2009 Masters Golf Betting Preview
The most exciting day in golf betting is finally upon us: the Masters odds. This year’s trip to Augusta National may be the most anticipated in years thanks to a plethora of interesting storylines entering the event. Will Tiger put the cherry on top of his long road back from a broken leg? Will Lefty overcome his virus? Will Sergio end his years of suffering?Online betting fans are in for a treat this weekend. Let’s break down the biggest names to watch and where your PGA betting picks are best spent come Thursday.
TIGER WOODS
Sportsbook odds: +150
It’s safe to say Tiger’s rust is long gone. In fact, he couldn’t have any more momentum entering the Masters odds. Upon returning from a broken leg that sidelined him from June 2008 until early 2009, Tiger showed a bit of rust, struggling at the World Match Play Championship. A few weeks later at the WGC-CA Championship, something clicked for him on Sunday. He didn’t win the tourney but he raised eyebrows with a sizzling back nine and left many sportsbook players picking him to win his next tournament, the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Tiger did exactly that; he wowed golf betting fans with a dramatic Sunday comeback and stole the event from Sean O’Hair with a dramatic putt on the 18th hole. Entering Masters betting, he’s back at the top of his game, particularly on the green. He’s a heavy sportsbook favorite for good reason.
Online betting tip: Don’t overthink this one. Tiger has by far the best odds to win and has four straight top-threes at Augusta, so picking him is the smart move.
GEOFF OGILVY
Sportsbook odds: +1500
No golfer has been better in 2009. We’ve just started April and Ogilvy already has two wins and another top-three under his belt. His torrid putting should keep him in the hunt in the Masters odds and he has a major under his belt, so he won’t be easily rattled.
Online betting tip: Ogilvy is on fire and definitely offers better value than Tiger, but he struggles at Augusta, finishing between 16th and 39th over the last three seasons. He may not be as hot of a sportsbook pick as everyone thinks.
PHIL MICKELSON
Sportsbook odds: +700
Mickelson has the second best odds to win the Masters, but does he deserve that honor? He does have a win this season but he’s struggled of late, having missed the cut last week. It seems he hasn’t fully shaken off the effects of a virus that afflicted him last month. He has cracked the top 10 in nine his last 10 trips to Augusta, however, so he can’t be counted out.
Online betting tip: On one hand, Mickelson could be a nice “underdog”; the last time he missed the cut before playing the Masters, he finished third. However, he’s far too risky for a No. 2 overall favorite and won’t give you a big enough reward for picking him. Avoid Lefty.
RETIEF GOOSEN
Sportsbook odds: +2800
If you don’t want to pick Tiger this week, keep reading. Retief Goosen has four top-three finishes at Augusta in his last five starts there. He also has a win, another top-three, and no missed cuts this PGA betting season. Toss in his two U.S. Open titles and Goosen, with his nerves of steel, is a major contender to win the Masters odds.
Online betting tip: Look at that value! He’s extremely tough to ignore in Masters betting. If you have any doubts about Tiger or feel like going for a bigger win, I can’t endorse Goosen enough.
PADRAIG HARRINGTON
Sportsbook odds: +1600
We can’t talk about Masters betting favorites without including the man who won the last two majors. Harrington hasn’t been lights out in 2009, but he has a respectable track record at Augusta, including top-10 finishes in the last two years. When the going gets tough, Harrington gets going, though many online betting fans are wondering how he’ll play with Tiger back in the field.
Online betting tip: You certainly could do worse than picking Harrington. He’s not the most exciting pick out there but he’s a pretty safe bet to crack the top 10.
No Sergio? Sorry…he just isn’t playing well enough for anyone to take a flier on him right. Other golfers to consider are: Paul Casey (+2800), Rory McIlroy (+3300), Ernie Els (+3300), Steve Stricker (+6600) and Mike Weir (+6600).
2 replies on “2009 The Masters Preview/Picks”
I really like the value with Goosen. He has the track record here and although he hasn’t performed well after winning those two US Opens, I think he breaks through with a green jacket.
He plays well at Augusta so you have to assume that he’ll be in the mix on Sunday.
This is one of the best Masters fields in recent memory. There are so many story lines and with Tiger coming off his first victory of the year, it could be another classic. Personally I hope Ernie Els wins his first Masters, he’s one of the best golfers who hasn’t worn the green jacket. I made a list on my site of who I think is the favorite to win this year: You can vote which changes the rank of each golfer, and if you don’t agree with my picks you can add your own.