Finally we are back at Augusta National. The best golf tournament on the planet. Phil has won here three times, Tiger four, these guys are going to battle this weekend. Let's take a look at who might actually win this thing and the best bets you can make.

 

As with any golf tournament it would be wise to spread some coin around. There are a lot of guys that you see winning tournaments all year long with great long odds. If you are smart about it and spread your money around right you can make a pretty penny betting on the Masters.

 

PS. The Par 3 Contest is always a great watch if you are around a TV at noon tomorrow.

 

PSS. Luke Donald is 14-1 to win. I don't even know if he is in it since they haven't posted pairings. But Bovada says if he withdraws before the tournament, like Tiger at 28-1, then it will result in no action. So either you get the best irons player on the planet on a par 3 course at 14-1 or your money back.

 

Props

 

Matt Kuchar 28-1 first round leader

 

He had a shot to win this thing last year before a late bogey dropped him two shots back. He has the tools to win this thing and 28-1 sounds great for this bet.

 

Dufner 50-1 first round leader

 

More on him later...

 

Player to shoot the lowest round:

 

Tiger 13/2

Phil 14-1

 

Split your money between the two and you can't lose. One of the two of them is going to go into that extra gear they have at the Masters and go low at some point.

 

Outright winner

 

 

Keegan Bradley 25-1

 

Keegan has a very similar game to Phil's, meaning he is very well suited for this course. He has the hunger, the drive, and the talent to capture his first green jacket. It is not a matter of “if” for Keegan it is just when. He just might find that extra gear that Tiger and Phil have. It's almost like a video game cheat code, no matter how much they suck for three rounds they will create memories with some stellar stretches. For Keegan is probably will not be this year but I am not going to miss the boat if it sets sail a touch early.

 

Jason Dufner 55-1

 

This guy has what it takes to compete on this golf course. He hung around the top 10 all tournament last year just never was able to get over the hump and make a move. Now he has the experience under his belt and is hungry for that first major. He is going to be top 10 and at 55-1 that is all you can ask for. He might just make you a few hundred bucks.

 

Jim Furyk 66-1

 

Another wily vet that knows his way around Augusta. He is coming in playing one of the best four rounds of golf any one has ever played without making a single putt. The guy was just money until it came time to sink a putt. Putting is streaky, if he starts out poorly he may be doomed. But if he knocks in a 15' on the first hole he might be 5-1 after just 18 holes. And for that reason you should bet him at 66-1 to lead after the first round as well.

 

Freddy Couples 150-1

 

He loves this place. He led after day one before some of his injuries sort of held him back. 150-1 that is a risk worth taking.

 

 

Who will win?

 

Phil 10-1

 

Tiger is not a great bet at 3-1 unless you are just going with the only one guy ultimately pays out theory. That's fine but I going with Mickelson as my official pick to win the Masters. He has looked rather good as of late. He needs to get his short stick rolling early and his long stick straight. 10-1 is great value. At the very least he is going to shoot sub 65 once this week. He has the capability of Tiger at this place. They are the only two that have proven to have an extra gear at the Masters. They could be six shots off the lead heading into Sunday and you can't count them out. Also as a bit of a hedge bet Will Phil Mickelson finish in the top 5? Yes +225.

 

mlz

Tuesday, April 9, 2013