Mastering Augusta: Previewing Golf's Biggest Week
The Masters isn’t just another golf tournament — it’s golf’s version of the Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and the World Series all rolled into one. It’s the week that captivates every corner of the sport’s world, when legends chase immortality under Georgia’s springtime sun.
This tournament is all about tradition — the kind that takes decades to build and just moments to appreciate. It’s not your average weekend golf event. This is Augusta. This is history. And yes, it also happens to be a stage where some of the most intriguing bets in sports gambling are placed.
Maybe you're tuning in for the drama of Scottie Scheffler going pin-seeking with a wedge or Rory McIlroy trying — again — to complete the career Grand Slam. Maybe it’s Jon Rahm’s power game, Bryson’s physics-defying drives, or some under-the-radar guy with a name no one can pronounce suddenly going shot-for-shot with the best in the world.
That’s the beauty of the Masters — anything can happen, and it usually does.
The Favorites
Scottie Scheffler (+400)
Let’s start with the reigning champion, Scottie Scheffler, who isn’t just a casual “hot pick” but a two-time Masters champion. If you’re ranking pure, unfiltered golf talent, Scheffler is probably at the top of that list right now. His short game is on point, his iron play is the stuff of legends, and he’s proven time and again that Augusta National suits his eye.
However, when you’re talking about a +400 line, the markets clearly suggest he’s the man to beat. The upside here is that Scheffler is almost certain to be in contention come Sunday. He’s finished in the top 10 at Augusta multiple times, and it never seems to matter if he has a strong or lukewarm start to the year.
If there’s any real concern, it’s that repeating a Masters win is notoriously difficult, especially back-to-back. Even if you trust Scheffler to bring it once again, backing him at +400 is a tough sell for a lot of bettors. With a field this stacked, and so much that can go sideways over four rounds at Augusta, it's hard to justify going all-in on a price that tight.
Rory McIlroy (+650)
Then there’s Rory McIlroy, who might be one of the most compelling figures in golf. The narrative is always the same: can he finally complete the career Grand Slam at Augusta? That storyline alone fuels countless articles and segments on sports talk shows every spring. He’s proven his mettle at Pebble Beach and the Players Championship with convincing wins this season, so momentum doesn’t seem to be an issue. Still, the emotional weight of trying to seal that last major sometimes looks like it weighs on him.
At around +650, you’re getting slightly better odds than Scheffler. But with those odds come the mental gymnastics of potentially taking the final step in a journey that’s been years in the making. Sure, Rory’s elbow was a bit of a question mark, but most insiders say it shouldn’t bother him.
Sleeper Picks with the Potential to Slip on the Green Jacket
Let’s face it: half the fun of betting the Masters is spotting that diamond in the rough. We all want to say “I had money on him” before the rest of the world catches up. Here are some names to keep a close eye on.
Bryson DeChambeau (+2000)
There was a time when Bryson was the talk of the tour, with headlines about protein shakes and ball speed overshadowing more conventional discussions about the approach to the game. While the conversation has cooled, his performances haven’t. He’s got a U.S. Open under his belt, and in four of his last six U.S.-based majors, he finished T6 or better. He’s also shown flashes of brilliance at Augusta, even if he hasn’t snagged the green jacket.
At +2000, you’re betting on the notion that Bryson’s hitting stride again. A newly found comfort — both physically and mentally — means he’s a threat. Adding fuel to the fire here, a 7,500-yard course plays right into his power-driven hands when he’s dialed in.
Collin Morikawa (+1600)
Morikawa may no longer be the world’s best-kept secret, but +1600 for a two-time major winner with multiple top-10s at Augusta is not too shabby. He’s known for his pristine iron play, the kind of skill set that puts you in birdie range on holes where others are happy to walk away with par.
It’s also worth noting that he’s improved around the greens — a small but crucial weakness in his game. Augusta is all about precision on second shots—and that just so happens to be Morikawa’s bread and butter. His iron play is among the best in the game, and when that’s the key to unlocking this course, you can’t overlook him as a serious threat. If you’re eyeing a mid-range pick, he’s an enticing bet.
Hideki Matsuyama (+3300)
Hideki’s 2021 Masters win was monumental — both for himself and for international golf fans. Yet, it feels like he still isn’t fully respected in the odds market. At +3300, you’re getting a Masters champion who has a mechanical consistency in his long game, coupled with truly world-class scrambling stats. He had a win in Maui and a strong finish at Pinehurst, and it looks like his game is coming together at just the right time.
If you like the narrative that past champions tend to do well in future visits — something that seems particularly true at Augusta — Hideki could be the sleeper you’ve been looking for.
Justin Thomas (+2200)
Though not off the radar, Justin Thomas’s odds might be a bit longer than his skill set deserves. The chatter around him has been a lack of consistent putting, but it’s looking much better this season. His greens-in-regulation numbers at Augusta have always been strong, showing he’s comfortable shaping shots and attacking pins here.
If that putter gets hot, +2200 could feel like a gift.
Finding Value Down the Leaderboard
Sometimes, picking an outright winner feels like finding a needle in a haystack. That’s why top 10 or top 20 bets can be more strategic. They still offer solid returns, but with a bit more cushion if your guy doesn’t quite close the deal.
Shane Lowry (+4000 Outright, Good for Top 10)
Shane Lowry is the guy you can rely on to keep his cool in high-pressure situations, and it shows in how he’s performed at majors. He was runner-up at Pebble Beach, and his tee-to-green and approach stats are strong. Augusta has been kind to him, too, especially with that T3 in 2022. If you're looking for a steady top-10 finisher with big-tournament experience, Lowry's your guy.
Akshay Bhatia (+8000 Outright, Good for Top 10 or Top 20)
Left-handed golfers historically do well at Augusta. It’s almost like the course was designed to give them an extra edge, at least in certain spots. That’s one reason Bhatia pops on a lot of radar screens. With three top-10 finishes this year and a strong birdie-or-better rate on par-4s, he’s exactly the type of underdog who could storm into the top 10. At +8000 for an outright, you might want to hedge with a top 20 pick. A small stake here could pay off nicely if he catches fire.
Russell Henley (+5000 Outright, Great for Top 10)
Henley’s steady presence on the leaderboard is no fluke. He’s racked up multiple top-10 finishes, and he’s not a stranger to Augusta’s pressure. Henley’s short-game touch can rescue him from tough spots, and that’s essential on these undulating greens. Experts who watch him closely say his course history and current form point to a sneaky good finish. If you see him around +5000 outright, a top 10 bet might be a safer choice, though the upside is there if you want to dream big.
Corey Conners (+6000 Outright, Great for Top 10)
Corey Conners might not be a household name, but his tee-to-green game is legit. He’s had multiple solid finishes leading into Masters week, and he’s also posted top-10s at Augusta in the past. If you’re looking for that blend of longish odds and a track record that proves he can handle Augusta, Conners fits the bill. Just be aware that if the putter goes cold, it could be a long day.
Sepp Straka (+8000 Outright, Great for Top 20)
Consistency can be underrated in golf betting, and Straka offers just that. He’s never been outside the top 30 heading into the Masters weekend, which says a lot about his ability to steer clear of big blowups. His iron play is top-notch, and he already has a win this year. At +8000 outright, a top 20 bet might be the better path to profit. He's been perpetually underrated and fully capable of a strong finish.
Min Woo Lee (+5500 Outright, Great for Top 20)
Min Woo Lee is a young talent on the rise, known for a powerful drive and a short game that can keep pace with the big boys. He’s had a notable breakthrough on the PGA Tour, and his improved approach play makes him a fit for a course where precision matters. He’s got enough buzz among insiders to be more than a casual flier. If you’re playing a top 20 or top 10 bet, he’s a compelling choice, though inexperience may make some lean towards the top 20.
Patrick Reed (+9000 Outright, Great Value for Top 10)
Love him or not, Reed is a Masters champion (2018) and typically finds a way to factor into the conversation at Augusta. His creative shot-making style suits these greens, and he’s shown good form lately. If you’re the type who doesn’t mind rooting for a polarizing figure — especially one who can deliver you a payoff — Reed at +9000 is intriguing. If you're looking for a long shot with real upside and a history of showing up at Augusta, a top-10 bet on Reed isn’t a bad way to go.
Prop Betting Gems
Now, if you really want to dial up the excitement, prop bets are where it’s at. Whether you’re looking for a first-round leader or a hole-in-one, these wagers can make every shot thrilling.
First Round Leader
Shane Lowry (+5000 FanDuel): If you’re riding the Lowry hype train, here’s a way to get paid early. He’s a solid bet to come out of the gates hot, thanks to his form and strong strokes gained stats.
Dustin Johnson (+6000): Johnson’s been known to start fast at Augusta — some players just get comfortable more quickly. If he’s firing on all cylinders, waking up on Friday with a first-round leader ticket could make you feel like a genius.
Winning Score (Over/Under 275.5)
Odds-makers are expecting a winning score around 12 under par, given some likely favorable weather. This line is close enough that it’s basically a toss-up. If you have a gut feeling about the conditions or a particularly hot field, you might jump on the Under. Otherwise, it might be best to walk away from this one if you see no clear edge.
Hole-in-One Props
The Masters has produced some unforgettable aces, particularly on the 16th hole. The prop that typically draws the most attention is whether there will be a hole-in-one on No. 16, which currently sits around +105 for a single ace. Over the past nine years, six featured at least one hole-in-one there.
Another intriguing angle is the +120 for two or more holes-in-one during the tournament. If you enjoy cheering for jaw-dropping moments, these props can be a blast.
Other Special Markets
For those who love digging into deeper betting options, the “W/O the Big 5” market excludes the top dogs — Scheffler, McIlroy, Morikawa, Rahm, and Aberg — and can yield some interesting picks. DeChambeau and Schauffele lead that list at +1200, which means if one of those big guns ends up winning, you still have a separate pool of golfers you can cash in on.
Key Betting Trends
“Sticky” Tournament
The Masters tends to be “sticky,” meaning once a player shows they can contend at Augusta, they often do it again. Experience and comfort level on these greens matter. Pay attention to guys who have posted a string of top finishes.
Experience is Key
Newcomers rarely win. It’s not impossible, but it’s so uncommon that many bettors avoid rookies or first-timers altogether. Even if a debutant looks impressive, a top 20 might be safer than an outright.
World Ranking
Most Masters champs are inside the top 30 in the world. The odds of someone outside that echelon sneaking in and winning aren’t zero, but history suggests you should be wary of massive longshots.
Left-Handed Advantage
Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson have proven over and over that being a lefty at Augusta can be a game-changer. Watch guys like Bhatia who could leverage that advantage.
The Picks Are In — Now Let’s Watch Some Golf
Ultimately, betting on the Masters should be fun. It’s about upping the ante on a tournament that’s already brimming with high-stakes drama. As always, bet responsibly, take any guaranteed “lock” with a grain of salt (because in golf, there’s no such thing), and soak in every minute of the broadcast.
Whether you’re in it for the odds, the tradition, or the chance to see a legendary shot on the 16th, the Masters is a celebration of everything we love about golf.
All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.