Maybe it’s the excitement of golf’s first major. Maybe it’s the decades of tradition at the same course. Maybe it’s the endless lush grass and colorful blooms after months of drab and cold winter.
But The Masters tournament is a special time for fans. This year, it’s not just the dudes swinging the clubs who’ll be sweating the shots. This year, it’s legal to bet in New Jersey.
Thursday morning, they’ll gather along the fairways at Augusta National and watch the world’s best duel it out for the fabled green jacket. Here’s a little primer to help you decide which way to wager.
The Tiger effect
I was in college when millions like me watched a ball creep across a green and hang on the hole lip for what seemed like an eternity before dropping. In 2005, Tiger Woods won his third Masters tournament, the last time he triumphed in Augusta.
Could the stars align for the phenomenal one again? Bettors like his chances.
Most books have Tiger in the top 5, priced around +1400 to win. The best price appears to be at FanDuel Sportsbook, where he’s +1800.
As of Monday morning, he had the most volume at 10.5 percent of total bets at FD. Tiger also appears to be the bettors’ choice at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Playing favorites
So if the players like Tiger, who do the oddsmakers like to win? They’ve mostly gone with the pride of Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy heads most boards at around +700. Caesars and PlayMGM have him at +800 as first choice.
The only major outlet that has picked another favorite is Resorts. They’ve installed Dustin Johnson as a +1000 favorite, the highest price available in the state, while McIlroy is second choice at +1200.
Odds boosts
This is a big event which means there are chances to make some extra money — or get some back — from the books.
BetStars is offering another super boost for Tiger Woods. Bet $10 for 100-1 odds and +2000 for every dollar after that.
FanDuel has upped the winnings for their Mega Eagle Tournament. Select players for a shot at $200,000 or a share of the million dollar pool. If Tiger wins, all entry fees will be refunded, including those who cash.
Rory currently has an odds boost at FanDuel, moving his winner’s price from +650 to +800 for a max bet of $50.
888Sport has a nice payback offer for patriotic fans. Bet any of the last five US-born champs (Tiger, Spieth, Mickleson, Bubba Watson, and Patrick Reed), and if they lose, bets get returned as credits, up to $50.
DraftKings have offered the Birdie Boost for those who have at least $25 on the Day 1 leader. Players can earn $2 for each birdie that golfer makes in the subsequent rounds.
