Whether you are a weekly golf watcher (and punter) or whether it is only the majors that really tickle your fancy the US Masters can usually get even the most infrequent golf watchers to throw an eye at the telly over the weekend. Here’s what to expect from Augusta, Georgia this coming weekend.
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT
One of the four majors (the main annual events in golf, similar to grand slams in tennis), the US Master is the only one of these big events to be hosted at the same venue each year – Augusta National. The course was the brain child of Bobby Jones with his vision of replicating the majesty and prestige of St Andrews in America. The Masters brings with it a lot of tradition and customs (ex. the champions dinner, the Par 3 tournament, the famous green jacket and the caddies wearing white overalls) and for most golfers an invite to the biggest dance of them all is the pinnacle of their golfing calendar, let alone even being in contention on Sunday.
THE LAY OF THE LAND
It might be an historic course but renovations and updates means that Augustus plays long and hard (fairways have also been narrowed). The greens are notoriously tough yet big hitters tend to pounce on the Par5’s to ensure the winning score often gets around the -10 mark. Tall trees line the majority of the course yet stats seem to suggest that it is not necessarily the straightest driver that brings home the bacon – Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson (both multiple times) are proof that the wilder ones are not without a chance here. It appears that a long bomber capable of throwing accurate iron darts at the pin has a better chance than most of dining out with a green jacket for the remainder of the year. There have been a fewfirst time major winners at the Masters, yet previous course form is also usually a very good indicator to use when making a selection.
CONTENDERS & PRETENDERS
Let’s scan through the top 10 on the betting boards
Rory
Five top ten’s in as many years. Fantastic recent form as well as what seems a new, more relaxed demeanour. Rory rates as one of the bigger hitters on tour. (Contender)
Dustin
Tenth, fourth and sixth in last three outings at Augusta. Produced a good recent win to put him back on top of the favourites board. His big dog barks arguably the loudest of all and it’s just a question of whether the putter can behave for four rounds. I think he will have a bad round or two, or one too many errand shots to go with the odd putting slip-up. (Pretender)
Rose
Five consecutive top 20’s (two of those 2nd places). The current World No1 definitely rates as one of those Augusta specialists. Decent form in 2019, good distance off the tee and a European who won’t have too many issues with some wind. (Contender)
Woods
No recent Augusta form to speak of due to limited appearances at full fitness in past 5 years. No one can argue with his record and he has shown recently that he is getting back to a high level. I just can’t back him to maintain a strong effort on one of the most challenging courses in the world as there are just too many little nagging things around his swing and game at present. (Pretender)
Rahm
Fourth and 27th in only two attempts. The Spaniard showed last year that he has mastered the course and could be a runner here as he is one of those players who is naturally able to move the ball both ways. (Contender)
Fowler
Fowler’s name seems to rise to the top in almost every major of late and yet he just hasn’t been able get the job done. Enjoys this course and current form isn’t bad but there just isn’t enough of indication that things will be different this time around for Ricky. (Pretender)
Thomas
Finished 17th and 22nd in previous visits. Can clearly play the course and is one of those students of the game with a steely determination. Reminds a bit of Speith. (Contender)
Speith
Third, 11th, Second, Winner and Second since 2014. The Master himself – it seems Jordan’s game was tailor made for this patch of land. Currently going through some struggles he can surely not turn things around in only one week. (Pretender)
Molinari
Best performance was scraping a top 20 and that was when he was in hot form. Not expecting much from the Italian in 2019. (Pretender)
Koepka
Many’s favourite to go well here since he has been the form man in the majors the past year (winning the US Open and the PGA Championship). Finished 33rd In 2015, 21st in 2016 and 11th in 2017 the progressive form fans will be salivating at Brooks keeping his steady improvement and confidence at Augusta going. He’s proven he has nerves of steel and doesn’t yet have a mental block around not being able to get the job done around here. Has to be a runner. (Contender)
FINAL BETTING VERDICT – BET HERE
It might sound like a cop-out but there is just no getting away from the man right at the top of the betting boards. Course form, recent form and what seems the ability to handle whatever this course could throw at the player over the four days.
FINAL BETTING VERDICT
It might sound like a cop-out but there is just no getting away from the man right at the top of the betting boards. Course form, recent form and what seems the ability to handle whatever this course could throw at the player over the four days.
To win Outright – Rory McIlroy @ 7.75
There are few things consistent about Bubba Watson’s swing (or personality one might say) but he does seem to routinely enjoy playing his best golf at the Masters. Lefties seem to enjoy how Augusta is laid out and I reckon we are getting this lefty at a decent price to pick up his third Masters title.
To win Outright – Bubba Watson @ 32.00
Not expecting a top ten from Speith or Woods means there is some space for another yank to finish near the top. In case Bubba loses the plot early I would like to have another interest on someone that I think will keep me in the running for the entire event. Enter Koepka.
Top American – Brooks Koepka @ 12.00
Leishman was right in the mix last year whilst the likes of Day and Scott go into this one a far cry from their very best.
Top Australian – Marc Leishman @ 3.40
I will have a go at a one 72 Hole Match-ups:
Then a speculative play on Leader after First Round:
