The wait is finally over, and the first major of the golf season is here. The beautiful bloom of azaleas signifies the start of spring and the palpable anticipation of a return to the home of The Masters – Augusta National.
The short-priced favourite, Scottie Scheffler, is in red-hot form but Golf Monthly’s Barry Plummer believes three other contenders can give the 2022 Masters Champion a run for his money at a much better price…
The Masters Betting Preview: The Course
Augusta National is arguably the most iconic destination in golf, hosting the Masters every year since its inception. This par-72 paradise spans 7,545 yards and is one of the ultimate strategic tests.
Generous, immaculate fairways meander through the tree-lined parkland, requiring players to shape their shots as they jostle for position. Fast Bentgrass greens await, guarded by perilous bunkers and a fair few iconic water hazards.
To win around Augusta National you need to display premium ball-striking and a strong mental resolve that can help you navigate the inevitable challenges that are bound to arise.
The Previous Winners
2023: John Rahm (-12)
2022: Scottie Scheffler (-10)
2021: Hideki Matsuyama (-10)
2020 (Nov): Dustin Johnson (-20)
2019: Tiger Woods (-13)
The Best Bet
With plenty of players arriving in-form this week, it’s tough to pick from the top of the board. Arguments can be made for many, including hot favourite Scottie Scheffler, but I am instead going to side with a player almost seven-times his price.
Joaquin Niemann (28/1) has been dominant on the LIV Golf Series this season, winning twice in the space of a month, in Mexico and Jeddah respectively, and bids to become the eighth current LIV Golf player to hold a Green Jacket.
The Chilean also won on the DP World Tour in December 2023, at the ISPS Handa Australian Open, and his form was rewarded with an invite to play in The Masters this season.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
In the last three months, Niemann ranks 3rd in the field for Strokes Gained: Tee To Green, and is also one of the longest hitters (3rd for driving distance). He secured his best finish in the event in 2023, finishing in tied-16th, and has improved year-on-year in his four starts to date.
Five top-4 finishes in his last six starts make him, in my opinion, one of the top two most…
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