The Masters has thrown up some outside winners in the past but experience round Augusta National, especially knowing where to miss is worth a couple of shots a round. The 2020 Masters was a target match, where players could take on pins for fun in the soft conditions. This week will be a whole new challenge and it will play into the hands of the former winners who have mastered the April conditions. For this reason we have missed Dustin Johnson off the list.
Jordan Spieth (Winner 2015) 11/1 favourite
His victory at the Valaero Texas Open illustrated his return to form, especially with the putter, which will be the crucial club this week at Augusta National. But before we start putting the Green Jacket on him once more, he’s now 11/1 second favourite behind Dustin Johnson, and the pressure is on him to deliver. His victory last week in Texas would have boosted his confidence but the field was poor, with many of the top names resting for the Masters week.
Patrick Reed (Winner 2015) 33/1 favourite
Reed’s short game and soft touch around the lightning fast greens at Augusta this week might make all the difference come Sunday. He shapes the ball to suit the contours off the tee but will it be a hindrance when it comes to holding the greens in the right areas with his approach shots?
Sergio Garcia (Winner 2017) 45/1 favourite
His run of 84 consecutive Major appearances came to an end in November when he contracted COVID. Top tens in Dubai and at The Players represent best results of 2021 so far.
Adam Scott (Winner 2013) 55/1 favourite
Now 40, Scott is eager to achieve more before his chances start to slip away. Classy swinger hasn’t quite got going yet this season.
Phil Mickelson (Winner 2004, ’06, ’10) 100/1 favourite
Has completed the Augusta Experience with three Green Jackets and knows where he can get away with being wild off the tee. Like most weeks, everything will depend on the short game.
Danny Willett (Winner 2016) 150/1 favourite
A share of 25th in November represents the first cut he’s made since he strode to a remarkable win in 2016 as Spieth withered down the stretch.
Bubba Watson (Winner 2012, ’14) 66/1 favourite
Mercurial lefty who shapes the ball at will, Watson hasn’t contended in a Major since 2018, but is somewhat of an Augusta specialist with only one missed cut in 12 starts.
Charl Schwartzel (Winner 2011) 250/1 favourite
Stunned the field in 2011 with birdies on the last four holes to win. Has failed to blossom with just three Major top tens since then but will want to put on a display to mark ten years since his career-defining victory.
