2022 PGA Picks: The Masters Golf Odds and Expert Betting Predictions
The first major of 2022 has arrived, and many of the elements that make this a great tournament will be in place. Augusta National is well known for giving out green jackets mostly to those who learn how this place works and all the little quirks that only playing here can provide. That’s not to say someone of limited experience like Hideki Matsuyama cannot win, as he did last year.
Yet by and large, the more experience you have will help your comfort level and calm the nerves when something unexpected happens, knowing you can probably avoid disaster.
This year Augusta also has an unexpected visitor, a Tiger, as 5-time Masters champion Tiger Woods is expected to give it a go on this hilly layout.
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A Look at the Field
Here is a look at the Top 12 and ties with the lowest golf odds to win it all at online sportsbooks.
Jon Rahm +1200 - Justin Thomas +1200 - Cameron Smith +1400 - Scottie Scheffler +1400
Dustin Johnson +1600 - Brooks Koepka +1800 - Collin Morikawa +2000 - Jordan Spieth +2000
Patrick Cantlay +2000 - Rory McIlroy +2000 - Viktor Hovland+2000 - Xander Schauffele +2500
From surveying various outlets, though Thomas and Rahm have the same odds to win a green jacket, bettors are much more confident in Thomas. Rahm has consistently lost shots in his short game and when it comes to putting. Thomas is an elite iron player, which matters at Augusta. He ranks in the top-10 in every meaningful category and might be ready to break through.
The two players drawing the most attention are Smith and Scheffler. Smith is a two-time winner on Tour this year and owns three top-10 finishes in his last three starts at Augusta National, including a T-2 in 2020. Scheffler is at peak confidence with three wins in five starts and is 2nd in the field in Par 5 scoring, a must to win here.
Koepka has seen mixed results at Augusta. However, when the lights are bright and he’s a little under the radar, that is when normally he’s at his best. Before missing the cut on a bum knee last year, Koepka had three straight Top 12 finishes among the azaleas.
Though anything is possible, and given the skill of Johnson, McIlroy and Morikawa, it is hard to like any in this trio based on current form. Johnson is improving but doesn’t look ready to contend and put four good rounds together. McIlroy’s play is inconsistent; putting, both short and long, is unreliable. Morikawa has good stats but has not played well since February.
Speith has one win, two second-place finishes and two third-place finishes in eight trips to The Masters. Last year he came into The Masters hitting the ball as well as he had in a long time, and he contended for a win but came up short. His chances depend on straight drives and making putts inside 10 feet.
Course Characteristics of Those Who Can Win or Secure Winning Golf Bets
As mentioned, this golf course is up and down, and this is not always seen on television unless you are paying attention. This hallowed place has an array of nicknames that all golfers are familiar with.
It starts with the drive up Magnolia Lane to get to the course and turning around Founder’s Circle you can see the Crow's Nest. Once on the course, the names are part of golf lore, like Rae’s Creek, Amen Corner, the bridges named after Hogan, Nelson, and Sarazen, and the infamous Butler Cabin. Add in the vibrant azaleas to contrast with the green of the course, and it is four great days.
What does it take to win at Augusta or be a Sunday contender on the back nine? This course rewards length off the tee. But length alone is not the key; you need to keep the ball in the fairway and ideally have the correct angles to not only hit greens in regulation but be on the proper side of where the hole is. Previous champions like Zach Johnson (2007), Trevor Immelman (2008) and Charl Schwartzel (2011) had average distance off the tee but were sharp with their irons and putted extremely well.
Greens in regulation is a quality statistic, and 17 or the past 25 winners finished the week in the Top 5; eight of those golfers led the field the week they won.
Augusta greens by size are close to tour standards, but not many pin placements are centered. Therefore, just because you are on the putting surface, you could have distances and contours that will lead to three-putts.
Those that dominate the Par 5’s give themselves a real chance to win, and those who have won here not being long off the tee were able to hit tight fairway shots and drop birdie or eagle putts.
The weather will be a factor with heavy rains Tuesday and possibly Wednesday, which will slow everything down and lower the course defenses on Thursday. Then the wind will kick up on Friday, Saturday, and possibly Sunday also to cause some mayhem.
Golf Picks: Who to Consider This Week
Because the cream typically rises to the top in this major, some Top 5 golf bets make sense. We are targeting Smith and Scheffler and will use them for Top 10’s and head-to-head action.
Koepka and Thomas seem better fits for Top 10’s and head-to-head.
For Top 20 play, Will Zalitoris and Adam Scott have odds that offer good paydays.
We would stay away from Tiger and McIlroy in particular.
Doug Upstone of Doc’s Sports was in the golf business for over 20+ years and understands the ins and outs of what it takes to find winners on the Tour. He’s coming off another winning week and expects to cash again with his picks.
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Doug Upstone of Doc’s Sports has - 23 Documented No. 1 Titles - 97 Documented Top 10 Finishes - 27 Handicapper of the Month Awards. (Latest: 3 in MLB last year) Doug as a professional handicapper/writer has written for various well-known sports betting websites and several football newsletters.
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Doug Upstone of Doc’s Sports has - 23 Documented No. 1 Titles - 96 Documented Top 10 Finishes - 27 Handicapper of the Month Awards. (Latest: 3 in MLB last year) Doug as a professional handicapper/writer has written for various well-known sports betting websites and several football newsletters.
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