Masters Odds 2018: Tips for Golf-Betting Novices and Best Picks in the Field
The Masters normally marks the first time in the sports calendar in which fans gravitate to golf.
With the Super Bowl and March Madness now in the past, the betting focus of the nation shifts to the first major of the season.
For someone diving head first into wagering on golf for the first time, making picks could be a little overwhelming.
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While it may seem intimidating given the unfamiliarity of the sport outside of the Grand Slam tournaments, there are a few tips that can separate you from the rest of the gambling public.
Tips for Golf-Betting Novices
Don't Overthink Your Picks
Not overthinking is a tip that can be used in any sport, as too much time spent on one bet can send your mind in a few different directions.
Whatever your gut tells you to bet on, you should, whether it is an experienced player or an up-and-coming star you have recently become familiar with.
The first names coming out of the mouths of many bettors will be Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy, among others, because of their respective track records.
While there is no problem taking one of the top golfers in the world, you should also scan the complete list of competitors for a value pick.
If there is a player further down the odds list that sticks out to you right away, go ahead and take a flier on him.
If you spend too much time debating your picks, it could lead to you questioning your selections and doubt could creep in.
Bank on Experience
Outside of Jordan Spieth, few players march into Augusta National Golf Club and achieve immediate success.
The Masters has had 13 different players don the green jacket since 2000, with Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson being the only competitors to win more than once.
Given all the experience in the field, it would be wise to put money down on at least one of the past winners.
In addition to Woods, Mickelson and Watson, Spieth and defending champion Sergio Garcia are expected to be in contention over the weekend.
Past champions Adam Scott, Charl Schwartzel, Danny Willett and Zach Johnson have long odds and might not be the best selections, but if you put a small wager on one of them and it succeeds, you could make a good amount of money.
In addition to tournament-winning experience, it would be wise to look at players with major championships, like McIlroy, who has four straight top-10 finishes at the Masters.
Paul Casey, who has three straight top-six results at Augusta, is another player to watch if you are looking to outsmart the group of bettors in love with the big names.
Best Picks in the Field
Paul Casey (+2200; Bet $100 to win $2,200)
Casey seems to fly under the radar at most major tournaments due to the presence of other stars in the field.
The 40-year-old Englishman, who is still in search of his first major championship, can't be ignored in the discussion to win the Masters given his recent history at Augusta.
Since making his Masters debut in 2004, Casey recorded five top-10 finishes, with appearances in the top six in each of the last three years.
Outside of the Masters, Casey hasn't experienced a ton of success, as he has one top-10 finish at The Open and one top-10 finish at the PGA Championship since 2010.
Casey comes into the Masters with a recent victory at the Valspar Championship, and he placed in the top 10 in two other events during the PGA Tour season that began in October.
The 40-year-old presents bettors with the perfect combination of Masters experience and recent form to put confidence in him at a good value.
Hideki Matsuyama (+3300)
Since bursting on to the scene at the 2013 U.S. Open, Hideki Matsuyama has been around first place at each of the four major tournaments.
Matsuyama was one of the most consistent golfers at major tournaments a year ago, as his lowest finish was a tie for 14th at The Open.
In his last three Masters, Matsuyama placed fifth, seventh and tied for 11th, but he hasn't had the best luck this season.
The 26-year-old's best finish on the PGA Tour is a tie for fourth at January's Sentry Tournament of Champions, and he hasn't cracked the top 10 in any event since.
While his recent form may scare away some bettors, Matsuyama sits at a great value at +3300, and he would be a great pick based on his recent success at Augusta.
Matsuyama sits lower on the odds list than most of the favorites, but his major tournament achievements point to him reversing his results from the last two months with a strong performance at the Masters.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.
Statistics obtained from PGATour.com.
Odds obtained from OddsShark.
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