Masters Field 2015: Final Odds and Predictions for Golf's Top Sleepers
While the intense focus of the watching world won't deviate too far from the likes of Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods at the Masters this week, in a field as large as this, there are plenty of players capable of springing big surprises.
Augusta National can be unforgiving, and with some less-than-pleasant conditions in the forecast for this week, the environment could prove to be something of a leveller. Regardless, at a major championship, it's common to see a player surge from nowhere to take glory, as reigning champion Watson did in 2012.
David Dusek of Golfweek discussed some of the contenders for glory at Augusta with Bleacher Report:
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This sport's biggest prizes often end up in the most unexpected hands. Here's a look at a couple of stars who may not be the most hotly tipped to don the green jacket come Sunday but could well be worth a wager ahead of the tournament getting underway.
| Rory McIlroy | 6-1 |
| Jordan Spieth | 8-1 |
| Bubba Watson | 11-1 |
| Dustin Johnson | 14-1 |
| Jason Day | 14-1 |
| Henrik Stenson | 20-1 |
| Adam Scott | 22-1 |
| Jimmy Walker | 22-1 |
| Phil Mickelson | 22-1 |
| Patrick Reed | 28-1 |
| Rickie Fowler | 28-1 |
| Tiger Woods | 28-1 |
| J.B. Holmes | 33-1 |
| Justin Rose | 33-1 |
| Matt Kuchar | 33-1 |
| Brandt Snedeker | 40-1 |
| Louis Oosthuizen | 40-1 |
| Sergio Garcia | 40-1 |
| Billy Horschel | 50-1 |
| Lee Westwood | 50-1 |
| Jim Furyk | 60-1 |
| Hideki Matsuyama | 66-1 |
| Keegan Bradley | 66-1 |
| Paul Casey | 66-1 |
| Ryan Palmer | 75-1 |
| Angel Cabrera | 80-1 |
| Brooks Koepka | 80-1 |
| Charl Schwartzel | 80-1 |
| Ian Poulter | 80-1 |
| Martin Kaymer | 80-1 |
| Ryan Moore | 80-1 |
| Victor Dubuisson | 80-1 |
| Zach Johnson | 80-1 |
Odds accurate as of 11:30 a.m. (BST), April 9. For full listing click here.
Angel Cabrera: 80-1
If you want a good run for your money, you should pick a player who has triumphed before, is experienced and has a tendency to flourish on big occasions. With that in mind, there are few players in the field who will yield better value for money than Angel Cabrera.
Granted, his two major wins to this point came in 2007 at the U.S Open and at Augusta in 2009, but he’s regularly been in the mix since then. In 2013, he narrowly lost to Adam Scott in a playoff.
As we can see here, courtesy of Mike O'Malley of Golf Digest, the South American has been one of the most consistent performers at this iconic venue in recent years:
His form coming into the tournament hasn't been outstanding. Cabrera hasn't made the cut in any of his four tournaments so far this season, and throughout his career, he's had only three wins on the PGA Tour.
But this is a man who saves his best for big occasions, and if he can get a good start—something the veteran is renowned for—expect his major pedigree and Augusta nous to keep him in contention right up until Sunday evening.
Martin Kaymer: 80-1
The German has a miserable record at Augusta, and his massive odds of 80-1 reflect that. But Martin Kaymer is a class act, a major winner and a player who has all the qualities to triumph at Augusta.
That makes his poor form here even more puzzling, but the former world No. 1 thinks he may have enough this week to better his best-ever finish at the Masters, which was a joint-31st spot last season, per Jay Coffin of the Golf Channel:
"I wasn’t really able to play the golf course the way it was supposed to be played. Then I adjusted a few things, and then the last two years … I was playing it really well, but I struggled a little on the greens.
If I can put those things together – the putting from the first three or four years and the playing from the last couple years, I’ll be OK.
"
Kaymer has made some minor refinements to his swing. Now, it's more adaptable, meaning the two-time major winner can tailor his shots to better suit the bespoke layout at Augusta. As we can see here, courtesy of Golf Central, the Ryder Cup star has cut a pretty languid figure this week as well:
All things considered, it'd be a big surprise if he didn’t improve on his best-ever result. Kaymer showcased his maturity to thrive in his U.S. Open victory at Pinehurst last year, and if he catches fire, there's little doubt he has the game to win here. Getting off to a good start and building some early momentum is crucial to his chances.
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