The Masters Tournament, the first major golf event of the year, will take place from Thursday to Sunday at Augusta National in Georgia.
Scottie Scheffler, the current champion, is the favorite to win again with odds of +475. He is closely followed by Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and Jon Rahm.
Which golf experts do you think will emerge victorious? Where do betting experts see the best opportunities? We delve into the top contenders and more in this preview of the 2025 Masters.
Expert Picks to Win
Matt Barrie
Rory McIlroy: Because it`s his time to win.
Tory Barron
Brooks Koepka: Despite a less impressive showing at Augusta last year, we are still talking about Brooks Koepka, known for performing on the biggest stages. This five-time major winner has consistently finished in the top 10 in recent Masters tournaments, proving he excels when expectations are lower. With attention focused on Scheffler and McIlroy, Koepka is poised to secure the elusive green jacket and make a triumphant return to the PGA Tour.
Jeff Darlington
Justin Thomas: Thomas has regained his confidence recently, achieving four top-10 finishes in his last eight starts, including an impressive 62 at the Players Championship. The timing is perfect for one of golf`s premier players to claim victory at this prestigious tournament.
Michael Eaves
Rory McIlroy: McIlroy may be entering Augusta playing the best golf of his career, supported by his impressive statistics. Golf is about winning, and with victories at Pebble Beach and the Players Championship, he stands as the only player with multiple PGA Tour wins this year. Historically, the player with the most wins leading up to the Masters has won the green jacket for the past three years. This year could be his year to complete the career Grand Slam.
Peter Lawrence-Riddell
Scottie Scheffler: While Scheffler`s season start might seem less dominant than usual, it`s important to consider he had some time off and was regaining momentum. Despite this, he still secured top-10 finishes in half of his tournaments this year, including two top-3 performances. It seems inevitable that he will win again soon, and Augusta, a course where he has won twice in the last three years, is a strong possibility.
Andy North
Collin Morikawa: His Masters track record here is impressive: T3, T10, and 5th in the last three years. He is in good form, with a near-win at Bay Hill, and his iron play is exceptional once again.
Laura Rutledge
Rory McIlroy: My pick is Rory! He has been playing exceptionally well this season, and his mental game appears stronger than ever. This combination makes him a prime candidate to win on Masters Sunday and complete the career Grand Slam.
Mark Schlabach
Rory McIlroy: In his 11th attempt at Augusta National, Rory is finally set to win the Masters, joining the elite group of golfers who have achieved a career Grand Slam. After a decade-long wait for another major victory, this Sunday could be his moment. McIlroy arrives at the tournament in excellent form, with wins at the DP World Tour Championship, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the Players Championship this season. His driving and iron play are top-tier, and his putting has improved significantly. Despite past challenges at Augusta, this could be the year he overcomes them.
Marty Smith
Rory McIlroy: Arguably playing the best golf of his career, McIlroy himself has stated he feels like the most complete player he has ever been. He trusts his ability to execute any shot confidently, and his recent wins at Pebble Beach and the Players support this. In a recent interview, he expressed feeling relaxed and confident, knowing he doesn`t need everything to be perfect to win. This year feels different. Green jacket. Career Grand Slam.
Curtis Strange
McIlroy and Scheffler in a playoff. Ultimately, we all benefit from such a thrilling contest.
Paolo Uggetti
Will Zalatoris: Zalatoris has an exceptional early track record at Augusta National. In his three appearances, his worst finish is tied for ninth. He finished second in his debut in 2021 and has seven top-10 finishes in majors in just 15 starts. While a back injury slowed his career progression, now healthy, he definitely possesses the game to win here.
Scott Van Pelt
Rory McIlroy: It`s a combination of form, preparation, and timing. Sometimes, it`s simply someone`s time to win. I believe this is McIlroy`s year.
David Wilson
Bryson DeChambeau: Last year, DeChambeau shot his lowest Masters round with a 65 in the first round, setting the stage for a season that included a U.S. Open win, a runner-up finish at the PGA Championship, and three top-10s in four majors. He claims to have matured since his infamous `par 67` comment in 2020, suggesting Augusta was easy. Perhaps he has now gained the necessary course knowledge to win.
Betting Roundtable
Who is your pick to win?
David Gordon, ESPN Research
Winner: Collin Morikawa (+1400)
Morikawa offers the ideal blend of current performance and past success at Augusta, similar to Jon Rahm before his Masters victory in 2023. Morikawa leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained on approach this season and has hit the most fairways at Augusta over the last five years. He has consistently been in the top 15 after each of his last 11 Masters rounds, with finishes of fifth, T10, and T3 in his past three appearances.
Tyler Fulghum, ESPN BET Live host
Winner: Rory McIlroy (+600)
The time has come. Rory has been pursuing the green jacket for over a decade, often coming close. This year, I believe it will finally happen for him. He has already secured two wins in 2025 at Pebble Beach and the Players. While the pre-tournament odds aren`t ideal, consider betting on McIlroy after Round 1 or 2, hoping for slightly better odds before a weekend surge. Rory is ready; it`s his time.
Pamela Maldonado, betting analyst
Winner: Collin Morikawa (+1400)
Morikawa is showing positive trends, seemingly mastering Augusta each year. He doesn`t need exceptional putting to win, just consistent performance. His iron play is sharp, his confidence is growing, and the expected rain on Friday should favor him. He has major championship experience, discipline, course history, and current form. Augusta requires precision, control, and composure, all of which Morikawa possesses. This could be the year everything aligns for him.
Anita Marks, ESPN betting analyst
Winner: Rory McIlroy (+600)
My winner prediction is based on two key metrics. The last four Masters champions ranked first or second in strokes gained from tee to green. McIlroy is currently second in this category and sixth in driving distance. With favorable weather conditions expected – sunny, low wind, and temperatures in the 70s – it’s ideal for aggressive play. Rory will have an advantage reaching the par 5s in two shots.
Who is your favorite bet to make the Top 10?
Gordon: Sepp Straka (+525)
Straka is one of only two players in the Top 10 for both fairways hit and greens in regulation on the PGA Tour this season, and the other is a top favorite (Morikawa). Odds of +525 are excellent for a player with a win this season and two top-10 finishes in major events. His best Masters finish was T-16th last year, and this is his fourth time playing at Augusta.
Fulghum: Sergio Garcia (+600)
The 2017 Masters champion is in strong form, even if it’s on the LIV Tour. Garcia has three top-six finishes in five starts this year, including a win at LIV Golf Hong Kong. According to stats, Garcia has gained significant strokes tee-to-green in his recent events.
Maldonado: Corey Conners (+800)
Conners is entering in peak condition, gaining strokes tee-to-green in multiple starts, and his putting is improving. His Augusta history includes three consecutive top 10s before a couple of less successful years. Now, he`s sharper and well-suited for a Top 10 finish, especially with predicted softer greens favoring ball strikers. The only concern is putting consistency, but if his iron play remains strong, he’s a solid bet.
Marks: Russell Henley (+380)
Henley previously finished T4 here in 2023 and has three top 15s at Augusta. A Georgia native having a great year, including a win at Bay Hill and frequent top 10 finishes. His game is currently well-rounded, making him a strong contender for a top leaderboard position on Sunday.
What is your favorite Scottie Scheffler bet?
Fulghum: Top American golfer (+270)
Scheffler’s odds are generally very short, making it hard to find good value bets. However, betting on him to be the top American golfer at +270 offers decent return. Given he`s a favorite to win overall, this bet allows you to capitalize on his high probability of success while excluding international contenders like McIlroy, Rahm, and Åberg. Consider betting on Scheffler after Round 1 or 2 for potentially better odds.
Gordon: To finish the first round Inside the top 10 (+162)
Finding value in Scheffler bets is challenging. However, betting on him to be in the top 10 after the first round at +162 seems reasonable. He’s been in the top 10 in 10 of his last 12 Masters rounds (83%). He`s also consistently started strong in previous Masters, being sixth or better after the first round for the past three years. While his recent first-round rankings this season are varied, he`s often been close to the top 10, making this a worthwhile bet.
Maldonado: To finish the first round Inside the top 10 (+162)
This bet on Scheffler to be in the top 10 after the first round is a strong choice. Scheffler’s ball-striking is exceptional, and even with a less consistent putter, he consistently contends. His floor is still a top 10 finish. Softer greens on Friday will reduce putting pressure, and his reliable tee-to-green game makes this a solid bet. He is in form and has won here before, and doesn`t need a hot putter to compete.
Who are your favorite long shots/value bets (50-1 or longer)?
Gordon: Cameron Young (+17500)
Perhaps the Masters can be the event to turn around Young’s challenging season start. While odds of 175-1 reflect his current form—ranking low in strokes gained tee-to-green and recent missed cuts—he was considered a 50-1 Masters contender just a year ago. He has the potential to quickly improve his game, and his recent T18 finish at the Valero Texas Open could be a sign of recovery.
Fulghum: Phil Mickelson (+10000)
I always see potential for Mickelson at Augusta. He knows this course incredibly well. While his game isn`t as consistently sharp as in his prime, his experience is invaluable. His T2 finish at the Masters just two years ago proves he can still contend. Odds of +10000 suggest only a 1% chance of winning, but I believe his actual probability is higher, making this a value bet.
Maldonado: Robert MacIntyre (+5500)
MacIntyre is trending upwards at the right time. His Augusta history, though limited, is promising with two Top 25 finishes. Since recovering from a back injury, he’s shown improvement in ball-striking and approach play, regaining confidence. He doesn`t need to be perfect, just consistent, and this course setup suits his steady game well. A Top 20 bet is safer, but +5500 is a smart longshot.
Are there any other bets that stand out to you?
Gordon: Russell Henley over Patrick Cantlay (Full tournament matchup: +100)
Beyond outright picks, I favor Henley in a matchup against Cantlay. Henley, also a potential outright pick and near-favorite for a Top 10 finish, is a strong bet in this matchup. He`s having his best season, tied for the most Top-10 finishes on Tour, including a win at Bay Hill. Cantlay, while favored, has only one Top-15 finish in his last five Masters appearances.
Fulghum: Max Homa to miss the cut (-115)
Despite the smaller Masters field, I lack confidence in Homa currently. He seems to lack self-assurance in his game, missing the cut in five consecutive events, including two signature events with similar cut rules to the Masters. I’m betting against Homa this week.
Maldonado: Tyrell Hatton to make the cut: No (+240)
Augusta punishes aggression, and Hatton is known for his fiery, reactive playstyle. This course demands patience, which may be challenging for Hatton. He has struggled off the tee recently, and his short game has been inconsistent. A slow start could lead to further issues. Expect potential fireworks, but not the kind that lead to success.
Marks: Top American golfer — Collin Morikawa (+800)
Morikawa leads the tour in strokes gained tee-to-green, a crucial metric for Augusta success. With top 10 finishes in his last three Masters appearances, he now has the course knowledge to potentially secure a green jacket. Betting on him to be the top American golfer offers good value.
