Us Masters 2014 preview

This column appeared in Galway Independent Wednesday 9th of April 2014

Augusta winner is elementary

Tiger has cried off with a bad back but since he hasn’t won the Masters in nine years, the only disappointment from a betting perspective is for bookies like Mulhollands who’d have won a packet laying the world number one this weekend. Errol Woods once said the only thing that could stop his son was a bad marriage or a bad injury. He’s now two from two on that front and suddenly Jack Nicholas’ record looks further away at 14/1 that he can overtake Jack’s 18 career majors.

A stat to get excited about is that the four majors Tiger missed through injury have all been won by an Irishman. Rory, Graeme and Darren will have their backers but I wouldn’t be one of them. I’d take on Rory simply because the odds are not big enough on a golfer who shows serious whiteline fever with the winning post is in sight. He’d want a six shot lead going into Sunday for backers to relax. I’d rather back him at 12/1 for 1^st round leader than 10/1 to win the green jacket.

There are similar doubts about Adam Scott(10/1) whilst Jason Day(16/1) and Mickelson(12/1) have injury worries of their own. At Augusta you need to concentrate on golfers that are either left-handed like Mickelson or can hit a perfect hook/draw shot. Golfers who can only fade the ball will lose yardage all over the shop. You can narrow the field further by scratching off all the old duffers who get their annual invite and suddenly you have only twenty odd golfers with any chance this week. Bear in mind that bookies like John Mulholland are paying out the first SIX golfers and this becomes the best value major for golf bettors. Mulhollands are also going money back if second or third to McIlroy

Golfers on your list should include Bubba Watson, Charl Schwartzel(33/1), Graham DeLaet(90/1), Hunter Mahan(50/1) and the old reliables like Angel Cabrera(55/1) and Fred Couples(150/1).

The man to back this week is Bubba Watson. He withdrew last time out when his allergies flared up but if he gets his pills right, he can be just the medicine at 28/1. Winner two seasons ago, his form prior to the Arnold Palmer was one win, two seconds and a ninth place in five starts this year. His game is tailor made for the course and he should in the shakedown come the back nine on Sunday. Fancy a free €50 bet? Go to John Mulholland facebook page and predict any golfer to finish in top six this week.

High Voltage at Augusta-US Masters Danger Betting 2011

So the BBC have lost 2 days coverage, how ever will we manage without Alyiss's utter drivel and loads of close ups of Junipers and Magnalias and that aul bridge at the 12th. Sky jump in with their great new innovation 3D at the masters. Funny how quickly HD is no longer enough and we all need to upgrade our packages and get stupid glasses to watch TV properly now and now after losing Alyiss for two days we must suffer Monty live in our living rooms.nt to see that in 3D. Thankfully Setanta Ireland have secured all 4 days as well so I think they'll be my station of choice and use the Internet/red button for as much coverage as I can soak up for the week outside of broadcast.

This year John Mulholland have come up with another one of those money back specials to Putt the money back in your pocket even if you back a dud. You can select a danger bet to your bet, so say you want to back Harrington you can nominate Mickelson as your danger and if Mickelson wins, Mulholland's will refund your losing Harrington bet. Hey presto, you get to choose your own cashback. Neat heh!

So who should you select as your danger bet and more importantly who should you select as your wager.

First up, while most people will select wither Phil Mickelson or Tiger Woods as their danger, for me I'd choose Phil every time. He has won this 3 times since 2004 versus Tigers one and could of won in 2009 as well and has an unreal record around here and can never be discounted even if his form beforehand is rubbish. I backed him last season but not sure confidence is as high in him. I feel sick for not backing him last week at 10/1 and although few win the Masters after winning the week before, he is one of the few strolling to the Green Jacket in 2006. Price is a little skinny now but definitely my danger choice.

Martin Kaymer was selected at 45/1 back for the USPGA on this blog and now he is 18/1 for this tournament. He has come slightly off the boil of late after an impressive start to 2011. He hasn't a great record around Augusta and as a player who likes to use fade with his trajectory, that is not a tactic that bears fruit at Augusta unless your left handed like Mickelson. I'll pass at the odds.


Of the Irish, all shortish in the betting and to be honest I don't like any of them for the win. McDowell has been quite negative about his game recently, Mc Ilroy would put you in the poor house backing on the nose and Harrington has more negatives than a Irish banks balance sheet. McIlroy missed the cut last year but is still capable of going close but I see Harrington winning in the battle of the Irish at 15/8

The player at the prices that jumps out fo me is Nick Watney. He showed glimpses last season here that he can challenge finishing 7th after a sensational Sunday round. He won this seasons Cadillac Championship, has finished in the top 10 5 times out of six this season and is for me America's new top golfer.

Lee Westwood and Luke Donald appeal most of the English. People who claim Westwood choked last season are talking nonsense. Mickelson pulled off super human shots to pip him(watch video) and he could rediscover his form here again. Luke Donald is a steady Eddie and while he many not win, he could easily get involved and anything is possible come Sunday at Augusta






Verdict: Nick Watney at 16/1
Danger: Phil Mickelson

Other wager
Padraig Harrington-Top Irish at 15/8