Apologies for the headline, but we’re excited over here. When The Masters was postponed in April, I really never thought there was a chance we’d be able to visit Augusta this year, and yet – here we are. It’s weird being in November, with no fans patrons, and with several folks not making it due to COVID-19, but … it’s happening.
And that means we can bet on it. Like many others, I’ve done a few Masters pools, but when it comes to DraftKings, just a single entry (thus far – there’s still two days to go overboard). And here’s who I’m betting on.
A reminder – I’m QUITE bad at this. That’s why the headline here is who NOT to take, because taking my advice tends to not work out too well. Disclaimer done, let’s get to it:
Dustin Johnson ($10,000) – Lost in the glorious madness of Tiger Woods winning last year was that DJ ended up with a T2. In fact, in the last five years he’s had four top-10 finishes. That one lone year? He didn’t play due to “falling down some stairs.” Regardless, the course sets up brilliantly for him, he’s playing well (finished 2nd last week in Houston, came in 6th at the U.S. Open and destroyed the field in the FedEx Cup, winning twice and coming in 2nd once to a crazy Jon Rahm putt. He also finished (looks at notes) 2nd at the PGA Championship. It’s time for DJ to crack the seal and get that second major. I was worried he might feel the effects of his recent bout with COVID-19, but he proved that wrong last week. LET’S GO.
Justin Thomas ($10,700) – Favored even higher than DJ, JT (guess I like guys with cool initial nicknames) doesn’t have quite as much success as DJ at Augusta, but he’s gotten better every year (39, 22, 17, 12) and it feels like he should be poised for success here. These two guys are my horses, which spells doom for them. Apologies in advance.
Jordan Spieth ($8,200) – I have an article coming out later about the history of the Masters, but here’s a spoiler — Spieth has never finished out of the top-25 here, and has averaged a 6th place finish even after his collapse that we all think of. He dominates this course. Yes, he’s struggling but if there was ever a get-right course, it’s Augusta. The lack of fans, I think, is a good thing for Jordan. God, I’d love to see it.
Cameron Smith ($7,300) – Cam Smith has made the cut every time, and has a T5 from two years ago. He’s a budget fit, but a good one. I’m liking his chances for a lot of birdies and a real chance for another top-10.
Lee Westwood ($7,200) – Westie is probably The Best Player To Never Win A Major, and I will admit I didn’t notice that he ejected promptly from the Houston Open last week, but prior to that he finished 13th at the U.S. Open, and had three top-20 finishes in a few national opens on the EURO Tour, as well as a 30th at the Italian Open. He has six top-10 finishes at the Masters, including four in his last six appearances. He plays this course VERY well, and I’m thinking maybe the lack of fans puts a bit less pressure on him. Like Spieth, this one comes as much from the heart as the head, but we’d love to see it.
Lanto Griffin ($6,600) – Lanto gets some giggles here and there for reasons unknown, but he can play. This will be his first Masters, but he’s been playing well of late and is a good bargain at the price.
Enjoy folks.
talkingtoafade.com 
One comment