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AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 06:  Bubba Watson of the United States hits a tee shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 2015 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 06: Bubba Watson of the United States hits a tee shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 2015 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Masters 2015: Latest Odds and Betting Tips for Golf's Top Contenders

R. Cory SmithApr 8, 2015

Golf's first major of the season is nearly here, and the majestic Augusta National course is set for four more memorable rounds played by the best players in the world.

Two young golfers are at the top of the odds list this year. Rory McIlroy is looking for a career grand slam and his third straight major win. Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth is looking to play catch-up after a strong start to the season.

Just behind those fresh faces sits a contingent of veterans looking to don another green jacket. Those players include Bubba Watson and Adam Scott, who have combined to win the last three Masters tournaments.

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Prior to the 79th Masters, here's a look at the latest odds and betting tips.

Rory McIlroy6-1
Jordan Spieth8-1
Bubba Watson11-1
Dustin Johnson14-1
Jason Day14-1
Henrik Stenson20-1
Adam Scott22-1
Jimmy Walker22-1
Patrick Reed28-1
Rickie Fowler28-1
Tiger Woods28-1
J.B. Holmes33-1
Justin Rose33-1
Matt Kuchar33-1

Betting Tips

AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 07:  Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland smiles during a practice round prior to the start of the 2015 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Those looking for a favorite to capture the green jacket should, well, stick with the guy at the top of the list. McIlroy may have never won at Augusta, but he's been on fire recently when the lights are the brightest.

Sure, he missed the cut at the Honda Classic, but he's finished 11th or better in two tournaments since. At just 25 years old, McIlroy has already emerged as the new face of the game thanks to his consistent play over the last year.

While he hasn't won the Masters, McIlroy is confident heading into the tournament, via Steve DiMeglio of USA Today:

"

Mentally, I feel like I'm in a far better place on the golf course. I'm in a far better place to handle adversity whenever it might come my way. ...

The last two weeks have been great. ... All the work I've done gearing up for this week has been good. As I said at the start, I'm just ready for the gun to go off on Thursday morning.

"

His stock is at an all-time high, so betting on McIlroy simply makes sense.

On the other end of the spectrum sits Watson, who seemingly always steps up at Augusta. With two green jackets in the last three years, Watson's unbelievable drives have been a huge reason for that success.

The PGA Tour's official account notes a ridiculous stat about his driving ability:

Even when Watson makes mistakes, he's still capable of winning at the historic course. With both Watson and his Northern Irish competitor topping the list of favorites, expect a massive showdown heading into Sunday.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.

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