The Masters Tournament is a pinnacle event in the world of golf, where the finest players from around the globe compete for the prestigious green jacket. As we gear up for this year's tournament, it's crucial to delve into the statistics and insights that could potentially forecast the performance of key contenders.
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It's hard to look past Scottie Scheffler this week, who has just finished outside the top 10 once in all his starts this season, winning twice at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship. He also boasts course form, having won the Masters two years ago. Since switching to the mallet putter on the back of some advice given by Rory, he has looked unbeatable. He goes off this week at 9/2, a price which is fair but doesn't really attract any value for a golf tournament. He is 1/2 to finish in the top 10, which seems like a cert given his form and resurgence with the putter.
Rory McIlroy has to win the Masters, doesn't he? He's been patiently waiting to complete his career grand slam, which he thoroughly deserves. He's had good prep, with a solo third at the Valero Texas Open (albeit 9 shots back). He has also won in Dubai earlier in the year, and I, for one, hope he gets the monkey off his back this week. He's been at the pinnacle of the game for years, and his recent departure from his role as the leader of the fight against LIV may bode well for him this season, returning his focus to golf. Hopefully, he'll have the luck of the Irish with him and return a 10/1 winner.
Our next pick is Xander Schauffele. He's been in good form this year, posting four top 5's and coming close to winning, dueling Scheffler down the stretch at Bay Hill, ultimately coming up short. Most people, including myself, feel like he is long overdue for a major win. His all-around game is impressive, boasting good scrambling and ball-striking stats which have combined to make him the second-best scorer on tour this season. At 16/1, he seems like a good value punt.
Next up, Joaquin Niemann. You'll get him at 25/1 to win this week. He has struggled around Augusta on previous appearances but seems to be in the form of his life. Further to this, there seems to be a great storyline around him building this week after getting one of three special invites to play this week. He's won three times this year, twice on LIV in Mayakoba (shooting a 59 in the process) and Jeddah, and at the Australian Open.
Last but not least is Corey Conners, everyone's favorite Canadian. You'll get him at 66/1 to win. He's had good form at Augusta, finishing in the Top 10 in 2020, 2021, and 2022 before missing the cut last year. He's second this season on GIR% indicating great ball striking but has been let down by his putter. His course form indicates he feels very comfortable on the undulating greens of Augusta. He's finished in the top 25 in each of his last 3 starts and he's 21/10 to finish inside the top 20 this week.
Some other golfers that have caught the eye this season are Ludvig Aberg (25/1), who has taken the golf world by storm after winning the European Masters and his rookie performance in the Ryder Cup. He has 1 runner-up this season and 3 top 10s.
Matthieu Pavon (200/1) won for the first time on the PGA tour this year at the Farmers Insurance Open, followed by finishing 3rd the very next week. A rookie has not won the Masters since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 but Matthieu might have some luck on his side. His mother Beatrice, visiting the Masters back in 2009, buried something on the grounds to give her son a bit of luck if he were to ever play there. Does it matter? Probably not.
Summary:
Rory McIlroy - 10/1 WIN
Xander Schauffle - 14/1 EW *
Jaoquin Niemann - 25/1 EW *
Corey Conners Top 20 - 21/10
Outsiders:
Ludvig Aberg - 25/1 EW
Matthieu Pavon - 200/1 EW
Odds are 8 places with Bet 365