The first major on the 2021 golfing calendar is fast approaching with the much anticipated Masters at Augusta National just over a week away. What can we expect from 8th – 11th April?
Well, World No.1 Dustin Johnson can make history that will most likely never be repeated. He’s hardly had time to take off his green jacket but can become the first ever player to claim two green jackets in less than six months following last year's Masters being moved to November.
Can DJ be one of a select few that include Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods to defend his crown and make history?
We have two home grown Scots talking part; Martin Laird and Robert McIntyre.
Can McIntyre become the first debutant to win the Masters since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979? It will be a tall order considering all the Masters Championships in recent years have been dominated by the best players in the world.
In the last 35 years the famous green jacket has adorned aindividual inside the world's top 50 ranked players while the last 11 years have seen a player inside the worlds top 30 collect the Masters trophy.
Can Rory bounce back?
Excellent recent form is always a factor when determining the winner at Augusta so where does this leave Rory McIlroy, without a win in 17 months and counting?
Five of the past seven winners have won a tournament in their previous five events previous to the Masters. Can Rory bounce back in dramatic fashion and complete his Major Championship Grand Slam and claim that elusive green jacket? We all know he is more than capable .
Power is always key at the Masters so can the hulk of golf Bryson De Chambeau do what he does best and eat up this demanding Augusta National Course for fun, whilst entertaining us all the way?
The ‘Major Machine'
Or will it be the major machine that is Brooks Koepka, looking to win his 5th major title in less than 3 years. Koepka’s form has faded recently, mainly through injury but can he put that aside and concentrate on his major excellence and credentials to be there or thereabouts yet again by adding that first green jacket to his name after finishing runner-up in 2019.
Maybe even Jon Rahm can finally break his major duck, after all he is the world No.3 and certainly fits the criteria as a likey winner here at Augusta, or could it be the player who has been so consistent of late and just gone above Rahm in the rankings, World No.2 Justin Thomas, who is looking to secure his second major title and is playing some stunning golf at the moment
He’s certainly Mr Consistent and hitting form at just the right time.
Maiden Winner?
Or will it be the likes of Cantlay, Fleetwood, Hatton, Hovland, Im, Schauffele, Wolff or even the ever so unlucky Tony Finau – all looking to win that elusive first maiden major title.
One thing for sure is that golf betting at the Masters can be a complex affair with mistakes right left and centre proving costly. A player can be in contention then the next time you take a peek at the leaderboard they have simply vanished into thin air.
It can be so frustrating from a betting perspective so imagine how the players feel.
This is what makes the Masters so exciting and keeps every golfing enthusiast glued to the screen from start to finish.
I’ll be providing a full in depth preview at the start of next week with my predictions and selections as well as some interesting facts and figures for what is sure to be a fun-filled four days of action at one of the most popular, exciting sporting events on everyone’s calendar.
Keep your eyes peeled for the usual Major Fantasy Comeptition here on the site with great prizes up for grabs too.
In the meantime let me know your early thoughts or tips in the comments section below.
In December 2020 we sadly 
DJ is the obvious pick but history shows it is a tough ask to do it consecutively.
Koepka is a major doubt due to recovering from knee surgery.
I would’ve backed Rambo but his wife is due a baby during the event so he could bail at anytime.
DeChambeau could eat this course up (literally) but he’s hitting fewer than 60% of fairways off the tee which could spell trouble here.
I wouldn’t back Rory with your money never mind mine.
It’s great to see Spieth up near the head of the betting again after his recent run of form but I get the feeling he could still be battling a few demons and I would be looking a bigger pice than 12s before backing him.
Of the ones I fancy Justin Thomas 9/1, is playing sensational atm & has previous course form.
Sungjae Im 30/1 who finished T2 last year and falls into a lot of the trends.
Paul Casey 30/1, course & recent form.
You could make cases for Cantlay, Schauffele, Reed, Berger or even Westwood who’s had two 2nds & a 3rd at the Masters.
Prices are with Skybet for 11 places. Can’t wait to watch the world’s elite terrorised by the Par3 12th hole.
Good luck & enjoy.