masters preview

Masters Preview

Seven months. Seven long months. That’s how far overdue the 84th Masters Tournament is, but if it’s anything like the magical major that took place last April, it’s going to be worth the wait when it all gets under way on Thursday.

It doesn’t seem long ago that (arguably) the greatest ever to do it, Tiger Woods, was strolling towards the final green to a standing ovation, en route to winning his fifth Green Jacket and his 15th golfing major. Often high in drama, always high in quality. More of the same please.

Grosvenor Sport are paying out a super SEVEN places on the Masters, so we’ve taken a look at seven players who could make their mark around Augusta this week.

THE CHAMPIONS

Bryson DeChambeau (7/1)

This man sits at the top of the market and is a worthy favourite after blowing away the field to claim the US Open back in September.

Using a combination of brute strength and sports science, the 27-year-old has become a golfing sensation and has nothing to fear around the Augusta course, especially considering his T21 finish as an amateur in 2016.

Setting the bar highest this year in several categories, including the longest average drive, the current leader of the FedExCup standings looks in great shape to take his second major of 2020.

The world number six is available at an enhanced 15/2 for win only, but you can also take the in-form American at 15/8 for a top-5 finish and Evens to make the top 10.

Collin Morikawa (33/1)

It was a bit of a surprise when 23-year-old Morikawa claimed the PGA Championship in August, but not a huge shock to those who have followed the progress of the young American.

He began his career with 22 consecutive made cuts on the PGA Tour, a record only bettered by Tiger Woods – so he’s in elite company.

The cons are Morikawa has only been a pro for 17 months and this will be his debut around Augusta, but he’s world number four for a reason and doesn’t believe inexperience will stand in his way.

Warming up for the Masters with a sixth-placed finish at the Tour Championship in September, Morikawa is a tasty 33/1 for a second major, and there might not be many more opportunities to grab him at that price.

Tiger Woods (40/1)

Can you rule him out? Woods’ 2020 win was labelled by many as the greatest comeback in sporting history after overcoming injuries, personal problems and controversy to land one more big prize.

There’s not much to say about Tiger that hasn’t already been said. He’s not on the top of his game coming into this one, but it’s hard to go toe-to-toe when he turns it on.

A 40/1 shot to win major number 16, the 44-year-old is also 11/8 to squeeze into the top 20.

Look out for our Grosvenor Sport Special Offers too – we’re offering 15/2 that a former winner reclaims the title. That includes the likes of Tiger, Patrick Reed, Sergio Garcia and a man we’ll discuss very shortly. So read on!

nearly men

THE NEARLY MEN

Xander Schauffele (14/1)

Schauffele’s time is coming. It just has to. Another great American hope, the Californian has a series of near misses and after finishing runner-up to Tiger last year, there’s a good chance that he can finally go one better.

In this year’s majors, Schauffele finished fifth at the US Open and T10 at the USPGA – and he’s landed no fewer than six top-6 finishes in majors since 2017.

A consistently strong scorer in 2020 – third on the tour behind DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson – it’s hard to see past four solid rounds and an each-way bet looks a good thing here, especially with Grosvenor Sport paying out seven places.

Tony Finau (28/1)

Much like Schauffele, Tony Finau has come close on numerous occasions to breaking his majors duck. And if he’s going to win one, Augusta seems a likely destination – he simply thrives around this course.

T10 two years ago and T5 a year later, further progression is on the cards for the 31-year-old. And to think that effort in 2018 came after dislocating his ankle in the Par 3 contest.

This year, the form still stacks up. He always gives himself a chance on the Par 5s, one reason why he’s fourth in average scoring this year. He’s another of the game’s big hitters, averaging around 315 yards off the tee, and you can snap him up at 28/1 to claim the iconic Green Jacket.

THE LONGSHOTS

Adam Scott (40/1)

If you’re after the bigger odds, then it can pay to look at those with course know-how and previous success at the Masters. Adam Scott certainly fits the bill.

In 2013, Scott became the first and only Australian to win the Masters, defeating Angel Cabrera in a play-off. In the two years prior, he finished T2 and T8, registered another top-10 finish in 2018 and was T18 last year – he’s 11/8 with Grosvenor Sport for another top-20 finish.

But we see no reason why he can’t make even more of an impact. Scott’s had a very good 2020, winning his 14th PGA Tour event in February’s Genesis Invitational and sitting 15th in the official world rankings.

Despite turning 40 this year, Scott is showing no signs of decline and 40/1 for an Augusta expert – and a consistent performer at all four majors – seems like a slice of value.

Paul Casey (70/1)

We had to throw a Brit into the mix and we’re coming down on Casey, a man often in the mix for a major and the Green Jacket.

The 43-year-old hasn’t had a great 2020 but he has saved his best for the two majors, tying for 2nd in the USPGA and securing a top-20 finish at the US Open – made even more impressive when you consider he shot a disappointing 76 in the opening round.

He’s another who’s enjoyed it here over the years, with five top-10 finishes, including three consecutively between 2015 and 2017 – and a further three top-20 efforts.

Casey said he “feels like a kid in a candy store” whenever he visits Augusta, so a bet on the experienced Englishman could be like taking candy from a baby at 70/1. And for such a consistent performer at the Masters, 9/4 on another top-20 finish also looks like value.

So there you have it. We’ve flagged a few up, but you don’t need to take our advice – just swing by to Grosvenor Sport and take a shot at any of our multiple Masters markets. Good luck!

*All stated odds correct at time of writing

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