Scheffler and McIlroy the early frontrunners
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are currently tied as favourites in the outright betting UK markets with a price of 15/2. Trailing the world number one and two is reigning champion Jon Rahm (9/1), however, there are some doubts about the Spaniard’s chances of winning the trophy back-to-back. According to Paddy Power news, only three players throughout history have successfully defended their Masters crown.
Since bursting onto the scene, Scheffler has been eerily consistent. Augusta was the location in which he secured his first Major title - he finished with a one-under final round to thwart a late comeback from McIlroy. Despite not getting his hands on a Major in 2023, Scheffler finished in the top 10 in three of the four competitions, including a T2 at the PGA Championship and a third-place finish at the U.S. Open.
McIlroy, the world number two, is one of those players where form is not necessarily a concern heading into Major tournaments. He is made for the big occasion. However, although he has four Major titles to his name, the Green Jacket has eluded him thus far. The closest he has come was that second-place finish to Scheffler in 2022, his fourth top-five finish in nine years.
Viktor Hovland on the Hunt for a first Major title
It seems to be a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ when it comes to Hovland. The Norwegian is destined for greatness but is yet to get over the line in a Major. Admittedly, 2023 was a breakthrough year for the 26-year-old as he finished T7 at the Masters and T2 at the PGA Championship.
However, it was his Ryder Cup performance that singled him out as a potential world-beater. The remarkable Saturday morning foursome saw Hovland lead the way in an epic 9 and 7 drubbing of Scheffler and Brooks Koepka. He then earned yet another crucial point on Sunday and beat Collin Morikawa comfortably as Europe went on to lift the Ryder Cup.
Hovland’s +2 final round at the 2023 Masters saw him finish six shots back from winner Rahm. Had he been at his best, there’s every chance he would have pushed the eventual victor all the way.
You cannot count out Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm was born to play at Augusta. His record in the Masters is incredibly impressive, especially as he topped off a string of top-10 finishes by finally getting his hands on the trophy in 2023.
Since 2018, Rahm has registered five top 10s in six tournaments. Undoubtedly, he'll be hovering around the top of the leaderboard again this year. Victory would cement him as an all-time great and one of only four players to defend their Masters title.
When is the Masters?
The Masters will take place at Augusta National, Georgia, from April 11th to April 14th. The field will be made up of the very best players from across the globe, each looking to earn a share of the $18,000,000 total prize purse and book a spot among
