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2023 Masters Odds: Don’t Ignore The Longshots
As one of the most anticipated golf events of the year, the Masters is always a thrilling spectacle for golf fans and bettors. With big-name players like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy typically grabbing the headlines as Masters favorites, it can be easy to overlook the value in betting on underdogs or dark horses when sizing up the 2023 Masters odds.
However, this year may be the perfect opportunity to look closely at those overlooked players. Whether it’s an up-and-coming talent or a seasoned veteran who has been overlooked, there are always players who have the potential to surprise everyone and rock the 2023 Masters odds boards.
The Top Masters Betting Sites
2023 Masters Odds
As the tournament kicks off this week, Jon Rahm holds the coveted No. 1 spot in the 2023 Masters odds. The reigning champion, Scottie Scheffler, sits at No. 2, closely followed by Xander Schauffele, Rory McIlroy, and Tony Finau.
Renowned golfers from LIV Golf, like Cam Smith, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka, will be joining in on the action. However, LIV’s defeat in the DP World Tour lawsuit in the UK and ongoing battle with the PGA may prevent their return next year.
Following the extended tee box, the par-5 13th hole at Augusta National now measures as the longest, at 7,545 yards in a par 72 course. The size and layout of Augusta’s fairways provide an advantage for golfers with powerful drives, as they are afforded additional room for maneuvering the ball. This is usually where golfers with a lot of driving power, like Scheffler, gain an edge.
The Dark Horses
While many fans and bettors tend to focus on the top-ranked players, it is important to consider the Masters dark horses. These players may not be the favorites, but they have a real shot at winning if they can bring their A-game.
Shane Lowry is low in the Masters golf odds, getting around 60-1 this week. However, the statistics show he has a good shot at beating those odds to win the event. Golf analyst Justin Ray recently pointed out that, since 2015, a player’s approach game is significantly more important than his performance on the green.
At 36%, the approach play can account for the greatest improvement in the number of strokes, according to Ray. In the Masters field of almost 90 golfers, Lowry ranks 17 in terms of approach performance. If he beats the statistics this week, his odds to win the Masters will greatly improve.
There are others that also have to be considered:
- Tommy Fleetwood: 70-1. He finished in 14th place last year and has found a lot of success in most majors.
- Patrick Reed: 75-1. A former Masters winner who switched to LIV Golf, Reed is going to look to make a statement this year.
- Tiger Woods: 85-1. Notably a master Masters golfer, Woods has also had some difficulty. However, when his golf radar is working properly, he’s unstoppable.
- Tom Hoge: 150-1. When he’s hot, Hoge is very hot. However, much like Woods, he can also be inconsistent. His first couple of attacks on the ball will indicate what’s in store.
Masters Betting Trends
Some of the most memorable moments in Masters history have been fueled by unexpected winners. Hideki Matsuyama did it in 2021, donning the green jacket after beating odds of 60-1.
A year earlier, Dustin Johnson finally picked up his Masters title while facing +1000 odds. While he wasn’t a true outsider in the odds, he wasn’t viewed as a favorite for the event, either. His win came a year after Woods picked up his fifth title as oddsmakers put him at +1400.
Other Longshots and Side Bets We Like
Apart from the outright winner, there are plenty of other 2023 Masters odds to consider this week. One that continues to appear every year on sportsbooks centers on Woods and his race to beat Jack Nicklaus in majors championships. Woods has 15 and needs three more to tie the Golden Bear, but +6000 seems to be too far outside to make it.
Bettors can also wager on final positioning based on nationality, which makes for an intriguing side bet.