Masters 2019 tips and betting with Rose, McIlrory and Molinari in the running
WHO is The Master?
SunSport assesses the form and makes a case for a host of players to be wearing the Green Jacket.
RORY McILROY
Quite rightly the favourite and price will be as low as 13-2.
Five top tens in five years here. Won this year. Putting improving and as long as ever.
Wet weather is also in his favour as he can fire at pins.
DUSTIN JOHNSON
Will make the par-fives look like par-fours and wedge game has improved so much.
Pulled out last minute in 2017 and came tenth last year — so has unfinished business.
If he keeps the mystery double-bogey off his card, he will be around on Sunday.
Price should not be longer than 12-1.
JON RAHM
Good bet to lead after the first round, maybe even two.
But his main downfall seems to be his temperament.
The Spaniard will win a Major eventually, but this might come too early.
Price of 16-1 suggest bookies are not sure.
JUSTIN ROSE
Smart player, smart money.
Mr Consistent has been second twice here, so he knows the track suits him and he won in San Diego.
The only question is over the six-ten footers.
But Rose is confident, so why wouldn’t we trust him at 11-1?
TOP TIP
SunSport’s David Facey makes Rose his top tip. He says…
"Has never missed the cut at Augusta and they have had a green jacket in his size waiting on the peg for years.
"Desperately unlucky to lose out in a play-off to Garcia two years ago, and I think he will go one better this time."
TIGER WOODS
Four-time winner knows every slope at Augusta and he has been racking up the hours on his inconsistent putting.
But 12-1 is perhaps a bit short for our tastes.
ADAM SCOTT
‘Really?’ I hear you say. Won in 2013 and runner-up before that.
There is no problem with being over-golfed because he times his run for Augusta. Only ‘iffy’ putting can stop him.
A consideration at 35-1.
TONY FINAU
Got the lot. Smashes it as far as anyone off the tee and seems to hole putts for fun.
So why no big wins on tour? Surely it will happen soon and he will be much fancied this week.
At 33-1, we like those numbers.
FRANCESCO MOLINARI
Ryder Cup darling has won again this year at the Arnold Palmer and went close in the Match Play.
The big issue will be attacking as many par-fives for eagle as some big hitters.
Not gone well around here before with a best of T19 and is 18-1.
TOP TIP
SunSport’s David Facey makes Molinari his next best bet after Rose. He says…
"Showed nerves of steel to hold off a snarling Tiger in the Open last year, and his match play record since then shows he fear no-one.
"Much-improved putter, and his iron play is a match for anyone in the game."
TOMMY FLEETWOOD
Yet to win in America but it is only a matter of time.
Tough ask to make it the first at Augusta but precision iron play will be handy at the devilish par-threes.
Is he sure enough over those five-footers to warrant a punt at 22-1?
JORDAN SPIETH
Edgy. Missing fairways and greens. So why is it impossible to write off Spieth?
Because he loves Augusta, loves the fight and his short game is electric. Hence the 16-1 price.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Paul Casey (suits Augusta), Rickie Fowler (must do it soon) and Brooks Koepka (loves a Major).
FANCY A LONGSHOT?
Charles Howell III struggled around the circuit for years but has three top tens to go with his win this year — 90-1.
TOP TIP
Fancy backing a dark horse? David Facey says... back Xander Schauffele.
"Hands up – how many of you know he has spent all year in the world’s top ten since winning the Tournament of Champions in the first week of January?
"Also won the Tour Championship in 2017 and a WGC title six months ago."