2015 The Masters Preview & Betting Tips
Where: Augusta National, Georgia, USA
When: Thursday, August 9 (First tee off 9:00pm AEDT)
Purse: $9,000,000
Magical. This is a word that best describes The Masters at Augusta. I’m not sure if it’s the music that’s playing gently in the background when they return from a TV break or the big bright azaleas that almost glow on your TV set. There is something about the Augusta National that always delivers drama or “a moment” in sport that compels everybody, not just golfers and sport fanatics.
This year’s Masters has all the hallmarks of a classic. There are subplots everywhere you look. Will the defending champion Bubba Watson win his third green jacket? Can Rory McIlroy complete the career grand slam and also capture his third straight major or maybe it will be a first timer with players such as Jimmy Walker, Jordan Speith and Jason Day all coming into this week with great form and high hopes.
We must mention the Tiger Woods side show. I say side show because that’s what it feels like. Returning after 5 months of doing god knows what. Even though Woods has slipped to world number 111 there’s a buzz that he will continue to bring to the golf course for as long as he is alive. There is no doubt in my mind that golf needs a “Tiger Woods” and although Rory is almost there, he’s not… Tiger adds a special element to a tournament.
Bubba Watson
There is one guy that I will be betting on in this tournament until he turns 40 - defending champion Bubba Watson. The 2012 and 2014 winner has such a big advantage at this course that I believe he deserves to be tournament favourite. Currently at $12.50 (vs Rory McIlroy $7.40) Bubba Watson is having a great 2015 season on the PGA Tour. He is 4th on the money list with $2,680,950 in the bank and also sits 5th in FedEx Cup standings. With a win already under his belt plus a T2 and a 3rd he is clearly playing some of his best golf and his best at Augusta cannot be matched.
Click here to bet on Bubba Watson at Betfair - $12.50
Jason Day
Another player on my Masters radar is Aussie Jason Day. Day’s game is Taylor Made for Augusta National. Not to mention he has been knocking on the door here since 2011 where he finished T2 then in 2013 he finished 3rd and we can excuse last year T20 considering his long layoff with a wrist injury. Day’s length off the tee and meticulous playing style are a recipe for success.
Click here to bet on Jason Day at Betfair - $17
Will Tiger Woods make the cut?
Apparently I wasn’t the only one waiting for the Par 3 tournament to get a gauge on where Tiger is at. Obviously the sportsbooks have tuned in too and adjusted their price accordingly. Woods has come in from $1.95 to $1.68 and rightfully so. Woods took his two children out for the 9 hole tournament (something he hasn’t played in for a decade) and he looked relaxed and happy, but most of all his swing looks so free. Woods could shoot 72 in his sleep at Augusta and I believe he will make the cut comfortably.. and at $36-1 for overall winner I’m personally going to have a little something on him.
Click here to bet on Tiger Woods to make the cut - $1.69 at Betfair
