US Masters betting tips: Gary Murphy's selections for the major

Gary Murphy is backing World No. 1 Dustin Johnson to triumph at the US Masters this week.

With the American in flying form post-lockdown, our golf columnist has told us who he thinks could enjoy a good week at Augusta.

In this week's column, Murphy said: "World No1 Dustin Johnson is my standout favourite.

"His T2 at last week’s Houston Open backed up a T6 at the US Open, T3 at the Tour Championship, runners-up at the BMW Championship and a win at the Northern Trust.

"To say his form is trending is an understatement.

"Johnson’s major return (his only success so far was at the 2016 US Open) hasn’t matched up with his talent, but I have a feeling that will change.

"We were saying the same thing about Phil Mickelson in the early-2000s before ‘Lefty’ caught fire with five majors between 2004 and 2013. The same can happen to DJ."

As well as Johnson, Murphy fancies top contender Jon Rahm as well as outsiders Tony Finau or Hideki Matsuyama to have a good week.

But he isn't ruling out an Irish challenge, with the likes of Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy in contention.

Rory McIlroy (Harry How/Getty Images)

"With a fair wind, both Rory and Shane – who showed a lot of good stuff at Houston last week – have the ability to become the first player from these shores to win the Masters.

"For the sixth year Rory is pursuing a Grand Slam, but despite that he will drive down Magnolia Drive lacking the same hype as previous years. That’s a good thing.

"Flying under the radar will help him.

"Expectation levels are possibly the lowest they’ve been in years, but does that mean he cannot win? Of course not.

"There’s no doubt Rory has underperformed post-lockdown – his last top-five finish was in March – but if can find his old self, this can be a historic week."

Gary Murphy's Masters 2020 Betting Tips

Spaniard Jon Rahm in US Open practice round at Winged Foot, New York (JUSTIN LANE/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Dustin Johnson – 10/1 EW

World’s best player boasts form and is capable of adding to his major tally.

Jon Rahm – 10/1 EW

World No2 has to win a major sometime and this week could be his time.

Tony Finau – 28/1 EW

T5 here last year and T10 in 2018 – hard to see him outside the top-10.

Hideki Matsuyama – 30/1 EW

Decent odds for a player who boasts a strong win and place chance.

Brendan Todd – 125/1 EW

Tempting odds and his putting skills give him an each way chance this week.

Justin Harding – 300/1 EW

My longshot bet at Augusta and worth an each way flutter with these odds.