Masters 2013: Tips for Golf-Betting Novices

The Masters tournament often separates the best in the world from the field, but it's still unpredictable. That is what makes betting on it so much fun.

Last year, Bubba Watson was listed at 40-1 odds to win the tournament, but he was able to take home the Green Jacket with an impressive performance. He beat Louis Oosthuizen in the second playoff hole, a man who was given only 100-1 odds to win.

While some of the top players in the world are coming into the week strong, it doesn't mean they will leave with a major title.

When betting, it is best to make selections based on not only who is likely to win, but who gives you the best chance at taking home some money.

Here are the best and worst selections you can make heading into the 2013 Masters.

Players to Avoid (Odds courtesy of Vegas Insider)

Rory McIlroy (8-1)

If you are going to place money on a golfer with this low of a payout, you better have a lot of confidence that he is going to win it all. You need proven consistency and past success in the tournament.

As good as Rory McIlroy can be, he is far from a sure thing. The No. 2 player in the world finished second in the Valero Texas Open last week, but he finished tied for 45th at the Shell Houston Open the tournament prior.

In addition, he has generally struggled at Augusta, especially on the final day. This is not a good recipe for success at this event.

Brandt Snedeker (30-1)

After a great finish to last season and a few impressive performances in 2013, Brandt Snedeker moved his way into the top five in the world rankings.

Unfortunately, he has not seemed right since suffering a rib injury before the tournament at Doral.

He missed the cut in the last two tournaments he entered, and it would be surprising if he was able to do any better this time around. Avoid at all costs.

Bubba Watson (35-1)

The fan favorite was amazing throughout the Masters last year and well deserving of his first-place finish. However, it has not been too easy to repeat at Augusta.

Since the tournament started in 1934, the only players to repeat are Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods. As good as Bubba Watson is, he is not in the category of these three legends.

Watson has been playing well lately with three top-10 finishes already this season, and he has a decent chance at remaining high on the leaderboard in this one.

Unfortunately, the odds of him taking home another title are not good.

Players to Bet On

Tiger Woods (3-1)

Oddsmakers know that most people are going to bet on Tiger Woods in almost every tournament. He is the biggest star in the world and everyone is expecting him to come through with a win every time he steps onto a course.

While this gives him low odds for bettors, it does not matter in this one. 

Woods is playing as well as he has in years, winning three of his four stroke-play tournaments he has entered this season. His putting has been magnificent and it seems like no one can beat him.

Even though the payout is low, this is your smartest bet.

Phil Mickelson (10-1)

At any other tournament, Phil Mickelson would be overlooked as just another decent contender. However, there are not too many better golfers when it comes to the Masters.

Mickelson has not only won this tournament three times in his career, but he has finished in the top 10 in 12 of the last 14 years.

Most majors rotate venues, but this one stays in Augusta every year. The fact that Lefty knows this course well and is usually successful makes him a good choice at 10-1 odds.

Justin Rose (20-1)

While Justin Rose is not exactly a longshot, the English star might give you the most bang for your buck.

Rose has finished in the top 10 in each of his last three stroke-play tournaments and most recently finished second behind Woods at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

He is a very strong driver, and he can use that skill in four good rounds if he can hit accurately at Augusta. This might be the best selection if you combine the high odds and the likelihood of a championship. 

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