A Tradition Unlike Any Other

Goosebumps right? Always a spectacle, the best golfers in the world converge on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National for this major rite of spring.  Here are my three picks to win for the week , and believe me, this was tough as hell to narrow down…

• Phil Mickelson | 6:1 – It’s impossible to ignore his track record here, and obviously he’s playing well coming in.  Hits the ball high and works it right to left, which gives him a distinct advantage.  The modern day David Sims could easily bring home his fourth green jacket.
• Nick Watney | 15:1 –  As mentioned before here, his stats are off the charts and he has never finished outside the top 20 at Augusta. Playing better than ever.
• Justin Rose | 35:1 – Has never missed a cut here and is coming off back-to-back top 5 finishes.  Iron play has improved dramatically over past season or so.
• Also considered: Mahan, Kuchar, Casey

Tournament Matchups

• Watney -130 vs. Johnson – Soul Patch is way too errant off the tee, and his best finish here is a T30. Take the left coast guy this week. [Update: upon review, this was a 1st Round matchup that I bet on…a mistake that worked out nicely.]
• Furyk -115 vs. Goosen – More of a hunch pick based on recent play, but Furyk has cashed 12 out of 14 times here.
• Baddeley -120 vs. Fowler – Badds’ iron play is significantly better than years past plus he’s playing well, and Fowler has never teed it up in the Masters.
• Moore -140 vs. Els – Moore has a great track record in the Masters, and Els couldn’t hit the Grand Canyon from 5 feet with his flatstick.
• Casey -115 vs. Kaymer – Das German is 0-3 in cuts made here, and as mentioned above I do like Casey this week. I’m honestly shocked at the odds Kaymer is getting in these matchups.
• Kim +110 vs. Stricker – I don’t like Stricker’s inconsistent play here (50% made cuts) and Kim is coming off a great week in Houston, plus a 3rd place finish last year has me really liking his value here.