The Bearded Talisman's 2025 Masters Bets

Scottie Scheffler (+400 to WIN) – 3 Top 10s in 6 events this year, Scottie looks to become the first since Tiger Woods in 2002 to repeat as Masters Champion.   He was definitely more dominant in the early 2024 season than this year entering Augusta, but things started to click two weeks ago in Houston when he finished T-2nd.      He finished T-2nd last year in Houston and then two weeks later won at Augusta by 4 strokes.   If the 4-1 odds seem too short for you pre-tourney, then try to parlay it with something else - like I did yesterday.

Xander Schauffele (+1800 to WIN) – The world’s number #3 ranked golfer has 4 Top 10s in 7 previous Masters.   X-Man had a setback earlier in the year with a rib injury but made the cut in three events over 3 consecutive weeks after his return from injury, including a T-12th in his most recent event – The Valspar.   When I think of the best golfers in the world besides Scheffler, Schauffele is at the top of that list.   He won two majors last year for a reason.   I trust him on the green more than anyone in the field, including Scheffler.    At 18-1 he’s a bargain.    He will be in contention on Sunday.

Collin Morikawa (+1800 to WIN) – Morikawa was the winner without the starting strokes at the Tour Championship last year, and has two 2nd place finishes in 5 starts to begin 2025.   Unbelievably the world’s #4 ranked golfer has not won on American soil since February 2021 at the WGC-Workday at the Concession.   The two-time major champion has three straight Top 10s at Augusta.   “Is it his time?”

Victor Hovland (+4000 to WIN) – Normally you would not consider a golfer who has missed 4 cuts in his last 7 starts to win The Masters, but in his last start, Hovland WON at the Valspar.  The 2023 FedExCup champion and #9 ranked player in the world is as lethal with his irons as any golfer in the world, and at Valspar he found his 2023 clutch putting stroke.   Ask anyone who the best player on tour is NOT to have won a major and most all will tell you Hovland.    This is Hovland’s sixth Masters start, so he knows the course and in 2023 he finished T-7th.  40-1 for Victor Hovland?   I’m all over it.

Editor's note: The Bearded Talisman (BT) is one of the most successful golf gamblers in the world. He has won seven majors pre-tourney, including the 2024 Open, the 2023 Masters and the 2023 PGA Championship. BT is the only sports gambler known to have completed the COVID Slam, winning all 4 golf majors within a 12 month period. https://www.mylifeontheline.com/post/the-covid-slam