US Masters 2016 Tips: Each-way selections for the first major of the season

Editor
04 April 2016

Joe is backing Patrick Reed for Augusta glory this week

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The Betfair Sportsbook is paying six places on The Masters so the in-profit Betfair Golf team have a sextet of selections for you to consider at this year's Augusta test...

"There's a lot to be said about following the course specialists year after year. Jack Nicklaus won his sixth Green Jacket at the age of 46, exactly 30 years ago, and a number of former winners have performed admirably in recent years. Fred Couples very nearly won at the age of 49 in 2010 and he finished inside the top-20 in each of the next four years."

Steve Rawlings: Back Angel Cabrera @ 200/1

*Each-way terms: 1/4 odds, 6 places

Dan Geraghty: Back Brooks Koepka @ 60/1

Much was expected of Brooks Koepka at Augusta last year but the debutant's preparations were badly disrupted by a rib injury; however, the talented American still performed admirably in making the cut, eventually finishing 33rd. With that experience in the bank and a solid start to the new season behind him, expect an in-form Koepka to improve on 33rd place this year. Augusta really should suit - he hits the ball prodigious distances and has a high ball flight. Koepka has shown himself to be a man for the big stage, he already has three major top 10s to his name and has been in the top 20 in each of his last three major appearances.

Paul Krishnamurty: Back Brandt Snedeker @ 55/1

Historically, it takes most players several attempts at Augusta before winning, so those who quickly take to this unique test are always worth following in the years ahead. Brandt Snedeker has come a long way since folding under pressure when third in 2008, and is a better closer of tournaments than when surrendering final day favouritism in 2013. With experience he's become a reliable, obvious candidate on his favourite courses - as illustrated when winning his second Farmers Insurance Open title in February - and has the top-class, thirty-something profile of so many first-time major winners.

Joe Dyer: Back Patrick Reed @ 50/1

While it seems likely that one of the top six in the betting will be donning the Green Jacket on Sunday evening I will take a swing at the big prize with a major talent available at a much bigger price than Jason, Rory, Rickie and co. Four-time winner Patrick Reed is the man carrying my money this week at what I believe to be the handsome price of 50/1. The Augusta University alumnus arrives at the year's first major on the back of two successive top 10 finishes, sandwiched by a last 32 appearance at the WGC Match Play, to confirm his wellbeing with the game of golf. Reed has the game for Augusta - he has enough length off the tee, accuracy from fairway, and magic on and around the greens to really compete. And, as the 26-year-old has repeatedly proven his ability to win golf tournaments and finished a respectable tied 22nd on what was his second Masters appearance in 2015, I am happy to support him over the favourites this week.

Steve Rawlings: Back Angel Cabrera @ 200/1

Some players never really get to grips with Augusta and some just love the place. And there's a lot to be said about following the course specialists year after year. Jack Nicklaus won his sixth Green Jacket at the age of 46, exactly 30 years ago, and a number of former winners have performed admirably in recent years. Fred Couples very nearly won at the age of 49 in 2010 and he finished inside the top-20 in each of the next four years. Bernard Langer finished eighth here in 2014 at the age of 56 and Phil Mickelson finished runner-up to Jordan Spieth last year at the age of 44. Argentine veteran, Angel Cabrera, won the US Masters at the age of 39 in 2009 and he lost a play-off to Adam Scott three years ago at 43. He hasn't been in sparkling form this year but he hadn't done much in 2009 when he won and he very often comes to life when he gets to Augusta National. He's played the event 16 times in total and he's finished inside the top-ten six times and at 200/1, with six places up for grabs, he might just contend again at the age of 46, 30 years after Jack won it at the very same age. You can read Steve's full US Masters Preview behind the link.

Mike Norman: Back Louis Oosthuizen @ 33/1

Although there has been big-price winners of the Masters in the past, and certainly some outsiders reaching the frame, I feel that as every year goes by it's becoming a tournament for the fancied players. That's largely down to the current crop of market leaders being perfectly suited to Augusta; two-time winner Bubba Watson, multiple winner and Augusta specialist Phil Mickelson, and the massively in-form Aussie duo of Jason Day and Adam Scott for example. And we haven't even mentioned Spieth or McIlroy! I respect all those names this week, but a player at appealing each-way odds who also ticks most boxes is Louis Oosthuizen. He's gone close to winning here previously, has plenty of course experience now, he's certainly not short off the tee, and he's in great current form having won the Perth International and finished second in the WGC World Matchplay recently. He also strikes me as a player who very much raises his game for the majors and isn't scared to cross the line if presented with a chance of winning.

Ralph Ellis: Back Rory McIlroy @ 8/1

I love the thought of Ian Poulter, who battled his way to be third in the Puerto Rico Open as he tries to rescue his career, then storming back to the big time at Augusta and I toyed with tipping him at 270.0269/1 to win or 30.029/1 for the top five. But I'll put romance aside and stick with Rory McIlroy. He's 8/1 to win or 2/1 to place in the top-six and that's a fabulous bet - he's got his game back and going left-over-right seems to have added some control to his putting. That is always what sorts out the winners on Augusta's lightning greens.

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2016 Season P/L (£5 e/w per selection)

2016 Season P/L to date: + £279.16

- True Thailand Classic, Scott Hend @ 40/1 - WIN (Dan T)
- True Thailand Classic, Thomas Pieters @ 22/1 - PLACE (Dan G)
- WGC Cadillac Championship, Danny Willett @ 66/1 - PLACE (Paul)
- Perth International, Peter Uihlein @ 33/1 - PLACE (Steve)
- Tshwane Open, Dean Burmester @ 28/1 - PLACE (Paul)
- Dubai Desert Classic, Andy Sullivan @ 33/1 - PLACE (Mike)
- Abu Dhabi Championship, Thomas Pieters @ 50/1 - PLACE (Steve)
- Abu Dhabi Championship, Joost Luiten @ 66/1 - PLACE (Joe)
- South African Open, Christiaan Bezuidenhout @ 250/1 - PLACE (Dan G)
- Alfred Dunhill Championship, Joost Luiten @ 40/1 - PLACE (Joe)

* Total P/L for 2015 Season: +£958.37
* Total P/L for 2014 Season: +£251.75