With the Masters set to tee off on April 9th in Augusta, the buzz around early betting picks is heating up. Our expert, Brady Kannon, who regularly analyzes golf betting for CBS Sportsline and SportsGrid, has compiled a list of six solid contenders based on recent performances and course histories. This early betting guide isn’t just about guessing; it’s about understanding which players’ current form and course compatibility give them a real shot at donning the green jacket.
Why West Coast Tournaments Matter More Than You Think
One common mistake in early Masters betting is overlooking the predictive value of specific tournaments. Events like the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua and the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club have a track record of spotlighting players who perform well at Augusta. For example, Jacob Bridgeman’s victory at Riviera has him listed between 60- and 70-1 for the Masters. While Kannon didn’t place a bet on Bridgeman or Rory McIlroy (who finished runner-up at Riviera), he did focus on top-15 finishers from that event—underscoring the importance of strong showings on certain golf courses.
Current Form: The Real Indicator
Strong recent finishes and wins carry more weight than reputation alone. Hideki Matsuyama, a Masters champion and two-time Phoenix Open winner, was Kannon’s first bet at 39-1 after a promising start in Phoenix. Although Matsuyama’s recent struggles off the tee have affected his form, the wide fairways of Augusta could mitigate that weakness. Similarly, Patrick Reed’s resurgence on the DP World Tour, where he has two wins and a runner-up in a three-week span, makes his 35-1 odds attractive given his flawless Masters cut record and multiple top-10 finishes.
Why Australian Players Are Worth Watching
Australia’s Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee stand out in this betting guide. Scott, a former Masters winner, has been consistent this season with strong finishes at Riviera and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Lee’s powerful game and short game finesse fit the Augusta profile well. His recent runner-up at Pebble Beach and other top finishes suggest he’s ready to contend. Both players’ odds have tightened, with Scott moving from 125-1 down to around 80-100-1 and Lee from 80-1, signaling growing market confidence.
Adding Big Names: Morikawa and Spieth
Brady Kannon also included Collin Morikawa and Jordan Spieth in his early picks. Morikawa, a 30-1 contender, has shown consistency at Augusta with no missed cuts in six appearances and a recent win at Pebble Beach. Spieth, found at 60-1 initially, has been steadily improving with top finishes at Riviera and Bay Hill, making his odds a value pick if his current momentum continues.
How This Early Betting Guide Works and What It Means
This early betting guide uses recent tournament results, course history, and player form to identify value bets before the Masters. The strategy here is not to overload on picks—six or seven futures are enough given the Masters’ smaller field and the fact that only around 30 players realistically have a shot at winning. This approach balances risk and reward, helping bettors avoid diluted profits and focus on contenders with proven consistency at courses similar to Augusta.
What to Watch Next
Keep an eye on players’ performances at the upcoming Valspar Championship and other late-season tune-ups. Jordan Spieth’s start at Valspar and Morikawa’s health status after a recent back issue will influence their odds. As the Masters draw closer, shifts in betting lines will reveal where the market sees real value, so staying updated is key for serious bettors. For a broader view, explore our coverage of PGA Tour player profiles and rankings.
All facts and quotes are credited to their originating outlets. Learn more about our sourcing policy.