The Masters Tournament, the first major golf event of the year, is set to take place from Thursday to Sunday at Augusta National in Georgia.
Scottie Scheffler, the current champion, is the favorite to win again with odds of +475. He is closely followed by Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and Jon Rahm in the betting odds.
Which golf experts are predicting victory? Where do betting experts see the best value bets? We delve into the top contenders and more as we look ahead to the 2025 Masters.
Expert Picks to Win
Matt Barrie
Rory McIlroy: Because it`s his time to win.
Tory Barron
Brooks Koepka: Despite a lackluster performance at Augusta last year, we`re talking about Brooks Koepka, a major player for big events. With five major titles, including three top-10 Masters finishes in his last six starts, Koepka excels when underestimated. As attention focuses on Scheffler and McIlroy, Koepka could secure the elusive green jacket and be welcomed back to the PGA Tour fold with renewed acclaim.
Jeff Darlington
Justin Thomas: JT has regained his confidence in recent months, achieving four top-10 finishes in eight starts, highlighted by a second-round 62 at the Players Championship. The timing seems perfect for one of golf`s top talents to claim the sport`s most prestigious prize.
Michael Eaves
Rory McIlroy: He might be entering Augusta in the best form of his career, supported by his impressive statistics. Golf is about winning, and with victories at Pebble Beach and the Players Championship, he`s the only player with multiple PGA Tour wins this year. Historically, the player with the most wins leading up to the Masters has won the green jacket for the past three years. This could be the year McIlroy completes the career Grand Slam.
Peter Lawrence-Riddell
Scottie Scheffler: While his season start might seem less dominant than usual, considering missed time and recovery, Scheffler has still consistently finished in the top 10, including two top-3 finishes. It’s only a matter of time before he wins again, and Augusta, where he`s won twice in the last three years, seems like a likely venue.
Andy North
Collin Morikawa: His Masters track record here is impressive: T3, T10, 5th in his last three appearances. He`s playing well, with a near-win at Bay Hill, and his iron play is back to its best.
Laura Rutledge
Rory McIlroy: I`m picking Rory! He`s been playing excellent golf this season, and his mental game appears stronger than ever. This improved mental fortitude could be key to securing a Masters victory and completing the career Grand Slam.
Mark Schlabach
Rory McIlroy: In his 11th attempt at Augusta, Rory will finally win the Masters, becoming only the sixth golfer to achieve the career Grand Slam. After waiting over a decade for another major, this is his moment. McIlroy enters the tournament in fantastic form, with wins at the DP World Tour Championship, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the Players Championship. His driving, iron play, and putting are all top-notch. Despite past challenges at Augusta, this year, the wait ends.
Marty Smith
Rory McIlroy: Arguably playing the best golf of his career, McIlroy feels like the most complete player he`s ever been. Confident in every aspect of his game, his recent wins at Pebble Beach and the Players prove his momentum. He expressed feeling `freeing` knowing he doesn`t need everything to be perfect to win. He`s relaxed, confident, and ready. This is his year for the green jacket and career Grand Slam.
Curtis Strange
McIlroy and Scheffler in a playoff. Ultimately, we all win.
Paolo Uggetti
Will Zalatoris: Zalatoris has an exceptional early Masters record. In three starts, his worst finish is tied for ninth, including a second-place finish in his debut in 2021. He also has seven top-10s in 15 major appearances. His back injury previously hampered his career, but now healthy, he has the game to win at Augusta.
Scott Van Pelt
Rory McIlroy: It`s a combination of form, preparation, and timing. Sometimes, it`s simply someone`s time to win. I believe this is his time.
David Wilson
Bryson DeChambeau: Last year, he shot his best Masters round with a first-round 65, preceding a season where he won the U.S. Open, finished second at the PGA Championship, and had three top-10s in four starts. DeChambeau claims to have matured since his `par 67` comment in 2020, suggesting Augusta was easy. Now, he might have learned enough to win.
Betting Roundtable
Who is your pick to win?
David Gordon, ESPN Research
Winner: Collin Morikawa (+1400)
Morikawa blends current form with past Augusta success, similar to Jon Rahm before his 2023 Masters win. Morikawa leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained on approach this season and has hit the most fairways at Augusta over the last five years. He has consistently been in the top 15 after each of his last 11 Masters rounds, finishing fifth, T10, and T3 in his previous three appearances.
Morikawa blends current form with past Augusta success, similar to Jon Rahm before his 2023 Masters win. Morikawa leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained on approach this season and has hit the most fairways at Augusta over the last five years. He has consistently been in the top 15 after each of his last 11 Masters rounds, finishing fifth, T10, and T3 in his previous three appearances.
Tyler Fulghum, ESPN BET Live host
Winner: Rory McIlroy (+600)
It`s time. McIlroy has been pursuing a green jacket for over a decade with several close calls. This year, it happens. With two wins in 2025 already, at Pebble Beach and the Players, he`s in top form. While the pre-tournament odds aren`t ideal, consider betting on McIlroy after Round 1 or 2 if his odds lengthen before a weekend surge. Rory is ready.
It`s time. McIlroy has been pursuing a green jacket for over a decade with several close calls. This year, it happens. With two wins in 2025 already, at Pebble Beach and the Players, he`s in top form. While the pre-tournament odds aren`t ideal, consider betting on McIlroy after Round 1 or 2 if his odds lengthen before a weekend surge. Rory is ready.
Pamela Maldonado, betting analyst
Winner: Collin Morikawa (+1400)
Morikawa is improving year by year at Augusta. He doesn`t need a hot putter to win, just a steady one. His iron play is precise, his confidence is growing, and expected rain on Friday favors his game. With major pedigree, discipline, course history, and current form, he has the precision and control needed at Augusta. This year, it all aligns for him to win.
Morikawa is improving year by year at Augusta. He doesn`t need a hot putter to win, just a steady one. His iron play is precise, his confidence is growing, and expected rain on Friday favors his game. With major pedigree, discipline, course history, and current form, he has the precision and control needed at Augusta. This year, it all aligns for him to win.
Anita Marks, ESPN betting analyst
Winner: Rory McIlroy (+600)
Key metrics point to McIlroy. The last four Masters winners ranked first or second in strokes gained tee to green. McIlroy is currently second in this category and sixth in driving distance. Favorable weather conditions with sun, low wind, and temperatures in the 70s will be perfect for his power game, giving him an advantage on par 5s.
Key metrics point to McIlroy. The last four Masters winners ranked first or second in strokes gained tee to green. McIlroy is currently second in this category and sixth in driving distance. Favorable weather conditions with sun, low wind, and temperatures in the 70s will be perfect for his power game, giving him an advantage on par 5s.
Who is your favorite bet to make the Top 10?
Gordon: Sepp Straka (+525)
Straka is among the top 10 in both fairways hit and greens in regulation on the PGA Tour this season, alongside Morikawa. The +525 odds are attractive for a player with a win this season and two top-10 finishes in signature events. With a previous best of T-16th at the Masters and playing at Augusta for the fourth time, he`s a strong contender for a top 10.
Fulghum: Sergio Garcia (+600)
The 2017 Masters champion is in excellent form on the LIV Tour, with three top-six finishes in five starts, including a win in Hong Kong. Garcia has gained significant strokes tee-to-green recently, making him a good bet for a top 10 finish.
Maldonado: Corey Conners (+800)
Conners is entering in peak form, gaining strokes tee to green in multiple starts, and his putting has improved. His Augusta history includes three straight top 10s. While not a major contender, his ball-striking ability, especially with softened greens from Friday`s rain, makes him a solid top 10 bet.
Marks: Russell Henley (+380)
Henley previously finished T4 at Augusta in 2023 and has three top 15s here. A Georgia native having a great year, including a win at Bay Hill and frequent top 10 finishes. His game is well-rounded right now, making him a strong pick for a top 10.
What is your favorite Scottie Scheffler bet?
Fulghum: Top American golfer (+270)
Scheffler is heavily favored in most markets, making betting on him challenging. However, at +270 to be the top American, it`s a worthwhile bet. As the most likely winner overall, this bet eliminates non-American contenders like McIlroy and Rahm, increasing the value.
Gordon: To finish the first round Inside the top 10 (+162)
Finding good Scheffler bets is tough. Betting on him to be in the top 10 after the first round at +162 is appealing. He`s been in the top 10 in 10 of his last 12 Masters rounds and has started strong in previous years. While his first-round positions this season haven`t always been top 10, he`s often been close, making this a reasonable bet.
Maldonado: To finish the first round Inside the top 10 (+162)
Betting on Scheffler for a top 10 after the first round is a smart play. His exceptional ball-striking keeps him in contention even with an inconsistent putter. His consistent tee-to-green game, especially with softened greens, makes a top 10 first-round finish likely.
Who are your favorite long shots/value bets (50-1 or longer)?
Gordon: Cameron Young (+17500)
Despite a poor season start, Young at 175-1 odds is a value bet. While his current form is weak, he was a 50-1 Masters contender last year and has the talent to rebound quickly. His recent T18 finish at the Valero Texas Open shows potential for improvement.
Fulghum: Phil Mickelson (+10000)
Mickelson at 100-1 is always worth considering at Augusta, given his course knowledge. While not as consistent as before, his experience is invaluable. His T2 finish at the Masters just two years ago proves he can still contend, making his current odds undervalued.
Maldonado: Robert MacIntyre (+5500)
MacIntyre is trending upwards. His limited Augusta history is solid with two Top 25 finishes. Recovered from a back injury, he`s showing improved ball-striking and confidence. Steady play suits Augusta, making him a good long shot. A Top 20 bet is safer, but the +5500 odds offer significant value.
Are there any other bets that stand out to you?
Gordon: Russell Henley over Patrick Cantlay (Full tournament matchup: +100)
Henley is favored in a matchup against Cantlay. With strong recent Masters finishes and a career-best season including a win at Bay Hill, Henley is a solid bet. Cantlay, despite being generally favored, has less impressive recent Masters results.
Fulghum: Max Homa to miss the cut (-115)
Homa`s current form is concerning, having missed the cut in five straight events. His lack of confidence is evident. Fading Homa this week, including betting on him to miss the cut, is a reasonable strategy given his recent performances.
Maldonado: Tyrell Hatton to make the cut: No (+240)
Augusta punishes aggression, which could hurt Hatton. His reactive and sometimes volatile play style is not ideal for Augusta`s demands for patience. With inconsistent tee shots and short game, and a tendency to react strongly to setbacks, Hatton is at risk of missing the cut.
Marks: Top American golfer — Collin Morikawa (+800)
Morikawa, leading the tour in strokes gained tee to green, a key metric for Augusta success, is a great bet to be the top American golfer at +800. With three consecutive top 10 Masters finishes, his course knowledge and current form make him a strong contender.
