PGA Handicapping – Betting the Masters

Betting the Masters – Top Contenders in Great Form as they Tee it Up at Augusta

For nearly a decade starting in 2003, I provided golf insight, analysis and match-up selections on PGA events with special interest in the four major championships. I did a weekly radio show in Las Vegas and nationally on Wednesday’s providing golf insight and tips, and I often contacted and corresponded with golf professionals, course superintendents, golf writers, journalists, media personnel and other handicappers and golf insiders including Jeff Sherman at the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas, where he sets the golf odds and match-ups. I enjoyed studying and learning more about the players, courses and game to provide additional information, insight and winning sports and golf information.

Golf bettors have relied on me to carry the bag, make the shots and read the greens to make more birdies in the pursuit of profit. But in recent seasons including 2016, I’ve lightened my load for golf handicapping but still get on the tee and fire for the green as time permits. Thus, I’ve had more inquiries in recent weeks about my golf insight and I thought I’d provide a few thoughts and direction where you can get more Masters coverage from other experts.

Here is a link to a Masters form guide provided by a golf journalist and person I previously corresponded with for golf insight. Bruce has always responsive to my requests and questions and provides solid insight into the players along with their strengths, weaknesses and ability to perform on certain golf courses. As a Australian, Bruce also provides insight on the Australian’s on Tour and their chances in weekly events including the Masters.

Another good read is Ben Coley at Sportinglife.com. He likes Ricky Fowler at more playable odds than some of the big favorites this week and I too think Fowler’s game is going good and should be considered a solid contender this week. But in looking at the field this year, there are many top-tier golfers and players in great current form.

As my namesake suggests, I’ll be taking a shot in the Masters this week and take a swing with Big Bertha in some match-ups and fire out a few win bets. As in the past, I’m often contacted about my thoughts on players I believe will win or contend, including long shots for bettors looking for a big score. The majors also provide some solid proposition betting opportunities in addition to head-to-head match-up wagering.

I’ve noted in the past that it’s difficult to pick tournament winners each week and should you decide to fire a few win bets I could only recommend a very small portion of your bankroll while continuing to focus on match-up wagers and some prop bets including round-by-round player over/under scores.

Once again this year, the Fairway’s are manicured to perfection at Augusta, and the Par 5’s and longer Par 4’s will give the bigger hitters an advantage. But experience is essential with the heavily sloped greens and tricky 3-6 foot sloped putts causing many players to leave the Augusta greens in anguish.

Here are some Fairway Favorites, contenders and longshots along with a match-up of interest for this week’s Masters tournament at Augusta National. Reach me as needed for additional plays and inquiries at [email protected].

Head to head match-up

Justin Rose over Louis Oosthuizen.  Bet up sharply to a -150 favorite.

Fairway Favorites (25-1 or less) -Jason Day, Ricky Fowler, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Henrik Stenson

Fairway Longshots – Paul Casey, Sergio Garcia, Brooks Koepka, Matt Kuchar, Marc Leishman, Ryan Moore, Brandt Snedeker, Jimmy Walker, Danny Willett (Look to bet each way, top-5 or top-10 at odds also)

Other contenders to consider – Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson

Leaving behind – Jordan Spieth, Bubba Watson

Current odds to win the 2016 Masters for the top contenders – from Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas

ODDS TO WIN:

JORDAN SPIETH            8/1

RORY McILROY             8/1

JASON DAY               13/2

BUBBA WATSON            10/1

DUSTIN JOHNSON          15/1

JUSTIN ROSE             20/1

ADAM SCOTT              12/1

RICKIE FOWLER           15/1

PHIL MICKELSON          15/1

HENRIK STENSON          20/1

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA        30/1

BROOKS KOEPKA           60/1

MATT KUCHAR             60/1

SERGIO GARCIA           60/1

JIMMY WALKER            60/1

PATRICK REED            30/1

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN        30/1

ZACH JOHNSON            40/1

BRANDT SNEDEKER         50/1

PAUL CASEY              60/1

CHARL SCHWARTZEL        40/1

DANNY WILLETT           50/1

MARC LEISHMAN       60-1