The Masters Tournament, the first major of the golf season, is set to begin at Augusta National in Georgia from Thursday to Sunday.
Scottie Scheffler, the current champion, is the favorite at +475 odds, closely followed by Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and Jon Rahm.
Which golfers do our experts believe will emerge victorious? Where do betting analysts see the best opportunities? We delve into the top contenders and much more as we preview the 2025 Masters.
Expert Picks to Win
Matt Barrie
Rory McIlroy: Believes it`s his time to win.
Tory Barron
Brooks Koepka: Despite a lackluster performance at Augusta last year, Koepka, a five-time major winner with a strong Masters record, thrives as an underdog. With attention on Scheffler and McIlroy, Koepka is predicted to secure the green jacket.
Jeff Darlington
Justin Thomas: Thomas has regained his confidence recently, achieving four top-10 finishes in eight starts, including a remarkable 62 at the Players Championship. This momentum makes it the perfect time for him to contend for the Masters.
Michael Eaves
Rory McIlroy: McIlroy`s current form is exceptional, supported by his impressive shot statistics. Having already won at Pebble Beach and the Players Championship, he leads the PGA Tour in wins this year. Historically, the player with the most wins entering the Masters has won the green jacket, making this an opportune moment for McIlroy to complete the career Grand Slam.
Peter Lawrence-Riddell
Scottie Scheffler: While Scheffler`s season start might seem less dominant than usual, he`s been consistently in the top 10. Despite a “slow” start by his standards, he`s poised for a win soon, and Augusta, a course where he`s previously triumphed twice, is a strong possibility.
Andy North
Collin Morikawa: Morikawa`s consistent Masters record, including a T3, T10, and 5th in his last three appearances, highlights his suitability for Augusta. His recent strong play and excellent iron game make him a top contender.
Laura Rutledge
Rory McIlroy: Rutledge is backing McIlroy, citing his excellent season and improved mental game. She believes he is well-prepared to win the Masters and achieve the career Grand Slam.
Mark Schlabach
Rory McIlroy: After 11 attempts, Schlabach predicts McIlroy will finally win the Masters, joining an elite group to complete the career Grand Slam. His current form, including wins at the DP World Tour Championship, Pebble Beach, and the Players, combined with his strong driving, iron play, and putting, make this his year despite past Augusta challenges.
Marty Smith
Rory McIlroy: Smith argues that McIlroy is playing the best golf of his career and is more complete than ever. McIlroy`s confidence in all aspects of his game, supported by wins at Pebble Beach and the Players, indicates he`s entering the Masters with significant momentum and a relaxed mindset, making this his year to win the green jacket and complete the Grand Slam.
Curtis Strange
McIlroy and Scheffler in a playoff. Believes it will be a win for everyone to watch.
Paolo Uggetti
Will Zalatoris: Zalatoris`s early Masters record is exceptional, with his worst finish being a tie for ninth in three starts. His strong major championship record and return to health after injury position him as a contender at Augusta.
Scott Van Pelt
Rory McIlroy: Cites McIlroy`s current form, preparation, and timing as key factors. Believes it is simply McIlroy`s time to win.
David Wilson
Bryson DeChambeau: DeChambeau`s improved maturity and course management, combined with his past Masters experience, including a low round of 65, suggest he has learned enough to contend and win.
Betting Roundtable
Odds by ESPN BET
Who is your pick to win?
David Gordon, ESPN Research
Winner: Collin Morikawa (+1400)
Morikawa is seen as a blend of current form and Augusta success, similar to Jon Rahm before his 2023 win. He leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained on approach and fairway accuracy at Augusta over the last five years. His consistent top-15 finishes in past Masters rounds further support his potential.
Tyler Fulghum, ESPN BET Live host
Winner: Rory McIlroy (+600)
Fulghum believes it`s McIlroy`s time, after a decade of chasing the green jacket. Despite close calls, this year, with two wins already, McIlroy is poised to win. Fulghum suggests waiting for Round 1 or 2 to potentially get better odds before a weekend surge.
Pamela Maldonado, betting analyst
Winner: Collin Morikawa (+1400)
Morikawa is trending positively at Augusta, improving each year. His precision and control, combined with softened greens, favor his game. Maldonado highlights his major pedigree, discipline, and course history, suggesting “the jacket fits” this year.
Anita Marks, ESPN betting analyst
Winner: Rory McIlroy (+600)
Marks emphasizes strokes gained tee to green, where McIlroy ranks second, and his driving distance. With favorable weather expected, McIlroy`s ability to reach par 5s in two gives him an advantage.
Who is your favorite bet to make the Top 10?
Gordon: Sepp Straka (+525)
Straka`s top-10 rankings in fairways hit and greens in regulation, along with a win and two top-10 finishes this season, make him a strong Top 10 contender at +525 odds. His improving Masters history adds to his appeal.
Fulghum: Sergio Garcia (+600)
Despite playing on the LIV Tour, Garcia`s excellent recent form, including three top-six finishes and a win, makes him a valuable Top 10 bet at +600. His tee-to-green performance is highlighted as particularly strong.
Maldonado: Corey Conners (+800)
Conners` peak form and Augusta history, with three prior top 10s, suggest he can contend for a Top 10 finish again. Softer greens due to rain benefit his ball-striking strengths.
Marks: Russell Henley (+380)
Henley`s past Masters success, strong current form including a win at Bay Hill, and consistent top finishes make him a solid Top 10 bet at +380. His well-rounded game and local Georgia connection further support his chances.
What is your favorite Scottie Scheffler bet?
Fulghum: Top American golfer (+270)
Given Scheffler`s high odds across markets, betting him to be the top American golfer at +270 offers good value. This bet leverages his high probability of winning while excluding top international contenders.
Gordon: To finish the first round Inside the top 10 (+162)
Betting Scheffler to be in the Top 10 after the first round at +162 is seen as valuable due to his strong Masters opening round history and consistent performance at Augusta.
Maldonado: To finish the first round Inside the top 10 (+162)
Maldonado also favors Scheffler to be in the Top 10 after Round 1, highlighting his exceptional ball-striking and consistent high floor, even with a volatile putter. Soft greens further reduce putting pressure, favoring his tee-to-green game.
Who are your favorite long shots/value bets (let`s say 50-1 or longer)
Gordon: Cameron Young (+17500)
Despite a poor season start, Young at 175-1 odds is a value bet. His past Masters odds and potential to quickly improve make him a worthwhile long shot.
Fulghum: Phil Mickelson (+10000)
Mickelson at +10000 is a valuable long shot due to his extensive Augusta experience and past Masters success, including a T2 finish just two years ago. His odds are seen as undervaluing his true win probability.
Maldonado: Robert MacIntyre (+5500)
MacIntyre at +5500 is a smart long shot, trending positively with solid Augusta finishes and improving form since injury. His steady game and mental fortitude suit the course well. Top 20 bet is also recommended.
Are there any other bets that stand out to you?
Gordon: Russell Henley over Patrick Cantlay (Full tournament matchup: +100)
Henley as a +100 matchup bet against Cantlay is favored due to Henley`s strong season, consistent Masters performances, and contrasting recent form compared to Cantlay.
Fulghum: Max Homa to miss the cut (-115)
Homa to miss the cut at -115 is a strong bet given his current lack of confidence and recent missed cuts, including at similar signature events.
Maldonado: Tyrell Hatton to make the cut: No (+240)
Hatton to miss the cut at +240 is favored as Augusta punishes impatience and reactive play. Hatton`s inconsistent tee-to-green and short game, combined with Augusta`s demands for patience, suggest he may struggle to make the cut.
Marks: Top American golfer — Collin Morikawa (+800)
Morikawa as top American golfer at +800 is a strong value bet. His leading strokes gained tee to green rank and consistent top 10 Masters finishes position him well to be the top American finisher.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely