Masters betting guide: Westwood and Fitzpatrick the value picks
Get your money down on: Lee Westwood
The ship has sailed on prices of 100/1 and 80/1 that were freely available earlier in the week but you can still get 25s on Worksop’s finest and I’m going in again.
We need him to be steadier at shorter range but if you can’t get confidence from five back nine birdies in a row – and in those conditions – then what hope is there for you?
It’s his determination that struck me most. An outward 39 was the end for many of his Masters colleagues.
But something happens to Westy when he steps onto the hallowed Augusta fairways.
Five and six places are still freely available – at a quarter of the odds – with many of the bookies and, if you haven’t got Lee on your list, sort that out right now.
Where’s the value? Matt Fitzpatrick
Super cool throughout much of his opening day, don’t let the double bogey on the last affect your judgement.
In my view, it just means we get a bigger price to play with and the 40/1 I see at many outlets is very attractive.
He finished 7th last year and, in the worst of the conditions, put together a very impressive start. He’s only two shots off second.
Round two match-bet: Justin Rose (6/4) vs. Brandt Snedeker and Jason Day
Justin finished one under par and always looks hugely comfortable around Augusta. Jason Day’s got things on his mind, didn’t look settled at all on day one and finished two over.
So I’m unsure why Justin isn’t a shorter price in this three ball.
With Snedeker three over as well, both Rose’s playing partners are under a little bit of pressure with weather conditions not expected to ease significantly in round two.
If Justin repeats his opening round trick, I’m confident we’ll be collecting once again.
Masters in numbers: First round stats
Masters power rankings: Hoffman is Big Time Charley as DJ spins out
English masters flying high at Augusta
Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
