Expert picks and betting tips for 2023 Masters
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ESPN staff
The first golf major of the year beings at the 2023 Masters from Augusta National grounds in Georgia. This year, we will get to see PGA Tour and LIV Tour golfers competing against each other. The field is littered with experienced past champions like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth. Let’s not forget defending champion Scottie Scheffler who will be looking to add another major title to his resume.
Where is the betting value? Will the favorites prevail? Our golf and betting experts break down everything thing you need to know to bet the 2023 Masters Tournament.
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Experts’ picks to win | Betting value picks to win | Notable golfers odds | Props and more
Expert picks
Matt Barrie, ESPN
Winner: Scottie Scheffler: it’s eerily similar to last year. He’s the hottest player on the planet, and nothing is too big for the 2022 champ.
Tory Barron, ESPN.com
Winner: Cameron Smith: I’ve always been one for drama, and I think Smith is fervent in his desire to prove the LIV guys can still hang with their former colleagues. On top of that, the reigning Open champion has performed well at Augusta, finishing in the top 10 in four of his past five Masters starts.
Elizabeth Baugh, ESPN.com
Winner: Jordan Spieth: The Jordan Spieth Experience is a roller coaster like none other, but I’m ready to ride. The 2015 champion knows his way around the course, which creative shots he needs to hit and his season is trending toward a big win.
Michael Collins, ESPN.com
Winner: Scottie Scheffler: Even now as the best player in the world, Scottie doesn’t get the respect he deserves — he’s the defending champion. Plus, I want to see him do a Jack Nicklaus move and put the jacket on himself. Ultimate flex!
Michael Eaves, ESPN
Winner: Rory McIlroy: Call me a sucker for a good story, but Rory finally completing the career grand slam would be one of the most memorable moments in recent Masters history. Beyond that, I’m not sure he’s come to Augusta in better form than he’s displayed the last several weeks – his game is definitely Masters ready. It’s just a matter of whether his long-awaited Masters glory is ready for him.
Peter Lawrence-Riddell, ESPN.com
Winner: Collin Morikawa: When he won the Open in 2021 it felt like Morikawa headed toward the top of the golf word, but he hasn’t won a PGA Tour event since. His 2022-23 season is off to an up-and-down start with three top 10s in 10 events — he’s not playing poorly, but he’s not exactly headed to Augusta on fire. But he’s made the cut in all three Masters he’s played in, improving each year from T44 (2020) to T18 (2021) to fifth in 2002. Morikawa should at least stay in contention and hopefully give himself a shot on Sunday.
Andy North, ESPN
Winner: Jordan Spieth: His iron game is in a good place, and he’s a great pitcher and chipper. Great vibe at Augusta.
Mark Schlabach, ESPN.com
Winner: Rory McIlroy: I’m a softie for feel-good stories — and good stories to write about — and there’s not much better than McIlroy completing the career grand slam at the Masters. He seemed to get his driver and putter figured out at match play two weeks ago and if they’re working at Augusta National, I think he finally gets it done.
Curtis Strange, ESPN
Winner: Jon Rahm: He’s extremely talented, strong, and is a good driver and putter. Great combination for this course.
Wright Thompson, ESPN.com
Winner: Tiger Woods: Because that would be the most fun to watch.
Paolo Uggetti, ESPN.com
Winner: Jon Rahm: It hasn’t been that long since Rahm won at Riviera and we were all ready to declare him the favorite at Augusta. Even though what Scheffler has done the last month has been remarkable and McIlroy’s whole season so far has been building up to the Masters, I think the guy who has won three times this season has a decent shot.
Scott Van Pelt, ESPN
Winner: Xander Schauffele: He’s done everything but win a major, and has excellent history at Augusta. This is a venue where I always emphasize past success. It’s important, as I think it shows an understanding of what you have to do. He knows what to do and how to do it — he just has to do thread the needle one of these years.
Betting value picks to win
Our betting experts give you picks to win based on value. We look at the betting board and tell you who has the best chance to cash your ticket.
Anita Marks, ESPN Betting Analyst
Winner: Justin Thomas (22-1)
Why he’ll win: Thomas has made seven cuts in a row at Augusta, and his worst finish in the last five years is 21st place. He comes into this week with strong form from both Riviera and Kapalua. Thomas leads the Tour in strokes gained around the green and has the course knowledge to win on Sunday.
David Bearman, Sports Betting Deputy Editor, ESPN.com
Winner: Rory McIlroy (+700)
Why he’ll win: It’s time. McIlroy has won everything else: Four major titles, three FedEx Cup championships, POY and leading money winner on both PGA and Euro Tours. The one thing he is missing is the green jacket. He’s come close with seven top-10s, including runner up last year and leading after the first three rounds in 2011. He’s in good form with two wins and five top-5s this year worldwide. It’s time.
Tyler Fulghum, ESPN Betting Analyst
Winner: Jason Day (25-1)
Why he’ll win: Day has played incredible golf this season because he’s finally healthy. He’s third on Tour in scoring average (69.488) behind only Jon Rahm (+900) and Scottie Scheffler (+500).
Day will be making his 12th start at Augusta, so he comes equipped with the requisite knowledge of the course often required to win. It’s not like he hasn’t performed well here, either, as evidenced by four top-10 finishes, including T-2 in his debut back in 2011.
Michael Collins, ESPN Betting Analyst
Winner: Tommy Fleetwood (50-1)
Why he’ll win: There’s a great “warm-up” tournament on the PGA Tour’s Florida swing that makes you hit shots you’re going to need at Augusta National Golf Club… and Tommy finished third at the Valspar Championship. He’s played the Masters six times making five cuts, and last year had his best finish T-14.
Doug Kezirian, ESPN Betting Analyst
Winner: Jon Rahm (9-1)
Why he’ll win: We all want to land bigger payouts in the outright market than +900, but it still feels like value for a guy like Rahm. He’s been the best player on tour this season but not priced that way. He leads the tour in scoring average and already has won three times. Plus, in his last five Augusta starts, he has four finishes in the top 10.
Joe Fortenbaugh, ESPN Betting Analyst
Winner: Tony Finau (22-1)
Why he’ll win: Shop around because you can find a better price than the one listed here. “Top-10 Tony” has, per his well-earned nickname, posted three top-10 finishes in five starts at ANGC. More importantly, he’s currently 5th on tour in strokes gained: tee to green, an integral metric to consider when handicapping the Masters. Finau has been playing some incredibly consistent golf as of late, posting nine consecutive top-25 finishes since his November win at the Cadence Bank Houston Open.
Odds of winning the 2023 Masters
Props and more
4:03
The Masters storylines sports bettors should be keeping an eye on
Michael Collins breaks down Masters course changes and some of the golfers he’s keeping an eye on this week.
Our betting experts have more than just bets to win. Here are some props to target for the entire event, from top 10s to made cuts to tournament matchups.
Tiger Woods to make cut (-165)
Bearman: I bet this every year at Augusta, as Tiger has made the cut in each of his last 22 trips here. The injuries have caused the number to rise over the years. We aren’t getting plus money like last year, but -165 is still good enough for a guy who has won here five times and has another nine top-10s. He just has to make it 36 holes.
Will Zalatoris top-10 finish (+320)
Bearman: Zalatoris is in the “I need to see him win again” before I bet him outright camp. He has had a lot of close calls, which is why a top-10 finish is the way to bet him here. He’s finished in top 10 in both of his Masters appearances and in six of eight majors held on U.S. soil.
Xander Schauffele top-5 finish (+450), top-10 finish (+210)
Marks: Despite missing the cut last year, Schauffele has a second and third place finish at Augusta, part of his nine top-10 finishes at a major without a win. He also leads the tour in proximity from 160-175 yards out.
Sungjae Im top-20 finish (+120)
Marks: Three appearances at the Masters have led to two top-10 finishes. Sungjae has record positive strokes gained in every metric this season and is third on Tour this season in Par-5 scoring, which is big here.
Tom Kim top Debutant (+400)
Collins: Played a nine-hole practice round with Tiger, Rory and Fred Couples looking much more comfortable than someone his age should have looked! Last years’ Presidents Cup star is not just comfortable at Augusta National, he smiles like he’s got a secret… kinda like Jordan Spieth did his first year at the Masters.
