Masters Best Bets and DFS Model Picks

The 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club is gearing up to be a thrilling event, featuring a mix of past champions, current favorites, and promising dark horses.

Scottie Scheffler is heading into the tournament as the top favorite, with odds significantly improved from last year due to his recent wins, including a successful title defense at THE PLAYERS. His past performances at the Masters show a strong track record, making him a player to watch closely.

Rory McIlroy, despite a disappointing 2023 Masters, is coming off a strong finish at the Valero Texas Open and is anticipated to be a strong contender. His history at the Masters is mixed, but his determination to overcome past setbacks positions him as a noteworthy competitor.

Jon Rahm, the defending champion, comes with high expectations following his win in 2023. His consistent performances in major tournaments and recent form in the LIV Golf circuit keep him among the top contenders.

Dustin Johnson and Corey Conners are among the notable longshots, with Johnson having a history of strong performances at Augusta and Conners known for his elite iron play. They, along with other dark horses like Patrick Reed, Talor Gooch, and Akshay Bhatia, add an unpredictable element to the competition, potentially offering surprising outcomes.

Among the storied holes of Augusta National, several stand out for their unique challenges and historical significance, particularly those that comprise Amen Corner, arguably the most pivotal stretch of the course.

Hole 11, White Dogwood: The beginning of Amen Corner, this par 4 demands precision from the tee to avoid the trees that line the right side of the fairway. The approach shot is no less daunting, with water guarding the left side of the green and a cleverly placed bunker on the right. Recent modifications have aimed to restore the hole's original strategic intent by adjusting the tee position and reshaping the fairway, heightening the risk-reward nature of this hole.

Hole 12, Golden Bell: This iconic par 3 is perhaps the most famous at Augusta National and is known for its deceptive simplicity and the pivotal role it often plays during the Masters. The green is wedged between Rae's Creek, three strategically placed bunkers, and a natural amphitheater that contributes to the swirling winds, making club selection critical. The hole embodies the essence of Augusta National, where a moment's lapse can lead to a dramatic shift on the leaderboard.

Hole 13, Azalea: Completing Amen Corner, this par 5 is celebrated for its beauty and strategic complexity. The dogleg left calls for a tee shot that shapes around the corner to set up the possibility of reaching the green in two. However, a tributary of Rae's Creek guards the green, challenging players to either lay up or take a risk for a potential eagle. The recent addition of a new tee has lengthened the hole, adding another layer of challenge and restoring some of its original difficulty.

Hole 15, Firethorn: This par 5 is another crucial hole, especially on the back nine during the final rounds of the Masters. The hole's design tempts players to go for the green in two, despite the risks posed by the pond in front and the shallow green that repels imprecise shots. Successful execution can lead to an eagle, making it a potential turning point in the tournament. The lay-up shot is no less demanding, requiring a precise wedge to a green that severely punishes miscalculations.

Hole 16, Redbud: This par 3 is known for its drama, particularly on Sunday when the traditional pin position allows for balls to funnel towards the hole, setting the stage for possible holes-in-one. The green's contours and its proximity to water demand a carefully judged tee shot, making it a focal point for late-tournament heroics and heartbreaks alike

To Win

Golfer	Odds	Book	Units Risked
Ludvig Aberg	3300	Fanduel	0.030
Xander Schauffele	1400	Draftkings	0.071
Wyndham Clark	4500	Draftkings	0.022
Hideki Matsuyama	2000	Fanduel	0.050
Shane Lowry	6000	Draftkings	0.017
Sam Burns	8000	Fanduel	0.013
Brooks Koepka	2000	Fanduel	0.050
		Total	0.253

Top 5

Golfer	Odds	Book	Units Risked
Akshay Bhatia	1400	BetMGM	0.071
		Total	0.07

Top 10

Golfer	Odds	Book	Units Risked
Jake Knapp	1400	BetMGM	0.07
		Total	0.07

Top DFS Model Plays (This is more difficult with LIV players in the mix.)

Scottie Scheffler
Model Rank: 1
Strengths: SG: APP (1st), SG: ARG (3rd)
Recent Performances: Wins at THE PLAYERS and Arnold Palmer, T2 at Houston Open
Salary: $12,100

Ludvig Aberg
Model Rank: 2
Strengths: Dr Dist (7th), SG: APP (14th)
Recent Performances: T8 at THE PLAYERS, 2nd at AT&T Pebble Beach
Salary: $9,100

Xander Schauffele
Model Rank: 3
Strengths: SG: ARG (4th), SG: APP (16th)
Recent Performances: T2 at THE PLAYERS, T5 at Valspar
Salary: $9,900

Wyndham Clark
Model Rank: 4
Strengths: Dr Dist (5th), SG: P (7th)
Recent Performances: T2 at THE PLAYERS, 2nd at Arnold Palmer
Salary: $10,000
Akshay Bhatia

Model Rank: 5
Strengths: SG: APP (8th), Fwys Gained (2nd)
Recent Performances: Win at Valero, T11 at Houston Open
Salary: $7,200

Jake Knapp
Model Rank: 6
Strengths: SG: APP (7th), Dr Dist (12th)
Recent Performances: Win at Mexico Open, T4 at The Classic
Salary: $6,600

Hideki Matsuyama
Model Rank: 7
Strengths: SG: ARG (1st), SG: APP (12th)
Recent Performances: Win at Genesis, T6 at THE PLAYERS
Salary: $9,000

Rory McIlroy
Model Rank: 8
Strengths: Dr Dist (2nd)
Recent Performances: 3rd at Valero, T19 at THE PLAYERS
Salary: $10,800

Shane Lowry
Model Rank: 9
Strengths: SG: APP (5th), Fwys Gained (3rd)
Recent Performances: 3rd at Arnold Palmer, T4 at The Classic
Salary: $8,000

Sam Burns
Model Rank: 10
Strengths: Dr Dist (10th), SG: P (10th)
Recent Performances: T10 at Genesis, T3 at WM Phoenix Open
Salary: $8,100

Brooks Koepka
Model Rank: 11
Strengths: SG: P (19th), SG: ARG (24th)
Recent Performances: Win at PGA Championship, T2 at Masters
Salary: $10,200

Justin Thomas
Model Rank: 12
Strengths: SG: ARG (7th), SG: APP (9th)
Recent Performances: T12 at Arnold Palmer, T12 at WM Phoenix Open
Salary: $8,700

Tony Finau
Model Rank: 13
Strengths: SG: APP (6th)
Recent Performances: T2 at Houston Open, T13 at Mexico Open
Salary: $8,600

Dustin Johnson
Model Rank: 14
Strengths: Dr Dist (9th)
Recent Performances: T10 at U.S. Open, 6th at The Open
Salary: $8,800

Sahith Theegala
Model Rank: 15
Strengths: SG: P (3rd)
Recent Performances: T9 at THE PLAYERS, T6 at Arnold Palmer
Salary: $7,700

Adam Scott
Model Rank: 16
Strengths: SG: P (6th)
Recent Performances: T14 at Valero, T8 at WM Phoenix Open
Salary: $7,100

Jordan Spieth
Model Rank: 17
Strengths: SG: P (11), SG: P (11)
Recent Performances: T10 at Valero, T30 at Arnold Palmer
Salary: $9,300

Max Homa
Model Rank: 18
Strengths: SG: P (13), SG: ARG (29)
Recent Performances: T8 at Arnold Palmer, T16 at Genesis
Salary: $8,300

Jon Rahm
Model Rank: 19
Strengths: Dr Dist (4), SG: APP (15)
Recent Performances: T2 at The Open, T18 at TOUR Championship
Salary: $11,200

Russell Henley
Model Rank: 20
Strengths: SG: P (8), SG: ARG (17)
Recent Performances: 4th at Valero, T4 at Arnold Palmer
Salary: $7,200