4-4-40-4-17-32-1-38-47-WD
Masters Average Score: 71.19
Riviera Record: MC-MC-20-2-18-13-5-7-13-WD-MC-15-68-45-WD
Plantation Record: 5-1-8-10-4-3
Dubai Desert Classic Record: 2-5-1-3-1-20-41-WD
Rounding out our player profiles with Tiger is only apt. To put in perspective how good he was in his era, the first name on this list was Scottie Scheffler. He would need to remain ranked as the best in the world for the next 604 weeks to match how long Tiger Woods was World Number 1. That would be until 8th November 2035.
The fact his betting odds moved from 150/1 to 125/1 from some pretty inane comments from Will Zalatoris speaks to the fact so many would love to see Tiger competitive here again.
Sadly, his body is broken. He has played just a round and a half of competitive golf in 2024. That came at the Genesis Invitational before withdrawing midway through the 2nd round.
The main issue is the leg injury from his car crash. And, Augusta National is not an easy walk. It features some of the largest undulations and elevation changes of any venue on the PGA Tour.
Should he make the cut, he would hold the outright record for the most consecutive cuts made at The Masters. It is a feat he currently shares with Gary Player and Fred Couples.
Maybe that is the equivalent of a return to glory in the current situation for Tiger.
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