The first golf major of the year gets underway at the Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday, as The US Masters 2015 tees-off.
The Contenders
Rory McIlory – 6/1 at bet365, Ladbrokes and William Hill
Undoubtedly the man to look out for at Augusta is Rory McIlory. The Northern Irishman is the best player in the game at the moment, having won four of his last 16 majors. But the Green Jacket has thus far evaded the world number one – who is terrifyingly still only 25. It seems certain that he certainly will take The Masters one day, but will it be 2015?
McIlory has made six previous attempts at The Masters, with his last being a forgettable eight place. Each visit to Augusta has provided some valuable lessons for him though, in particular the spectacular meltdown he endured in 2011. Regardless of the previous lack of success for him here though, he seems almost perfectly suited to performing at this most iconic of venues.
Jordan Spieth – 11/1 at bet365 and Stan James
A joint runner-up here last year, Spieth admits he has “learned” from last year’s tournament having led by two strokes after seven holes on his final round.
There won’t be a hungrier player at Augusta this year, but does the promising 21-year-old from Texas have what it takes to win his first major here?
Bubba Watson – 12/1 at Boylesports and Stan James
Not since Tiger Woods in 2002, has anyone won back-to-back Masters titles, but that is what Bubba Watson has been tasked with here. Indeed, if he manages to do so, Watson would join an elite selection of players to have achieved the feat, the others being Woods, Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus – not bad company to be amongst.
Can the 2012 and 2014 champion get a third title?
Jason Day – 14/1 at bet365, BetVictor and Ladbrokes
A snip at 14/1, Jason Day should provide excellent value for potential backers.
The Australian has been on red-hot form this year, and like McIlory – if not more – his style is very much suited to the Augusta course.
Day leads the way in the tour when it comes to par-four scoring average and also bodes well on par-fives, while his other statistics stack up to – making him what should be a very serious contender here.
Adam Scott – 22/1 at Betfred or Paddy Power
Priced at 22/1, Scott provides outstanding value for The Masters, having produced some of the most consistent performances at Augusta over the past five years. Indeed, as well as winning the tournament in 2013, the Australian hasn’t finished any lower than 18th in that time, while also securing respectable second and eighth placed finishes. Definitely worth looking at in the e/w market.
Tiger Woods – 33/1 at Betfred or 888sport
Seeing Tiger Woods at 33/1 seems almost unthinkable. But it’s been nearly seven years since he last landed a major and that doesn’t seem likely to change anytime soon based on recent form.
That said, he could well be worth a cheeky e/w punt.
Top Tip: Jason Day to win – 14/1 at bet365, BetVictor and Ladbrokes
