The first big golf event of the calendar year is just around the corner, as play at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club gets underway on Thursday. It will be a fascinating battle for the Green Jacket this year, with the winning player also picking up their share of the $18 million purse.
The first major of the season is typically one of the most enjoyable to watch for all fans of sport, but which star will come out on top at The Masters in 2024?
Event Information
Unlike other major events that are staged throughout the season, The Masters is the only event that is staged at the same iconic venue every year. Augusta National Golf Club will see the field compete across a total distance of 7,555 yards, with the par 72 course boasting a purse of $18 million.
The Masters was first staged in 1934, and some of the world’s very best players have been able to put on the Green Jacket since it was introduced in 1949. Jack Nicklaus is the most successful player in the history of the event with six victories, while he was also the oldest winner when winning his final Masters aged 46 years and 82 days in 1986.
The Masters 2024 Odds
There is a competitive feel to The Masters this year, and that is highlighted by the betting prices on offer at BetXchange. Scottie Scheffler is the current 9/2 favorite to win the event, with Rory McIlroy priced up at 12/1 to end his long wait for a major success. Jon Rahm is the defending champion this year, and the Spanish star is priced up at 13/1.
Xander Schauffele is one of the in-form players coming into the event, and he could be a popular selection at 17/1. Hideki Matsuyama is a previous Masters champion, and is priced up at 22/1, Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka could both also have excellent chances at 25/1 prices.
Masters Leading Contenders
Scottie Scheffler is the obvious place to start when it comes to dissecting the likely contenders this weekend. The world number one has been in excellent form already this year after landing The Players Championship, while he was the runner-up on his previous outing in the Houston Open. Scheffler knows what it takes to win this tournament after winning The Masters in 2022.
Rory McIlroy will be hoping to end his ten-year major drought this weekend, but he is still searching for his first victory in the event, finishing as the runner-up in 2022. Jon Rahm is the defending champion, but his defence of the title will likely be determined based on how he starts the event against players on the PGA Tour.
Jordan Spieth has endured a mixed start to the season, but he certainly offers an interesting value play. The American won the Masters back in 2015, highlighting that he has the know-how around Augusta.
The Masters 2024 Prediction
A chance could be taken on a first major champion being crowned this weekend, and we like the chances of Joaquin Niemann. The Chilean player has landed 12 professional victories to this point, and he has already shown his quality this season after winning both the LIV Golf events in Mayakoba and Jeddah in 2024.
