The most glorious week of golf viewing and betting is here. It’s The Masters and it’s the first major championship of men’s golf in 2024. Can Jon Rahm defend, or is Scottie Scheffler too hot to stop? Or is it a dark horse that emerges? Let’s break down where the winning plays lie.
Major Moments at Augusta
There’s something truly magical about The Masters in that this beautiful piece of land produced great stories. Every year new names emerge, old familiar faces reincarnate greatness, and Sundays at Augusta simply hit differently. From Jack Nicklaus’ “Yes sir!” win in 1986 to Phil’s breakthrough in 2004 and the almanac of Tiger Woods triumphs from 1997 to 2019, there’s no shortage of iconic moments here.
Last April, Jon Rahm broke through for his first Green Jacket with an impressive final-round comeback. As Brooks Koepka faltered, Rahm swooped in and tamed Amen Corner en route to a four-shot victory. Rahm followed in the lineage of Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olzazabal, and Sergio Garcia as yet another Spaniard to win The Masters. Can he reclaim the magic again this year?
The Masters: The Deets
Where to watch: ESPN and CBS have us covered and there’s nothing in sports like the sultry tones of Jim Nantz introducing a Masters broadcast. Soak it all in.
Why to watch: It’s the first major of 2024 and quite arguably the most beautiful spectacle of golf course terrain on the planet. With all the stars ready to go buckle up for the action.
Purse: $18 million (estimated)
Winner’s Share: $3.24 million (estimated)
The Masters: Familiar Faces
This is the one major on the calendar where we see the same 18 holes every year so there are not many mysteries that remain. This allows for past champions, grizzled veterans, and experience to shine even brighter at Augusta National. Knowing where to miss, how to miss, and what side of each devilish green to be on is paramount. The only change to this year’s course is a slightly lengthened par five-second hole, on the heels of it playing too easy in 2023.
Unsurprisingly, Scottie Scheffler (+325) has Tiger-like odds attached to him this week as the 2022 champion and the hottest player on the planet. He’s followed by Rory McIlroy (+1000) who just needs a green jacket to complete the career grand slam. After Rory most books list Brooks Koepka at +1100, defending champion Jon Rahm at +1200, and Wyndham Clark at +1500. Further down the board, don’t forget about past champions who know this course inside and out. Augusta seems to bring out the best in grizzly veterans who know the course well.
The Masters: What To Consider
- Who’s hot and trending: Recent high finishes, top-10 streaks, and consistent play are never a bad thing.
- Horses for courses: Players love certain courses, and course familiarity and experience are invaluable in the field of the world’s best.
- What the numbers tell you this week: I’m far from analytical, there’s always a tournament darling or two scattered across the golf talk stratosphere that are great statistical fits to play well.
- Intangibles: This allows for a theater of the mind; it’s that mysterious optimism surrounding a player that feels “due” to break through.
Outright Picks To Win The Masters
Hideki Matsuyama – 20/1 – With a win at Augusta and a win in 2024 under his belt, he should thrive at a course he knows and loves.
Dustin Johnson – 33/1 – Here’s another past champ who’s probably a bit under the radar this spring.
Sahith Theegala – 50/1 – Due for a major breakout, and seemed to love it here last year en route to a top-10 finish.
Sam Burns – 50/1 – Decent run-up play to the first major. He also had some success in 2023 on the greens which is encouraging forever here.
Russell Henley – 70/1 – Top 10 last week and a top 10 last year at Augusta? Count me in for this year’s Masters!
More From Alex
Alex Lauzon is a podcast host, live broadcaster, analyst and golf-betting extraordinaire for the Course of Life brand. Actively creating content across social media and video platforms on golf, sports betting and pop culture.
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