Well, we’ve arrived at one of my favorite weeks of the year: Masters week. Not only is it my favorite golf tournament, but it’s one of my favorite events to bet on. Thus, I’m sharing some of my picks for this year’s tournament with you, since I made such great picks for Tiger V. Phil.
The Favorites: Rory McIlroy (7:1)
Look. I get it. He’s the favorite. But let’s face it, Rory has been one of the hottest players on Tour of late, and his game is firing. He won the Players, had a top-10 at the Arnold Palmer, and finished runner-up at the WGC in Mexico. He needs this one to complete the career Grand Slam, and while he’s choked away a Green Jacket (among a bevy of other tournaments) in the past, this is the year I think he gets it done.
Second Choice: Tiger Woods (14-1) – I mean, how can you not pull for Tiger here.
Middle of the Pack: Paul Casey (30:1), Xander Schauffele (40:1)
For my middle of the pack (25-1 to 100-1 odds), I like Paul Casey and Xander Schauffele. For starters, Casey always seems to hang around at the Majors, missing only one cut since the start of 2017. On top of that, he’s nails at Augusta, without having won. He’s only missed 3 cuts at the Masters since 2004 in 12 appearances. In those 12, he’s got 5 top 10s, and his worst finish was a T-38. Again, he does well at Augusta.
Xander has finished in the Top-25 or better in 11 of his last 12 events going back to last year’s FedEx Cup Playoffs, including wins at the WGC-HSBC Champions and the Tournament of Champions. He’s top-20 on Tour in Strokes Gained Tee To Green and Strokes Gained Putting, and top-5 in Strokes Gained Total. Sure, he was 50th at his first Masters last year, but the kid from SDSU has come a long way since then.
Sleepers: Jimmy Walker (125:1), Matt Fitzpatrick (125:1)
For sleepers, I’m going with Jimmy Walker and Matt Fitzpatrick. I know, I know. Walker has had some health issues that sidelined him, and his game hasn’t been the greatest of late. However, in terms of fantasy golf, etc. I like Jimmy to make the cut as a cheap option. He’s 5 for 5 in cuts made at the Masters, with three Top-20’s. I like him to continue that streak this week.
Matt Fitzpatrick is a longshot who might actually win the damn thing. He’s great around the greens, and when his putter is hot like it has been, he can hang with anyone. Plus, his long game has made some great strides. The 24-year old Brit almost closed out the Arnold Palmer, and has made three straight cuts at Augusta, with a T7 in 2016. If that putter gets hot, look out for Fitzpatrick to make some noise.
Favorite Props: Tiger Woods O/U 15.5 Birdies – Over (+100)
Let’s start with Big Cat. 15.5 birdies. He’s gone over that in 10 of his last 21, and 3 of his last 5. With the golf he’s been playing, it’s hard to pick against him. Plus, I feel like his game lately lends itself to a larger range of both big and small numbers. I’d roll the dice on the over here.
First Round Leader – Charley Hoffman (+3300)
Jordan Spieth has held the first round lead in 3 of the last 4 Masters. The only other person to do so? Charley Hoffman. Plus, I do a fantasy pool every year for the Majors, and he’s always at the top after round one. I don’t know if he will ever hold on to finish one of these off (although he’s come close), but you can always find him at the top of the leaderboard after day one.
Top Amateur – Kevin O’Connell (+800)
I don’t even know who this guy is (no offense Kevin), but look at that last name. Come on.
Well there you have it folks. Again, based on my track record, take this with a grain of salt. With that said, I’ll take thank-you donations if you win. Just don’t come knocking on my door if you lose your life savings. Just remember: Vegas wasn’t built on winners, somebody has to pay to keep those bright lights on.
