Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson headline this year’s rendition of the 2021 Masters, as the two are deadlocked as betting co-favorites at +950.
Johnson, who won last year’s tournament shooting a record-low -20, will tee off alongside the aforementioned DeChambeau, and the 2020 PGA Championship winner, Collin Morikawa (+2900), at 7:40 a.m. ET on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth, the 2015 winner, is tied with the third-best odds after an impressive showing last weekend at the Texas Open.
He and Justin Thomas opened at +1100, with Jon Rahm a click behind at +1200, followed by Rory Mcllroy (+1900) and Patrick Cantlay (+2200).
Brooks Koepka is a rather distant +2800, as a recent knee surgery has spurned bettors away from the 2019 runner-up.
Playing a favorite
It’s always nice when you can get nearly 10:1 on one of the betting favorites — which is exactly what you’re in store for this weekend at Augusta National.
Despite the gaudy numbers Johnson put up back in the Fall, the reigning champion is still a fine value play at +950.
He dominated this course just five months ago, shooting an uncanny 20-under en route to a landslide victory.
I see no reason why he wouldn’t be worth a hefty play this weekend, so long as his short game doesn’t betray him like in year’s past.
I also like the prospects of Justin Thomas to get off the snide this weekend, as his mistake-free approach should serve him well in a tournament as open as this one.
It’s only a matter of time before Thomas dawns a green jacket, so why not now?
The Picks: Dustin Johnson +950, Justin Thomas +1100
Longshots to consider
If you’re looking to take a deeper dive, I tend to look for experienced players with majors experience and pedigree.
Ipso facto, players like Patrick Reed (2018 Masters winner) and Tony Finau (four top-5 Major finishes since 2018) could make for good value at +3200, and +3500, respectively.
Moreover, it’s hard to dismiss Koepka’s recent successes on the big stage, but his knee injury certainly concerns me on such short notice.
He’ll be a name to monitor in the early rounds, and if he looks like his typical self, I’d be happy to take him live at a similar number.
Cheers to a fun weekend.
