2014 US Masters Power Rankings: Top 10 In The Betting And Why They Are There

I’ve had a look at the top 10 in the pre tournament betting for the 2014 US Masters to see what justifies the bookies odds. 1. Rory McIlr...

I’ve had a look at the top 10 in the pre tournament betting for the 2014 US Masters to see what justifies the bookies odds.

1. Rory McIlroy 10/1

Has shown promise at Augusta, has dominated the course and been bitten by it.  Now finally at peace with his equipment Rory stormed through the final round at Houston with a seven birdie exhibition. That’s four top 10 finishes in his last five starts with tied seconds in Abu Dhabi and at The Honda.  In the absence of Tiger, the bookies fancy Rors to get over the line this time.

2. Adam Scott 11/1

Scott stats say his driving and iron play are immaculate and on his day he’s untouchable.  But therein lies the question.  Will it be his day this coming Sunday?  History says only very special players defend the crown.  Super solid all season but followed a sublime 62 in the opening round at Bay Hill with a smelly 76 on Sunday to end up third.  With all the media commitments and extra scrutiny this week, a Scott win will propel him into the golfing stratosphere.

3. Phil Mickelson 12/1

Declared himself fully fit after completing four rounds in Houston and played solidly enough.  It’s a case of the old dog for the hard road with Phil, and Augusta is one heck of a hard road.  He’s a three time winner who has never needed a playoff to jump into that Green Jacket and has oodles of course experience besides.  Found his way off the tee in Houston with his low trajectory 3-wood; could that be the eureka moment that brings Phil right back into the reckoning this week?  He’ll need to putt much better than of late to contend.

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4. Jason Day 16/1

In at these odds thanks to his previous Masters form, a good Farmers Open and that WGC Matchplay win in Arizona.  But Day has been sidelined with a thumb injury and hasn’t played since the 23rd of February.  It would be truly amazing if he were to just show up and win.

5. Sergio Garcia 22/1

Has a legion of supporters who will always back him in Majors but for me, if Sergio is to finally win one, it will be the Masters.  After a hit and miss early record at Augusta Sergio has made every cut since 2009 and tied eighth last year.  This year he brings a truly amazing formline of 11 straight top 20 finishes, including a win in Qatar, T8 at The Honda and a solo third in Houston.  Statistically the 34 year old tops the scoring average on the PGA Tour and ranks highly in the all the major putting stats. Yes I did say putting!  Needs to remain calm and play his game; if he does this can Garcia’s best Masters ever.

6. Matt Kuchar 22/1

Drifting in pre tournament betting after letting another tournament slip away in Houston. Denis Pugh outlined the subtle out to in swing change Matt is trying to incorporate into his game to produce a fade; something that bit him in the ass as he doubled crossed himself from the fairway on 18 last week. However Kuchar did play himself into contention in both Texas and Houston and he’s not the kind of guy to beat himself up too much over such matters.  Contended over the past two years and still remains and educated bet.

7. Henrik Stenson 25/1

Fancied more because of his legacy last season that anything yet this year.  Excited everyone by tying fifth in Houston but played poorly by his high standards in Houston.  Henrik is capable of greatness but he has yet to really get to grips with Augusta.  No top 10’s here in eight attempts.

8. Dustin Johnson 25/1

Inexplicably walked out after a horror first round in Houston, and send punters away scratching their heads.  I’m going to discount that one and point instead to his consistent driving and irons this seasons and his breakthrough year with the putter.  Second at Pebble and Riviera and fourth at Doral in the run in. Yes his stock has depleted a little after Houston, but the canny buyer gets in when everyone else is getting out.

9. Justin Rose 28/1

The US Open Champ is almost the forgotten man of this years Masters.  Struggled all season with a shoulder injury but cameo’d at The Valspar where he tied eighth.  Missed the cut last time out  at Bay Hill too which sent him tumbling down the fancied list.  Best of T5 in 2007 and T8 in 2012.

10. Bubba Watson 28/1

There were tears at Bay Hill for Bubba but he would have us believe it was pollen and not his play that was to blame.  I for one believe him and give him an excellent chance at winning a second Green Jacket this season. His par 3 and par 4 birdie average is among the best on Tour, and he’s statistically the best scrambler from fairway and rough combined. Bringing an even better formline into the event than when he won in 2012 with a T2 in Phoenix, win in Riviera and T2 at Doral. Sure to give you a run for your money.

Click here to see my 2014 US Masters Betting Preview and Tips