It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time to turn our attention back to the iconic Augusta National for the US Masters once again. Perhaps it’s because last year’s tournament was severely delayed due to the global coronavirus pandemic and was only played out in early November, concluding golf’s major calendar for 2020 rather than getting the ball rolling as it traditionally does.
Nonetheless, the quick turnaround will have golf fans all around the world rubbing their hands in anticipation and thoroughly scouring the betting exchange in the hunt for their favorite golfer or who they think is going to pull on the famous Green Jacket come to the end of the play.
What’s even more exciting about the Masters this time around is that it will have a much more normal feel about it. Augusta had an eerie vibe last November as spectators were not allowed to step foot on the hallowed turf. However, this year, a limited number of fans will be back in attendance, and of course, the tournament will return to its more suited springtime date.
For the professionals, the task at hand is always the same: winning. Those who had a bad tournament a few months ago need to put that behind them, whilst those who played well need to build upon that this time around.
So, as the countdown to the Masters begins, let’s take a look at the early favorites for the tournament. Read on to find out more!
Dustin Johnson – 11/2*
Dustin Johnson is certainly the man to beat at Augusta this year. He went about his business in fantastic fashion back in November, carding a record-breaking 20-under-par to win the tournament by five shots clear of Cameron Smith and Sungjae Im. The World No. 1 recently won the Saudi International and will be brimming with confidence heading back to Georgia to defend his crown.
Rory McIlroy – 10/1*
It’s somewhat hard to fathom how Rory McIlroy is continuously close to the top end of the outright betting markets ahead of major tournaments. There’s no doubt that the Northern Irishman has the knack to win major titles. However, 2014 was the last time he delivered on the biggest stages, as he won the PGA Championship and the Open. The World No. 8, who has a packed schedule between now and Augusta, has largely struggled with consistency, and his form so far this year has left much to be desired.
Jon Rahm – 10/1*
Like McIlroy, Jon Rahm is always there or thereabouts when it comes to betting on the majors. The Spaniard is ranked second in the world, but he is yet to get his hands on one of the big four titles. In the build-up to the majors, there is always a sense that now will be his time. However, that’s yet to become a reality. Rahm carded a respectable 10-under back in November, leaving him tied for seventh. Although, whilst he’d love to build on that this year, he might withdraw from the Masters due to the birth of his first child, which he has refused to miss.
Bryson DeChambeau – 12/1*
After annihilating Winged Foot to win the US Open by some six strokes last September, fans and professionals alike were worried that Bryson DeChambeau was going to rock up to Augusta and make a mockery of the course with his controversial style of play. However, it was quite the opposite, and the 27-year-old was eaten up by the challenges of the historic course. Two over-par rounds resulted in World No. 10 carding a final score of -2, meaning he was somehow behind ‘DJ’ at the top of the leaderboard.
Justin Thomas (12/1*), Brooks Koepka (12/1*), and Jordan Spieth (14/1*) are all also in the running.
*All odds correct at the time of writing
