The Masters returns to Augusta with a multitude of uncertainties, with the November weather, conditions and lack of spectators promising a unique experience for the world’s best players.
However, the favourites to clinch the Green Jacket remain some of the sport’s most recognisable. Unsurprisingly, it is Bryson DeChambeau (15/2), whose big-hitting revolution led to an impressive victory at the US Open, who is the clear leader with bookmakers.
Yet, a full-strength field boasts several contenders, with Jon Rahm (10/1) and Justin Thomas (12/1) both in fine form heading to Georgia. Xander Schauffele (14/1), who finished in tied-second last year, will also have high hopes of clinching his maiden major victory.
Rory McIlroy (11/1) arrives somewhat under the radar but still highly touted as he attempts to complete his career Grand Slam, while Bubba Watson (22/1) has shown glimpses of recapturing the spectacular form which has already seen him win twice at Augusta.
Here are our top picks heading into the tournament:
Favourites
Bryson DeChambeau: The obvious favourite heading into the tournament, whose length can remove so much difficulty, while his putting is formidable and often under-celebrated.
Xander Schauffele: A runner-up last year, who has finished in the top-five in half of his appearances at the majors. One of the game’s brightest talents, for whom a first major feels a case of when rather than if.
Brooks Koepka (12/1): His odds have shortened dramatically over the weekend, after a brilliant finish at the Houston Open. He has struggled with injury, but his reputation for rising to the occasion at majors is indisputable, and it would be foolish to rule him out.
Tyrrell Hatton (22/1): Englishman has been in tremendous form recently, winning the BMW PGA, and certainly has the mentality for the majors. He will have to overcome an unspectacular record at Augusta, though, in his three appearances thus far.
Outsiders
Patrick Reed (22/1): Impressed at the recent Zozo Championship and crucially has the experience of having already won at Augusta. Has struggled with his swing at times, but is one of the most deadly players from inside 100 yards.
Bubba Watson: The enigmatic American treats Augusta as a second home, having won the Green Jacket twice already, and is slowly recapturing the form which made him such a unique threat almost a decade ago. He comes into the tournament off the back of two top-10 finishes.
Matthew Wolff (33/1): The PGA Tour’s rising star, who has finished in the top-five in both his major appearances at just 21 years old. Another maverick talent, with an unorthodox swing, and huge potential.
Scottie Scheffler (40/1): A prodigious amateur, Scheffler has made a fantastic breakthrough on the PGA Tour and has all the distinguishing qualities of the modern player. A tied-fourth finish at the PGA Championship proved his credentials.
Louis Oosthuizen (50/1): A second placed finish at Winged Foot surprised many, with the South African enjoying something of a purple patch. Has finished inside the top 30 at Augusta in five of the last six years, as well as a second place finish in 2012.
Odds in full for top-40 contenders
Bryson DeChambeau - 15/2
Jon Rahm - 10/1
Dustin Johnson - 11/1
Rory McIlroy - 11/1
Justin Thomas - 12/1
Brooks Koepka - 12/1
Xander Schauffele - 14/1
Patrick Cantlay - 20/1
Bubba Watson - 22/1
Patrick Reed - 25/1
Collin Morikawa - 28/1
Tony Finau - 28/1
Tyrrell Hatton - 28/1
Webb Simpson -28/1
Tiger Woods - 30/1
Jordan Spieth - 33/1
Matthew Wolff -33/1
Hideki Matsuyama - 35/1
Adam Scott - 40/1
Jason Day - 40/1
Scottie Scheffler - 40/1
Tommy Fleetwood - 40/1
Justin Rose - 50/1
Louis Oosthuizen - 50/1
Paul Casey - 50/1
Cameron Champ - 55/1
Sergio Garcia - 55/1
Matthew Fitzpatrick - 60/1
Joaquin Niemann - 66/1
Phil Mickelson - 66/1
Rickie Fowler - 66/1
Shane Lowry - 66/1
Cameron Smith - 70/1
Sungjae Im - 70/1
Abraham Ancer - 80/1
Jason Kokrak - 80/1
Gary Woodland - 100/1
Lee Westwood - 100/1
Brendon Todd - 125/1
Danny Willett - 125/1
