The Masters in the Fall is just as exciting as The Masters in Spring.
Right now, Bryson DeChambeau (+700) is a pretty solid favorite. There’s talk that he could use a 48 inch driver that would turn all the Par 5’s in Par 4’s. Couple that with the fact that sightlines will be optimal because there won’t be a gallery and you can see why so many are favoring the SMU alum.
DeChambeau’s shadow has been so large this week, it’s easy to forget that the defending champion is Tiger Woods (+4,500).
Right behind DeChambeau is Dustin Johnson (+800). Remember when Johnson was the golfer that everyone talked about when it came to shortening a course with his driver? Once again, Johnson enters The Masters as the number one ranked golfer in the world.
It’s interesting that Rory McIlroy (+1,200) isn’t being mentioned. A victory would give McIlroy the career grand slam. “I’ve always felt like I had the game to do well around here and to play well,” said McIlroy. “It’s just a matter of, you know, getting out of my own way and letting it happen.”
Here is my Bogey, Par, Birdie picks:
Bogey: Tiger Woods (+4,500)
Woods’ winning The Masters last year is still amazing but it’s obvious that it’s still on his mind. When speaking earlier this week, it got choked up talking about it. It sounded like a guy who is grasping to last year knowing that his game isn’t in shape to win this time around.
Par: Patrick Cantlay (+2,500)
Cantlay has finished in the top 10 in two of his last three tournaments including winning the Zozo. Last year, Cantlay finished T9 (-10) including having a brief lead on the back nine.
Birdie: Justin Thomas (+1,100)
I love the “I’m tired of hearing about DeChambeau” tone in Thomas’ voice earlier this week. Thomas knows who he is and won’t get caught up in what DeChambeau or anyone else is doing. He’s a rock that will stick with his game. If his short game and putter are dialed in, he will be wearing the green jacket and a chip on his shoulder that says “I did it my way”.
