Golf: The Masters
Venue: Augusta National, Atalanta, Georgia.
Dates: Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th April 2023
Tournament Preview
The biggest major of the year gets underway as the US Masters take place at the infamous Augusta course, arguably the flagship event of the golfing schedule. A staple of both the sporting and golfing calendar, the Masters in April always gets people talking and there are plenty of big names in contention at Augusta this year. The coveted Green Jacket is arguably the most coveted prize in professional golf and there are plenty of big names looking to get their name on it for the first time. Last year, Scottie Scheffler secured his first green jacket, and he will be one of the men to watch again this time around, whilst the usual array of big names are sure to be in hot pursuit come Sunday afternoon on Magnolia Lane.
Betting Preview
Outright Winner
Picking a winner from the vast field assembled at Augusta could be somewhat of a lottery but here are our top 5 selections:-
World number one Scottie Scheffler has been in superb nick for the past 12 months and how he would love to go back-to-back here at Augusta.
Spaniard Jon Rahm has been the model of consistency on the PGA Tour for the past few seasons and he looks to be one of the men capable winning his maiden Green Jacket this weekend.
The Masters is the only major tournament to have eluded Rory McIlroy and how he would love to complete the set and pick up a Green Jacket here in 2023.
Three-time major winner Jordan Spieth has looked back to his best in recent times and how he would love to add another Green Jacket to his collection.
Australian Cameron Smith is a superb ball striker and his presence at the Masters from the defected LIV Golf series is sure to cause plenty of speculation here at Augusta this week.
1st Round Leader
Major Championship golf never fails to provide drama and this year’s Masters promises to be no different. Here are three punts at 1st round leader after Thursday’s action:-
USPGA Champion Justin Thomas is always in the hunt in the biggest events, and he could find form from the start here at the 2023 Masters.
Emerging Norwegian Viktor Hovland impressed on both of his previous showings at the Masters and his performances this season suggest he could be a candidate from the opening round.
Much of the narrative once again at Augusta has surrounded the return of Tiger Woods and betting against him getting off to a flyer could be dangerous.
Top 6 Finish
Going deep in a major is deemed as the ultimate test for any golfer and there are plenty of players that have had experience at going the distance in this year’s Masters field:-
Few players enjoy the level of consistency Tony Finau shows on the PGA Tour and he will be eager to show what he can do in a packed field at Augusta this week.
American Xander Schauffele has been knocking at the door at the top of the world game for a while and he is looking to add a Masters title to his Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021.
Effervescent American Max Homa has been in superb form throughout 2023 and he will be eager to put in a good showing here at the biggest tournament on the calendar.
2023 The Masters betxchange.com best bets:
Outright Winner: Jon Rahm – 8/1
1st Round Leader: Viktor Hovland – 35/1
Top Six Finish: Xander Schauffele – 11/2
