The US Masters attracts plenty of attention from punters eager to make a few quid. But before you open your wallet, here are 8 Masters Betting Traps...
8 Masters Betting Traps To Avoid
1 Avoid The Rookies
Augusta is one of the best strategic tests in world golf. Understanding how to get your ball close to the flag often requires a precise knowledge of the slopes and the grain. Throw in the aura and history of the Masters and you’ve got a rookie-free recipe on your hands. Only once has a first time invitee won at Augusta – that was Fuzzy Zeoller in 1979. There’s a reason for that!
Think twice about: Robert MacIntyre
2 Outright Winner
Unless you’re backing one of the leaders ahead of the final round, be very wary of leaving the each way box unchecked, especially at the Masters. This year’s tournament sees a whole host of players in with a great chance. McIlory, DJ, Thomas, Koepka, Woods, Schauffele, Rose… the list goes on. Furthermore, when it comes to golf, a winner can come from almost anywhere. Approach with caution!
Related: The Masters Betting Tips 2021
3 One-side of the draw
It’s a mistake you only make once. You reach Wednesday afternoon, do your meticulous research and make your bets. What more could you have possibly done? Check the draw and the weather first. Make sure all of your bets are not playing at the same time. Changing weather conditions can have a huge impact on the result. It could be dead calm in the morning and blowing a hoolie in the afternoon. Split the risk.
4 The Defending Champion
The last time the defending champion won The Masters was in 2002, when Tiger Woods won his third Green Jacket. Nick Faldo in 1990 was the last back-to-back winner before Woods in 2002, meaning it has only happened twice in the last 30 years. Dustin Johnson has the talent, but to go back to back would mean an awful lot would need to go well.
Related: Favourites to win the Masters 2021
5 Faders
Augusta is a drawers course and we've seen down the years the success had by players who hit the ball right-to-left, hence why left handers who hit fades have had such success - Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson have won five Green Jackets this century. Plenty of holes require right-to-left shots like the par-5 2nd and par-5 13th holes. Martin Kaymer publicly spoke about trying to turn his fade into a draw to win at Augusta and that saw him lose his World No.1 spot and fall down the rankings. We're not saying a fader can't win, but being able to hit a draw certainly helps. But Dustin Johnson does fade the ball and is of course defending champion.
6 The Brits
We’re not saying to avoid backing any of the Brits in the field. That would be silly. However, take a head-over-heart approach. Look at it objectively. You might desperately want Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood to do the business but are they more likely than, for instance Dustin Johnson? Probably not.
Think twice about: Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Paul Casey, Danny Willett
Related: Outsiders who could win the Masters
7 Reserve Some Funds
Avoid the temptation to spend your entire budget before a shot has been hit. Golf is a fickle sport – last week’s winner could be out with the washing before you have even logged on to check the scores. Keep your interest up by saving a few quid to spend a little later in the tournament. It could save your bacon!
8 Phil Mickelson
Mickelson is now in his 50s - he may have an amazing record at Augusta, but he is very unlikely to put together a 72-hole score that will compete.
