Masters Golf 2017 Tips and Betting Advice
Golf’s first and arguably most prestigious major event gets under way on Thursday as the elite players tee off at the Masters in Augusta.
As always, there will be plenty of up and downs over the four days as the course organisers try to push the golfers to their limits.
Pre-tournament favourite Dustin Johnson suffered a fall on Wednesday which could put his participation in peril. Even if he plays, there will be doubts if he can perform at the top level while carrying an injury, so punters may decide to look elsewhere.
Spaniard Jon Rahm has burst onto the scene this year and has already got tongues wagging ahead of his Master debut. But could he really do a Fuzzy Zoeller and win on his Augusta debut? Not since Rory McIlroy teed off in 2009 has there been so much anticipation about a first-timer. A Farmers Insurance Open win in January and six top-10 finishes in his last eight events has put the 22-year-old firmly on the golfing map.
As a result of his storming season, Rahm has risen to No. 14 in the rankings and to fourth on the FedEx Cup leader board. There is something alluring about watching such a talented young player stepping onto this course with nothing to lose and although he is priced a touch short for a rookie, he will definitely be attracting plenty of each-way interest.
Phil Mickleson has found some form this season and at 46 years of age, is still holding his own in the world’s top 20 rankings. With 25 Masters’ appearances under his belt and three green jackets gained (2004, 2006 and 2010), ‘Lefty’ should not be discounted. Few players look as at ease when tackling this course and if he can stay in contention, he certainly has the mentality to push on the final day.
Another player who will be popular amongst punters this year is Hideki Matsuyama. The World No. 4 is bidding to become the first Japanese player to win a major and is coming into the event on the back of a strong 12 months that included a win at the Phoenix Open. He has wobbled a bit in recent weeks but if he can rekindle some of his form from the back end of last year, he could be in with a chance. What’s more, he demonstrated his confidence on this course with a seventh place last year and a fifth place in 2015.
If you are looking for a long shot, look no further than Hudson Swafford. At 250/1 with Betfair, the rookie looks like exceptional value for a speculative punt. The 29-year-old drives well and has respectable GIR statistics. With three top 10s under his belt in 2017, his confidence will be high. Those looking at the top 10, each-way and to debutant markets could do a lot worse.
Masters Golf 2017 Tips
- Jon Rahm 28/1
- Phil Mickleson 28/1
- Hideki Matsuyama 20/1
- Hudson Swafford 250/1
All Betfair prices correct at time of writing.