Thursday 4/9/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

Spanish Primera Liga TODAY 19:00

Ath Bilbao

v

Valencia

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		8/5	9/4	9/5	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ATH BILBAO	RECENT FORM
AWAWHWAWHWAL​ Most recent​	1 - 1 1 - 0 0 - 3 1 - 2	AWHWADHWAWHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Valencia have conceded only two goals in their last seven matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Two in-form sides clash at San Mames. Athletic had won five out of six going into Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Seville, where they played well. Valencia, desperately trying to fend off Seville in the race for a top-four spot, have won eight of their last 11. Athletic are the lowest home scorers in La Liga and Valencia can come away with a much-needed point.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[superbeets]

Scottish Championship TODAY 19:45

Queen of Sth

v

Rangers

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		14/5	13/5	10/11	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT QUEEN OF STH	RECENT FORM
ADHWHWALALAW​ Most recent​	2 - 0 0 - 3 1 - 2 2 - 3	HDHDHDAWHWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Rangers have lost just one of their last 12 league matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Queen Of The South have given themselves a great chance of getting into the Championship playoffs after their win at Hibs, but Rangers look to be coming into decent form as the end of the season approaches. The Gers collected three points against champions Hearts on Saturday and they are capable of building on that success.

RECOMMENDATION: Rangers
2


REFEREE: Don Robertson STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Thursday 4/9 Analysis
By Brewster Smith
DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 51 - 298 / $397.30 BEST BETS: 3 - 25 / $14.10

Best Bet: CRIMSON CRUISER (8th)

Spot Play: CAMS MACHARENA (4th)



Race 1

(2) THUNDER NOISE moves down in class and the post should help his cause. (5) BAZILLION was sent down the road last out for all the glory. (4) ON THE BRINK was nailed for win honors last week.


Race 2

(1) DANISHDUJOUR Sharp gelding moves to the fence and all systems go for him to get it done. (6) AMASA AL needs a better trip to contend; maybe. (7) PICTONIAN PRIDE put in two good efforts and could be a factor in here.

Race 3

(6) KEEMOSABE Easy score in his latest and now goes for a hot barn; gets the call. (7) TIDEWATER TOMAHAWK got the job done down the road last time out; main danger. (4) FLYING INSTRUCTOR could land a share of the purse.

Race 4

(7) CAMS MACHARENA gets some class relief and has tactical speed; can pounce and score over these. (1) GRACE SEELSTER should fare well from the rail slot. (2) JOKES JET flashed good early zip last time around.

Race 5

(1) ALWAYS LOVE ME Pacing miss has been right there in her last three tries. She's fit and ready to boss these. (4) DENYITTOTHEEND has danced every dance this year; big threat again. (5) NUTMEGS DESIRE was quite game for the score recently.

Race 6

(5) LITTLE MERMAID N 13-year-old mare seems to be ready to fire her best and mow these down for all the glory. (8) GET THE LOOK has fine speed, post hurts but is very capable. (2) SHELIKESITHERWAY was sharp in victory last time out.

Race 7

(3) MACH THIS WAY put in a nice effort last week so this gal is seeking her first score of the year; maybe this will be the night to take this group to task for all the cash. (2) FLYING MOCHA has good speed and could contend with these. (5) MCEVER has hit the board in her last four trips to the post; watch out.

Race 8

(2) CRIMSON CRUISER Quite sharp since the move from Ohio. Gelding has the right stuff to take down his second score at the Hilltop. (3) WINTER BLUES tired in the stretch run last out but could make some noise in here. (4) ROCKAVELLIAN clearly is knocking at the door. Not out of this.

Race 9

(7) R GAUWITZ HANOVER has wheeled off two straight victories. Gelding is in nice form so the hat trick is surely not out of the question. (2) TALKTOMECOURAGE N led every step of the way in his recent outing. (8) DIGITAL Z TAM Post hurts but he is strong enough to handle the outside slot.

Race 10

(1) SECRETSOFTHEKNIGHT showed signs of life in his latest and the rail slot could put this guy back into the winner's circle. (4) IM THE REAL MAJOR beat lesser company in his last start. (5) CASHENDASH HANOVER was caught at the wire for the victory last week; don't overlook.

Race 11

(5) CLIMATE HANOVER Two good efforts put this pacing mare in the winning scope. Ready to mow them down for all the marbles. (7) LITTLE MISS HENRY took the pocket route last out for the victory; main danger. (2) MY TALLIA IDEAL She could contend with a better trip.

Race 12

(1) GROUNDED was second best in her last try. Good to see Brennan is keeping the faith with this gal and she should boss these from the fence. (4) CANACO STAR gets a better slot to work with; second best. (5) BO TOX HANOVER leaves the 8-hole and that might help her cause.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Thursday 4/9 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale
DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY $1 PICK 4 TICKET:

2,3,10/2,4/5,9/3,7,9 = $36



LATE $1 PICK 4 TICKET: 3,7,9/4,5,6/6,9/8,9 = $36

MEET STATS: 0 - 0 / $0.00

Best Bet: E L LOVE (3rd)

Spot Play: TWIN B SWEETHEART (6th)

Race 1

(4) BUBBA VIC is by a Hambletonian winner out of a mare that won early. His last 1/4 of 26 3/5 in his lone qualifier signals he's ready; top call in the Mohawk curtain raiser. (1) GUSCREST was beaten late by a couple of decent ones in his last two then took a couple of weeks off. He should contend from the inside. (9) DANCE FOR ME SASHA showed good late speed in her qualifier and can threaten if not dropped too far back early.

Race 2

(10) LOVELY ERIN was super impressive closing from last in her debut on a wet track to nail a big favorite right on the money. She certainly looks promising and this field is no tougher; 10-hole is the biggest worry. (7) BLACK QUEEN raced so well first out that it was surprising she was sluggish when asked to pace last out. It's too early to give up on her; contender. (5) FRANNEY LOVE DAT raced much better last week but still remains winless in 14. A minor award is likely.

Race 3

(7) E L LOVE trotted two impressive miles at London in the winter then was laid up. She showed much better speed in her qualifier at Mohawk a week ago and looks best here. (5) MS KRISTINS BABY is out of a dam that has thrown two foals so far and both were winners. This one has shown good late speed in her qualifiers. (6) AMITYVILLE LINDY kept good company last year but had gait issues. Bax may have here figured out; beware.

Race 4

(3) A LOT OF SENSE has closed big gaps in the last two from outer posts and is obviously sharp. Maybe red-hot pilot McNair gets out closer and moves earlier; top call to kick off the pick 4. (10) DEBBIES MACH looks like one of very few with early foot here and may try to go right down the road even from out there; using. (2) BYE BYE MICHELLE was a good third to the choice last out and may be approaching last year's form which saw her win 5 of 15.

Race 5

(4) WIZARD OF OSNEY got buried in traffic but once clear closed stoutly, just missing. He's a bit win-shy but projects to get a good trip behind (2) RAISING RICHARD here. That one was a powerful winner last out and certainly merits inclusion on early pick 4 tickets. (6) SHOPSMAGICWAND went a seriously long trip last week and understandably tired in the lane. She should get a better trip and result here.

Race 6

(9) TWIN B SWEETHEART hasn't lived up to the promise of her debut race but this field is pretty weak and Jamieson likely provides an aggressive steer; top call. (5) WAR FILLY dropped out of the HPI series and closed well over a wet track for 3rd behind two good ones. She's the one to beat. (6) WISHES FOR YOU faced a monster last time in the Blossom series. These are much easier and she can share.

Race 7

(7) BLUSH AND CRUSH has been very consistent in the Nixon stable the past month and his good early speed is a nice asset; top call here. (9) BULLET followed up on his win two back with a good first-up mile. He is much-improved and a big threat here. (3) TYMAL COLLOSUS races better near the front and could blast out of there and make things interesting for the top two early.

Race 8

(6) CANADIAN EDITION got a much better trip as expected last week and converted at a nice price. There is more early speed in here, but he doesn't need the lead to win either; call to repeat. (4) BEACH HERO jogged in fast time at London now goes into Moreau's barn. For as far as he goes. (5) GREYSTONE MOE could get a sweet trip on cover chasing big fractions here. Keep him on your pick 4 tickets.

Race 9

(9) CANADIAN WRITER is out of a dam that has produced 3 winners in only 3 that have raced and all have gone in 1:55 or faster. This son of Sportswriter may be good to go first time out here. (6) ONWAYTOSANTAFE drew off impressively in his qualifier and should be the one to beat here. (4) BIG MAGICK had good late speed in his qualifier and will likely take some action. His dam is not a noted producer; mixed signals.

Race 10

(8) JETTINS DRAGON qualified okay vs. some very tough company now makes his 2015 debut priced to win for trainer Johnson. He likely gets get claimed either way. (9) LOST IN PANSLATION was claimed by Bowins for himself who will be looking for some immediate R.O.I. (5) ROCKNROLL BAND was claimed by a high % conditioner and should go better here. (10) P L CAMMANDER is obviously one of the better ones but the 10-hole could be tough to overcome here with a few quick leavers signed on. (6) BUGGER MAX qualified in quick time at London after a couple of months off. He could better this placing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

National League
Pirates @ Reds
Burnett is 0-3, 7.54 in his last four starts; three of his last four road starts went over the total.

DeSclafani is 0-1, 12.14 in two MLB starts; they both went over.

Reds won five of last six games with Pittsburgh, winning first two games in this series; under is 5-2-1 in last eight series games.

Mets @ Nationals
Harvey hasn't pitched since 2013; he was 0-2, 3.86 in his last three starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven starts.

Strasburg is 4-2, 1.41 in his last seven starts; his last four stayed under.

Washington won nine of last 12 games with the Mets; five of last six in series stayed under the total.

Giants @ Padres
Hudson is 0-5, 6.04 in his last ten starts; three of last four stayed under.

Kennedy is 3-0, 2.75 in his last three starts; four of his last six stayed under.

Home side won six of last seven Giant-Padre games, with Giants winning three of last four.

American League
Twins @ Tigers
Gibson is 2-3, 5.63 in his last seven starts; six of his last eight went over. .

Greene was 1-3, 6.17 in his last five starts for Bronx; six of his last nine starts stayed under the total.

Minnesota lost last three games with Detroit, outscored 18-0; Twins are first AL team since 1977 to get shut out in first two games- they haven't even had a runner on third base yet.

White Sox @ Royals
Danks is 2-0, 1.89 in his last three starts; over is 4-0-1 in his last five.

Volquez is 2-1, 2.35 in his last seven starts; three of his last four went over.

Royals won nine of last eleven games with Chicago; seven of last eight went over the total. KC scored 17 runs in first two games of this series.

Indians @ Astros
Bauer was 0-1, 4.41 in his last six starts LY, with four of last five going over the total.

Wojciechowski is making MLB debut here; he is 13-11, 3.99 in 35 career AAA starts (4-4, 4.74 in only 14 starts LY).

Cleveland won nine of last 12 games with Houston; 11 of those 12 games stayed under the total. Teams split pair of 2-0 games in this series.

Rangers @ A's
Martinez is 2-2, 2.80 in his last six starts; seven of his last ten stayed under.

Graveman is making first MLB start; he allowed two runs in 4.2 IP in relief for Jays LY. He jumped from A ball to majors LY, going 3-2, 1.88 in his six AAA starts, 14-6, 1.83 overall in 27 minor league starts LY.

Oakland lost six of last ten games with Texas, but won two of first three in this series; over is 7-3-1 in last eleven series games.

Blue Jays @ Bronx
Norris allowed two runs in 3.1 IP (59 PT) in his only MLB start, vs Seattle last September.

Sabathia is making first start since last May 10; he is 0-2, 8.36 in his last three starts- four of his last five went over.

Toronto is 4-4 in its last eight games in the Bronx; six of last eight games in series stayed under total.

Interleague
Red Sox @ Phillies
Masterson is 0-2, 10.22 in his last three starts; three of his last four stayed under the total.

Buchanan was 0-3, 3.81 in his last nine starts LY; Phils scored 28 runs in the nine games. Over is 3-1-1 in his last five home starts.

Boston won five of its last eight games with the Phillies; over is 4-1-1 in last six Boston series wins, 0-3 in Philly's last three series wins.

Umpires
obviously, these numbers go back to last year
Pitt-Cin-- Favorites are 11-3 in last 14 BWelke games.
NY-Wsh-- Favorites won 13 of last 17 Timmons games.

Minn-Det-- Five of last seven Barksdale games stayed under.
Chi-KC-- Underdogs are 4-3 in last seven Davidson games.
Cle-Hst-- Underdogs were 15-13 in Barry games last year.
Tex-A's-- Seven of last ten Hamari games went over total.
Tor-NYY-- Over is 11-4-1 in last sixteen Meals games.

Bos-Phil-- Under is 14-5-1 in last 20 Randazzo games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - April

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI

Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
4/1 4 22.5 24 OVER
4/2 9 48.5 55 OVER
4/3 5 27 34 OVER
4/4 13 69.5 76 OVER
4/5 5 26.5 21 UNDER
4/6 5 26 25 UNDER
4/7 9 - - -
4/8 3 - - -
4/9 11 - - -
4/10 2 - - -
4/11 15 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Preview: Jets (42-26) at Avalanche (37-31)

Date: April 09, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

Paced by Ondrej Pavelec's strong play in net, the Winnipeg Jets are in position to secure the second playoff berth in franchise history.

The visiting Jets can clinch it by posting a fourth straight victory Thursday night against the Colorado Avalanche.

Owner of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference with two games remaining, Winnipeg (42-26-12) is three points ahead of ninth-place Los Angeles. A victory would lock up a playoff berth for the Jets, who regardless of their outcome also would earn a postseason spot if the Kings fell in regulation at Calgary on Thursday.

Since debuting as the Atlanta Thrashers in 1999-2000, the only playoff appearance for the Jets' franchise came in 2006-07. The city of Winnipeg hasn't seen NHL playoff hockey since the franchise now known as the Arizona Coyotes qualified in 1995-96.

"We've still got a challenge ahead of us," winger Chris Thorburn said after scoring in Tuesday's 1-0 victory at St. Louis. "We know the situation we're in."

Pavelec has a chance to become the club's first goalie to record three straight shutouts after stopping all 62 shots against Minnesota and the Blues to open this three-game trip. He's won nine of his past 11 starts while posting a 1.63 goals-against average, including two goals allowed on 112 shots during a career-high four-game road winning streak.

"He's our best player right now," Thorburn told the Jets' official website. "He's in a groove. We need him. He knows that."

Pavelec is 4-0-2 with a 1.92 GAA in his last six starts against the Avalanche (37-31-12). However, he's yielded three goals apiece in the clubs' past two meetings, losing in a shootout at Colorado on Dec. 11 before winning 5-3 on Feb. 8 with 25 saves.

The Jets totaled four power-play goals in those two games and 16 non-shootout goals in the season series while going 3-0-1.

Winnipeg's Andrew Ladd had five goals in four straight games against the Avs before being blanked in the last matchup. He's tied for second on the team with 24 goals despite going a season-high 10 straight games without one.

Colorado won the Central Division in 2013-14 but will miss the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons. However, the Avs have knocked off playoff-bound opponents Anaheim and Nashville in two of their last three contests.

Jarome Iginla and Ryan O'Reilly had goals nine seconds apart in the second period, and Joey Hishon's first career goal broke a tie in the third of Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Predators.

The 17th overall pick in 2010, Hishon made his NHL debut March 4 but didn't have a point in his first 10 games.

"My role is to just bring a steady work ethic and work as hard as I can every single day," he told the Avalanche's official website.

O'Reilly has seven goals in the last 12 games but only one against the Jets this season. Iginla has three goals with two assists in the last three versus Winnipeg.

Jets All-Star Dustin Byfuglien has two goals and three assists versus Colorado this season, but he'll serve the last of his four-game suspension for a crosscheck to the head of the New York Rangers' J.T. Miller on March 31.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL betting road map: Back Penguins to win out
By ART ARONSON

Art Aronson of AAA Sports takes a look at some of the best betting opportunities for the upcoming week on the ice.

Moneyline/Puckline Watch

Team to fade this week: Buffalo, Arizona

These teams are in a race to finish last in the league in points in the hopes to the get the first crack at top prospect Conner McDavid. As strange as it sounds, I think both teams are well aware of it.

Arizona has games against three playoff bound teams in Vancouver, Calgary and Anaheim so don’t be surprised of a “puck-line” play is the way to go.

Buffalo’s home crowd cheers against it when it wins games so remaining games against Carolina and Pittsburgh aren’t going to be easy this week. I would look to fade them by multiple goals in games against playoff hungry teams.

Team to bet this week: Pittsburgh

The Penguins are in serious trouble of missing the playoffs thanks to a three-game losing streak. I think a must-win attitude this week will get them back in the right column.

Pittsburgh will be in control of their own destiny with a game against Ottawa that will likely decide a spot in the postseason. An injury to top flight center Evgeni Malkin has helped to add to the woes of the Penguins but he is back and with a game or two under his belt, he should back to helping the Penguins win games.

It is not bold to predict that the Penguins will win all remaining three games.

Total Watch

Dallas Stars OVER streak

The Stars' games have seen the higher number hit in four straight and five of six coming into the last week of the season.

The loss of top defenseman Trevor Daley has plagued this team all year long and after brief hot streak thanks to good play from their starting goalie in Kari Lehtonen, the Stars are back to playing high scoring games.

Injury Watch

Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks

This late in the season, any injury to top players is pretty key but we should keep an eye on the Blackhawks top player in Patrick Kane.

The Blackhawks struggle to score without him and he has been their most clutch player in recent playoff runs.

He isn’t expected back for another month and the Hawks could be in big trouble against a big strong team like St. Louis in the first round.

Playbook: The LA Kings

The LA Kings have four games remaining and are a single point out of the final playoff spot.

The four games are all against divisional opponents. It is highly likely it comes down to the last game of the year and a match-up with California rival San Jose Sharks.

What drama that game will be as the Sharks will love to play spoiler against the defending games. I think the rest of the league is praying they don’t make the big dance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rangers continue to cash over tickets as season ends
Justin Hartling

The New York Rangers have topped the closing total in eight of their past 11 contests, while posting 8-1-2 over/under mark. In those 11 games, 36 percent have seen seven or more combined goals scored.

The Rangers have averaged 3.7 goals, compared to 3.0 on the season, while allowing 2.5.

New York welcomes the Ottawa Senators to Madison Square Garden Thursday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rangers favored to hoist the Stanley Cup
Stephen Campbell

Despite having the Chicago Blackhawks favored to win the Stanley Cup for the majority of the season, sportsbooks have made the New York Rangers the frontrunner with the regular season drawing to a close.

The Rangers are now priced at +450 at the book with the Hawks right behind them at +650.

Here's each playoff-bound and playoff-hopeful NHL club's shot at taking home the hardware:

New York Rangers +450
Chicago Blackhawks +650
Anaheim Ducks +900
Minnesota Wild +900
Montreal Canadiens +1,000
Nashville Predators +1,000
St. Louis Blues +1,000
Tampa Bay Lightning +1,000
Los Angeles Kings +1,200
New York Islanders +1,400
Boston Bruins +1,800
Pittsburgh Penguins +1,800
Washington Capitals +1,800
Vancouver Canucks +2,000
Detroit Red Wings +2,200
Winnipeg Jets +3,000
Calgary Flames +3,500
Ottawa Senators +5,500

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Golf: Books ready for 2015 Masters

Odds to win the 2015 Masters (4/12/15)

Rory McIlroy 6/1 (Bet $100 to win $600)
Bubba Watson 10/1
Jordan Spieth 10/1
Dustin Johnson 12/1
Jason Day 12/1
Adam Scott 20/1
Henrik Stenson 20/1
Jimmy Walker 25/1
Matt Kuchar 25/1
Patrick Reed 25/1
Phil Mickelson 25/1
Rickie Fowler 25/1
Brandt Snedeker 30/1
Justin Rose 40/1
Hideki Matsuyama 50/1
JB Holmes 50/1
Lee Westwood 50/1
Louis Oosthuizen 50/1
Sergio Garcia 50/1
Tiger Woods 50/1
Angel Cabrera 60/1
Billy Horschel 60/1
Brooks Koepka 60/1
Jim Furyk 60/1
Keegan Bradley 60/1
Martin Kaymer 60/1
Ryan Moore 60/1
Zach Johnson 60/1
Bill Haas 80/1
Charl Schwartzel 80/1
Hunter Mahan 80/1
Ian Poulter 80/1
Jason Dufner 80/1
Paul Casey 80/1
Gary Woodland 100/1
Kevin Na 100/1
Luke Donald 100/1
Padraig Harrington 100/1
Ryan Palmer 100/1
Victor Dubuisson 100/1
Chris Kirk 125/1
Graeme McDowell 125/1
Jamie Donaldson 125/1
Branden Grace 150/1
Ernie Els 150/1
Fred Couples 150/1
Jonas Blixt 150/1
Kevin Streelman 150/1
Marc Leishman 150/1
Miguel Angel Jimenez 150/1
Shane Lowry 150/1
Vijay Singh 150/1
Webb Simpson 150/1
Bernd Wiesberger 200/1
James Hahn 200/1
Matt Every 200/1
Russell Henley 200/1
Steve Stricker 200/1
Brendon Todd 250/1
Camilo Villegas 250/1
Charley Hoffman 250/1
Graham DeLaet 250/1
John Senden 250/1
Joost Luiten 250/1
Nick Watney 250/1
Bernhard Langer 300/1
Geoff Ogilvy 300/1
Seung-Yul Noh 300/1
Stephen Gallacher 300/1
Thomas Bjorn 300/1
Thongchai Jaidee 300/1
Tim Clark 300/1
Ben Crane 500/1
Brendon de Jonge 500/1
Brian Harman 500/1
Charles Howell III 500/1
Darren Clarke 500/1
Erik Compton 500/1
Francesco Molinari 500/1
Freddie Jacobson 500/1
Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano 500/1
KJ Choi 500/1
Kevin Chappell 500/1
Kevin Stadler 500/1
Matt Jones 500/1
Mikko Ilonen 500/1
Ryo Ishikawa 500/1
Scott Harvey 500/1
Stewart Cink 500/1
Trevor Immelman 500/1
Bradley Neil 1000/1
Jose Maria Olazabal 1000/1
Mike Weir 1000/1
Tom Watson 1000/1

Odds to finish in the Top 10 of the 2015 Masters (4/12/15)

Rory McIlroy 10/19 (Bet $100 to win $52)
Bubba Watson 20/23
Jordan Spieth 20/23
Dustin Johnson 21/20
Jason Day 21/20
Adam Scott 7/4
Henrik Stenson 7/4
Jimmy Walker 217/100
Matt Kuchar 217/100
Patrick Reed 217/100
Phil Mickelson 217/100
Rickie Fowler 217/100
Brandt Snedeker 13/5
Justin Rose 7/2
Hideki Matsuyama 17/4
J.B. Holmes 17/4
Lee Westwood 17/4
Louis Oosthuizen 17/4
Sergio Garcia 17/4
Tiger Woods 17/4
Angel Cabrera 5/1
Billy Horschel 5/1
Brooks Koepka 5/1
Jim Furyk 5/1
Keegan Bradley 5/1
Martin Kaymer 5/1
Ryan Moore 5/1
Zach Johnson 5/1
Bill Haas 7/1
Charl Schwartzel 7/1
Hunter Mahan 7/1
Ian Poulter 7/1
Jason Dufner 7/1
Paul Casey 7/1
Gary Woodland 17/2
Kevin Na 17/2
Luke Donald 17/2
Padraig Harrington 17/2
Ryan Palmer 17/2
Victor Dubuisson 17/2
Chris Kirk 21/2
Graeme McDowell 21/2
Jamie Donaldson 21/2
Branden Grace 13/1
Ernie Els 13/1
Fred Couples 13/1
Jonas Blixt 13/1
Kevin Streelman 13/1
Marc Leishman 13/1
Miguel Angel Jimenez 13/1
Shane Lowry 13/1
Vijay Singh 13/1
Webb Simpson 13/1
Bernd Wiesberger 17/1
James Hahn 17/1
Matt Every 17/1
Russell Henley 17/1
Steve Stricker 17/1
Brendon Todd 21/1
Camilo Villegas 21/1
Charley Hoffman 21/1
Graham Delaet 21/1
John Senden 21/1
Joost Luiten 21/1
Nick Watney 21/1
Bernhard Langer 26/1
Geoff Ogilvy 26/1
Seung-Yul Noh 26/1
Stephen Gallacher 26/1
Thomas Bjorn 26/1
Thongchai Jaidee 26/1
Tim Clark 26/1
Trevor Immelman 26/1
Ben Crane 40/1
Brendon de Jonge 40/1
Brian Harman 40/1
Charles Howell III 40/1
Darren Clarke 40/1
Erik Compton 40/1
Francesco Molinari 40/1
Freddie Jacobson 40/1
Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano 40/1
KJ Choi 40/1
Kevin Chappell 40/1
Kevin Stadler 40/1
Matt Jones 40/1
Mikko Ilonen 40/1
Ryo Ishikawa 40/1
Scott Harvey 40/1
Stewart Cink 40/1
Bradley Neil 85/1
Jose Maria Olazabal 85/1
Mike Weir 85/1
Tom Watson 85/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bet on where the Masters winner will hail from
Stephen Campbell

Where do you think the future winner of the 2015 Masters will be from? If you have an idea, you can get your bet in now.

Here's a look at odds on the geographical region for the man who will put on the green jacket this year:

USA -140

Europe +210

Rest of the world +400

 

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Have some fun with these offbeat Masters prop bets
By STEPHEN CAMPBELL

Ask any professional golfer and they'll tell you that, despite its history and beauty, Augusta National is anything but a fun golf course.

Do you know what is fun, though? Goofy Masters prop bets. Bookmaker released a boatload of offbeat proposition wagers ranging from which family member the eventual winner will hug first to what kind of meat reigning champion Bubba Watson will serve at the championship dinner.

What kind of meat will Bubba Watson serve at the championship dinner?

BEEF -125
CHICKEN +225
PORK +625
SEAFOOD +5250
NO MEAT INVOLVED +525

How many hole-in-one shots will be recorded during the par 3 contest?

0 +1015
1 +625
2 +245
3 +225
4 OR MORE +185

Will the winner of the par 3 contest win the Masters?

YES +2250
NO -5250

Winning score of the par 3 contest will be:

OVER 21.5
UNDER 21.5

Will there be a playoff to decide the winner of the par 3 contest?

YES +265
NO -385

Will any player make a hole-in-one skipping the ball across the pond on No. 16 during Wednesday's practice round?

YES +400
NO -725

Will Jack Nicklaus's ceremonial first tee shot settle in the fairway?

YES -205
NO +160

Will Arnold Palmer's ceremonial first tee shot settle in the fairway?

YES -225
NO +165

Will Gary Player's ceremonial first tee shot settle in the fairway?

YES -225
NO +165

How many players will withdraw during the tournament?

OVER .5 -135
UNDER .5 +105

Will Tiger Woods withdraw during the tournament?

YES +405
NO -650

Which conference will have more top 10 finishers?

SEC CONFERENCE -300
ACC CONFERENCE +210

Which player over 50 will have the best finish?

FRED COUPLES +165
MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ +205
VIJAY SINGH +405
BERNHARD LANGER +425

Who will the winner hug first? (Excluding their caddy)

CHILD +485
PARENT +1015
WIFE/GIRLFRIEND +125
WIFE HOLDING CHILD +165
NO HUG +1215

Will the winner be wearing a hat or a visor?

HAT -215
VISOR +185
NO HEAD WEAR +1015

Winning region

NORTH AMERICA -135
GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND +345
AUSTRALIA +765
CONTINENTAL EUROPE +785
REST OF THE WORLD +725

Will there be a playoff?

YES +235
NO -285

Winning margin

PLAYOFF +235
1 SHOT +285
2 SHOTS +405
4 SHOTS OR MORE +405
3 SHOTS +545

Bookmaker also has head-to-head matchups posted, as well as players to make or miss the cut. They matched up Tiger vs. PAR golf.

TIGER WOODS +150
PAR -180
(this opened at WOODS +135 and PAR -165)

Tiger making the cut opened at YES -130/NO +100 but that has already been bet down to YES -115/NO -114

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

2015 Masters Preview
By Dan Daly

Hello friends, and welcome to the greatest week of the calendar year. The azaleas are in full bloom, the pine needles are in place, the magnolias are spectacular and JD is set up in the Hooter’s parking lot on Washington Ave. The only issue this week may be the weather on tap at Augusta National Golf Club. The good news though, as always, with the help of their sponsors, Augusta National and CBS will continue to bring us 56 minutes of every hour of golf coverage.

Before we go any further though, a quick prayer to God, Hootie, Bobby Jones, or whoever really controls the Masters; Please, I beg of you, anything but a repeat of last year's Masters. Not only was it the most boring Masters in my lifetime (and the lowest rated in 21 years) but you allowed that Justin Bieber loving, ring finger tattooed, whiny bitch, Bubba Watson to win a second green jacket. That was not cool and you owe us all one of the best Masters ever this year to make up for it.

Anyone who reads the Waggle even on a semi-regular basis knows I’ve had the 2015 Masters winner locked in since Sunday night of the 2014 Masters. And since then he has done nothing but make me an even a bigger believer (just to be clear God, Hootie, or Bobby Jones; that’s believer…not Belieber) you’re 2015 Masters Champion will be…

Jordan Spieth (12/1) – Someone go ahead and get this guy fitted for a green jacket already. My man Spieth held the lead on Sunday last year in his first ever Masters before finishing a very respectable T2. Well, the Masters Rookie curse is now behind him. Couple that with the fact that he comes into this year’s Masters off a win at the Valspar followed by a second place finish at the Valero and a playoff in Houston and I would say he’s pretty frickin’ dialed in right now. I know this much, if the Green Jacket comes down to making clutch putts on Sunday afternoon, there is no one on earth I have more faith in right now than Jordan Spieth.

If that wasn’t enough, 2015 marks the 44th and final Masters for the legendary Ben Crenshaw. Nothing would be more poetic (and the Masters is nothing if not poetic) than Jordan Spieth winning his first Masters the same year fellow Texas Longhorn, and Spieth idol, Ben Crenshaw played his final Masters. I’m already shedding a tear just thinking about it.

It’s your money, spend it however you want, but if you like winning 12 times your money then I would go ahead and bet on Jordan Spieth this week to win the Masters.

As for everyone else…

Bubba Watson (10/1) – Unless God, Hootie, or Bobby Jones has the world’s sickest sense of humor this can’t and won’t happen again, at least not this year.

Dustin Johnson (12/1) – I’m rooting for DJ this week just so my fantasy of Paulina posting pictures of herself in nothing but the green jacket might come true! I just don’t think he putts well enough to win here.

Lee Westwood (65/1) - LOL…this is still considered a major right?

Jason Day (12/1) – He is on a very bad pace to become the next Lee Westwood.

Angel Cabrera (60/1) - The anti-Lee Westwood. This guy only shows up in majors. As long as they play the Masters the Duck has a chance. He’s obviously a long shot at 60/1, but with those odds how can you not take the Duck for a few bucks just in case?

Henrik Stenson (18/1) – He withdrew from Houston with the Flu, and if you have ever had the Flu you know that he has no chance of winning a Major championship one week later.

JB Holmes (40/1) – Obviously coming off his win in Houston and playing very well as of late, Holmes will be a popular pick this week. Two things working against Holmes though…first, he plays a power fade on a course that favors a draw. Second, and this surprised me, Holmes has only played in one Masters in his career; 2008 where he finished T25. He will play well this week but I can’t see Holmes winning.

Jimmy Walker (35/1) – Some people can’t understand why he is only the 10th ranked player in the world and has such high odds this week as hot as he’s been the last 18 months. Well, nothing against Jimmy Walker but look at the courses he has won on and the fields he has beaten. This is Augusta National and the Masters, sorry Jimmy.

Adam Scott (22/1) - As they say in football, if you have two quarterbacks, you have none. Well, Scott has two putters right now and thus he has none. And if there is ever a course and a tournament you DON’T want to be between putters, this is it.

Phil Mickelson (27/1) – Twenty-seven to one…really? I know Phil showed signs of life this week in Houston the first two rounds, and it’s Phil at The Masters, and I agree that there is something to that; but the guy has one top 10 on the PGA Tour since August 2013. ONE. Mickelson had the 36-hole lead last weekend and still didn’t even finish in the top 10. He will make the cut, and probably even make a little run at some point that will get everyone all excited but when it’s all said and done he has no real chance to win.

Brandt Snedeker (30/1) - There is no one in the field that wants the green jacket more than Sneds. Problem is it keeps working against him. The second he gets into contention here he starts thinking too much and it leads to weekend meltdowns. I really want him to win sooner than later but it won’t happen until he calms down over the weekend.

In case you were wondering why Zach Johnson (75/1), Graeme McDowell (90/1), Keegan Bradley (90/1), Jason Dufner (100/1), Ernie Els (150/1) and Webb Simpson (150/1) all have such high odds…they all finished the 2014 Maters behind Sandy Lyle and Larry Mize. Let that sink in for a second.

Patrick Reed (30/1) – Considering he also finished the 2014 Maters behind Sandy Lyle and Larry Mize I don’t think he’s quite ready to win at Augusta just yet.

Martin Kaymer (45/1) – He won the US Open by 50 shots last year using his putter anytime he was within 100 yards of the green. This isn’t Pinehurst, you actually have to be able to chip and pitch at Augusta. Seve won there twice for a reason.

Justin Rose (50/1) - CUT, CUT, 55, CUT, T37. Those are his five starts on the PGA Tour so far this year. I’m thinking 55/1 might be pretty generous at this point.

Sergio Garcia (50/1) - Might as well be 5,000,000/1. He certainly has the game but Sergio sealed his fate forever at Augusta in 2009 when he said, "I don't like it, to tell you the truth. I don't think it's fair. It's too tricky. Even when it's dry you still get mud balls in the middle of the fairway. It's too much of a guessing game. They can do whatever they want. It's not my problem. I just come here and play and then go home." Yeah, you can’t say that at Augusta, the powers that be will never allow him to win a Masters…ever.

Rickie Fowler (25/1) - You would think he was due by now with a top 5 in all four majors last year but the guy hasn’t posted a single top 10 all year. I don’t think he wins this week but does post a top 10 and rights the ship just in time for a US Open run in June.

Jim Furyk (65/1) – You still have to play all four rounds at the Masters right? Ok, just checking.

Matt Kuchar (40/1) - He tied for the lead when he chipped in on the 3rd hole Sunday last year only to immediately 4 putt the 4th hole. Kuchar might have a little too much Furyk running through his blood to win.

Charl Schwartzel (85/1) – I still can’t believe he has one Green Jacket, he’s not going to get a second.

Luke Donald (110/1) – His odds have dropped every year. Vegas is finally figuring out what I’ve said for years… As long as they make Luke Donald play the back tees during the Masters this is one tournament he will never win.

Fred Couples (150/1) - Fred Couples at Augusta is like a stripper; every year he gets you all excited but inevitably leaves you high and dry. He lures you into believing there is actually a chance he could win again and just when you have convinced yourself this could actually happen…BAM, denied.

Miguel Angel Jimenez (200/1) – The man did shoot a 66 on Saturday last and closed with a 4th place finish. At 200/1, you can make worse investments in your life.

Tiger Woods (50/1) – I honestly don’t even know where to begin here. Tiger could shoot anywhere from 70 to 90 and neither would surprise me. Hell, he might do both. On the one hand, he came into the 2013 Masters injured, having not played in months, written off for dead and was arguably one horrible break away from winning his 5th Masters. On the other hand it has been almost 570 days since Tiger finished a PGA Tour event under par and has completed only one final round in an official PGA Tour event in the last year. I would probably bet somewhere in the middle to be honest. It also may be a sign of the times that that Nike released this “tribute” commercial to Tiger.

Rory McIlroy (8/1) – Rory is obviously the favorite and the biggest story going into Masters week. Not counting “Young” Tom Morris (back in the 1800’s) or Bobby Jones when Amateur’s counted as Majors; Rory will be looking to become only the fifth player in Modern Golf history to win three consecutive majors joining Hogan (’53), Jamie Anderson (’77-’78), Bob Ferguson (’80-’81) and of course the TigerSlam in ’00-’01. Between the pressure of the three-peat, the demons of the 2011 collapse and the fact that he just hasn’t played that well in 2015, you can go ahead and count Rory out this year. A back door top 10, sure, the green jacket come Sunday…not so much. He also got beat Saturday last year by a guy that wasn’t even in the field.

Happy Master Week to Everyone!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

The Masters begins Thursday at Augusta
By: Freddy Wander

The Masters
Tees Off: Thursday, April 9th
Augusta National GC – Augusta, GA

Here is the betting preview for this matchup:

The first major of the year is finally here as the top players from around the world hit the hallowed grounds of Augusta for the Masters this week. They will be chasing the green jacket for the 81st year and the par-72, 7,435-yard course has given up a decent amount of scoring in recent years with the winning score being in double-digits under par at four of the past six installments. There will be plenty of multiple time victors playing here this year with the most recent being Bubba Watson, who won his second Masters last year with a score of eight-under par. He defeated his next closest opponent by three strokes despite a Saturday 75 and added to his 2012 playoff win over Louis Oosthuizen. Tiger Woods is another multiple-time winner here, taking the green jacket four times in his career, but he hasn’t played since withdrawing from the Farmers Insurance Open in early February and has not won this event since 2005. There will be 20 players in this year’s field that have never played in this famous tourney before and will be joined by 78 returning pros. Let’s look through everybody to find a few who could win this week, getting their names forever etched in the lore of the event.

Rory McIlroy: McIlroy has yet to win the Masters in his impressive career, but has won each of the past two majors while showing up for his best finish in Augusta last year when he carded an even-par over the four days and placed eighth. The world’s top golfer hasn’t exactly torn up the PGA in his three events this season, but has an 11th and a ninth in his past two tourneys and has the length off the tee (305.0 yards per) to put himself in a great position at these tough holes. This is the one big event that has eluded him in the past, but he also hasn’t been all that bad, making the cut in five of his six visits as he added four top-25 finishes. He should have all the drive in the world to get a green jacket and complete the majors grand slam.

Jason Day: Day is one of the best players in the world who has not earned a major in his career despite having seven career top-10s in them. Twice he was right at the top of the leaderboard in this event, finishing third in 2013 with a score of seven-under and second in 2011 after going 12-under par. Last year he also put up a solid performance with a 20th in Augusta but had just one round better than par. His season so far has also been quite impressive with a win and two other top-10 finishes in his six outings. Day has a massive driver (305.1 yards per, 9th on tour) and should be able to navigate this tough course with his tremendous scrambling skills (66.7%, 7th on tour). He has come close to wearing the green jacket in the past and has the skills to win here, so don’t be surprised to see him as the victor come Sunday.

Patrick Reed: Reed is an emerging superstar and has the makeup of a multiple time winner of majors in the future. He’s shown up with a solid putter this year (0.515 strokes gained putting, 24th on tour) and is amazing around the greens with a sand save percentage of 66% (8th on tour) and scrambling percentage of 69.4% (3rd on tour). These numbers have led to seven top-25s, including a win and the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, in 10 events this year and he has yet to miss a cut. Reed didn’t perform well here last season, posting a 79 on Friday and missing the cut, but will surely be more comfortable in his second go around and be a factor at week’s end.

Keegan Bradley: Bradley knows what it takes to win in big events after being the victor at the PGA Championship back in 2011 and since then he has four top-20s in majors. Unfortunately, the Masters has been his worst of the four tournaments, but he has still made the cut in 2-of-3 attempts and is coming off a fifth-place showing at the Shell Houston Open last week. Being long off the tee is often needed to compete here and he is averaging 302.8 yards per drive (12th on tour) as he ranks third in total driving. If he can string together some better putting this week there is no reason why he can’t take aim at winning his second career major.

Jamie Donaldson: Donaldson seems to dot the top of the leaderboard in tons of major events and that was no different last year in Augusta with a 14th at his second visit to the course. If he does make a run this week it will be because of his short game as he ranks in the top-30 at strokes-gained putting (0.315, 30th on tour), scrambling (66.9%, 6th on tour) and sand save percentage (63.5%, 18th on tour). Donaldson has yet to grab a win on the PGA tour and he could break out for his first in his third Masters appearance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Money pouring in on Tiger making the Masters' cut
Stephen Campbell

When Tiger Woods announced on Friday that he would participate in the Masters, Sportsbooks released a prop on the former world no. 1 making with cut with both sides priced at -110.

But those odds have steadily been on the move since. As of Tuesday, the books moved the YES to -130 with the NO priced at +110. Seventy-one percent of support is on Tiger advancing past the first two days of the tournament.

Tiger's fall from grace has been well documented throughout the years as a result of a long list of various injuries and spotty play, most recently evidenced by the 38-year-old falling out of the top 100 rankings last week for the first time since 1996.

Despite a major championship drought that's approaching seven years, Sportsbooks have Woods at 20/1 to wear the green jacket on Sunday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

How many majors will McIlroy win this year? Bet on it
Stephen Campbell

World No. 1 golfer Rory McIlroy is coming off a dominant 2014 where he captured two major championships. With the 2015 major officially kicking off on Thursday at Augusta National, sportsbooks have released a prop on the 25-year-old's potential performance this season.

How many majors will McIlroy win in 2015?

None +110
One +125
Two +450
Three +2,000
Four +5,000

Sportsbooks have the pride of Northern Ireland as a +600 favorite to take home the hardware in Georgia this weekend.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Golfers to Bet - The Masters

Tournament: The Masters
Date: Apr. 9 - Apr. 12
Venue: Augusta National Golf Club
Location: Augusta, GA

The first major of the year is finally here as the top players from around the world hit the hallowed grounds of Augusta for the Masters this week. They will be chasing the green jacket for the 81st year and the par-72, 7,435-yard course has given up a decent amount of scoring in recent years with the winning score being in double-digits under par at four of the past six installments.

There will be plenty of multiple time victors playing here this year with the most recent being Bubba Watson, who won his second Masters last year with a score of eight-under par. He defeated his next closest opponent by three strokes despite a Saturday 75 and added to his 2012 playoff win over Louis Oosthuizen. Tiger Woods is another multiple-time winner here, taking the green jacket four times in his career, but he hasn’t played since withdrawing from the Farmers Insurance Open in early February and has not won this event since 2005.

There will be 20 players in this year’s field that have never played in this famous tourney before and will be joined by 78 returning pros. Let’s look through everybody to find a few who could win this week, getting their names forever etched in the lore of the event.

Golfers to Bet:

Rory McIlroy (8/1): McIlroy has yet to win the Masters in his impressive career, but has won each of the past two majors while showing up for his best finish in Augusta last year when he carded an even-par over the four days and placed eighth. The world’s top golfer hasn’t exactly torn up the PGA in his three events this season, but has an 11th and a ninth in his past two tourneys and has the length off the tee (305.0 yards per) to put himself in a great position at these tough holes. This is the one big event that has eluded him in the past, but he also hasn’t been all that bad, making the cut in five of his six visits as he added four top-25 finishes. He should have all the drive in the world to get a green jacket and complete the majors grand slam.

Jason Day (12/1): Day is one of the best players in the world who has not earned a major in his career despite having seven career top-10s in them. Twice he was right at the top of the leaderboard in this event, finishing third in 2013 with a score of seven-under and second in 2011 after going 12-under par. Last year he also put up a solid performance with a 20th in Augusta but had just one round better than par. His season so far has also been quite impressive with a win and two other top-10 finishes in his six outings. Day has a massive driver (305.1 yards per, 9th on tour) and should be able to navigate this tough course with his tremendous scrambling skills (66.7%, 7th on tour). He has come close to wearing the green jacket in the past and has the skills to win here, so don’t be surprised to see him as the victor come Sunday.

Patrick Reed (25/1): Reed is an emerging superstar and has the makeup of a multiple time winner of majors in the future. He’s shown up with a solid putter this year (0.515 strokes gained putting, 24th on tour) and is amazing around the greens with a sand save percentage of 66% (8th on tour) and scrambling percentage of 69.4% (3rd on tour). These numbers have led to seven top-25s, including a win and the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, in 10 events this year and he has yet to miss a cut. Reed didn’t perform well here last season, posting a 79 on Friday and missing the cut, but will surely be more comfortable in his second go around and be a factor at week’s end.

Keegan Bradley (60/1): Bradley knows what it takes to win in big events after being the victor at the PGA Championship back in 2011 and since then he has four top-20s in majors. Unfortunately, the Masters has been his worst of the four tournaments, but he has still made the cut in 2-of-3 attempts and is coming off a fifth-place showing at the Shell Houston Open last week. Being long off the tee is often needed to compete here and he is averaging 302.8 yards per drive (12th on tour) as he ranks third in total driving. If he can string together some better putting this week there is no reason why he can’t take aim at winning his second career major.

Jamie Donaldson (125/1): Donaldson seems to dot the top of the leaderboard in tons of major events and that was no different last year in Augusta with a 14th at his second visit to the course. If he does make a run this week it will be because of his short game as he ranks in the top-30 at strokes-gained putting (0.315, 30th on tour), scrambling (66.9%, 6th on tour) and sand save percentage (63.5%, 18th on tour). Donaldson has yet to grab a win on the PGA tour and he could break out for his first in his third Masters appearance.

The Masters Betting Odds

Jordan Spieth 8/1
Rory McIlroy 8/1
Bubba Watson 10/1
Dustin Johnson 12/1
Jason Day 12/1
Jimmy Walker 18/1
Adam Scott 20/1
Henrik Stenson 20/1
Phil Mickelson 20/1
Tiger Woods 20/1
Patrick Reed 25/1
Matt Kuchar 30/1
Rickie Fowler 30/1
JB Holmes 35/1
Brandt Snedeker 40/1
Justin Rose 40/1
Sergio Garcia 40/1
Lee Westwood 45/1
Louis Oosthuizen 50/1
Hideki Matsuyama 60/1
Keegan Bradley 60/1
Ryan Moore 60/1
Zach Johnson 60/1
Martin Kaymer 65/1
Billy Horschel 70/1
Jim Furyk 70/1
Paul Casey 70/1
Angel Cabrera 80/1
Bill Haas 80/1
Brooks Koepka 80/1
Charl Schwartzel 80/1
Ian Poulter 80/1
Ryan Palmer 80/1
Hunter Mahan 100/1
Kevin Na 100/1
Luke Donald 100/1
Victor Dubuisson 100/1
Gary Woodland 125/1
Jamie Donaldson 125/1
Jason Dufner 125/1
Russell Henley 125/1
Vijay Singh 125/1
Chris Kirk 150/1
Danny Willet 150/1
Ernie Els 150/1
Fred Couples 150/1
Graeme McDowell 150/1
Jonas Blixt 150/1
Kevin Streelman 150/1
Miguel Angel Jimenez 150/1
Padraig Harrington 150/1
Shane Lowry 150/1
Webb Simpson 150/1
Branden Grace 200/1
James Hahn 200/1
Marc Leishman 200/1
Steve Stricker 200/1
Bernd Wiesberger 250/1
Brendon Todd 250/1
Camilo Villegas 250/1
Charley Hoffman 250/1
John Senden 250/1
Joost Luiten 250/1
Matt Every 250/1
Morgan Hoffman 250/1
Sang-Moon Bae 250/1
Anirban Lahiri 300/1
Ben Martin 300/1
Bernhard Langer 300/1
Cameron Tringale 300/1
Geoff Ogilvy 300/1
Robert Streb 300/1
Seung-Yul Noh 300/1
Stephen Gallacher 300/1
Thomas Bjorn 300/1
Ben Crane 500/1
Brian Harman 500/1
Erik Compton 500/1
Kevin Stadler 500/1
Mikko Ilonen 500/1
Thongchai Jaidee 500/1
Trevor Immelman 500/1
Scott Harvey 750/1
Antonio Murdaca 1000/1
Bradley Neil 1000/1
Corey Conners 1000/1
Darren Clarke 1000/1
Gunn Yang 1000/1
Jose Maria Olazabal 1000/1
Matias Dominguez 1000/1
Mike Weir 1000/1
Tom Watson 1000/1
Byron Meth 2000/1
Ben Crenshaw 2500/1
Ian Woosnam 2500/1
Larry Mize 2500/1
Mark O Meara 2500/1
Sandy Lyle 2500/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Masters betting action report: Tiger impact, sharps on Furyk, popular props
By JASON LOGAN

For many golf bettors, the Masters is the unofficial start to the PGA Tour season. And it kind of sits that way at the sportsbook as well.

While odds are offered on PGA events leading up to the first major of the season, the handles on those tournaments are pennies compared to what books rake in for the four days at Augusta National. We talk to sportsbooks online and in Las Vegas about the betting action heading into Thursday’s first round, including the public buzz over the return of Tiger Woods.

Tiger impact

Whether you like him or hate him, there’s no denying Tiger Woods’ place in the sport. Last year, when Woods didn’t take part in the 2014 Masters, sportsbooks estimated as much as a 20 percent drop in the overall handle for the event without Tiger headlining the field.

This time, Woods is back on the course at Augusta and looking good. Reports from his practice rounds have been positive and that’s enough for casual golf bettors, who have been betting Tiger with both fists this week. That’s stacked up some liability for bookmakers when it comes to the outright winner odds.

Masters odds have been on the board since last August in Las Vegas, and Woods has been priced between 10/1 and 50/1, with his current odds to win the 2015 Masters around 25/1.

“That’s our biggest liability right there,” Nick Bogdanovich, director of US trading for William Hill in Nevada, tells Covers. “We’ve taken plenty of money on Tiger. We opened this thing about six or seven months ago and he was a lot lower. Now he’s much higher but we’re getting drowned on him because he drives the market.”

Online, sportsbooks are seeing a similar flood of money on Woods. According to SportsInteraction, Woods was as big as 40/1 this week and has been bet down to as low as 13/1, now sitting at 14/1 along with top contenders Bubba Watson (12/1), Jason Day (13/1), Dustin Johnson (13/1) and just behind favorites Rory McIlroy (+648) and Jordan Spieth (+800).

“Since the reports of Tiger having good practice rounds and the clips of him around the chipping green at Augusta, people have been piling on him,” Greg Sindall of SportsInteraction. He’s now 14/1 to win his fifth green jacket. Bettors are also backing Tiger to make the cut at -125 which is down from the opening price of -115.”

The Woods cut prop has also been popular in Vegas, with bettors moving “Yes” Woods would make the cut from Even money to as high as -150 at the Westgate Superbook. At William Hill books in town, Woods to make the cut is sitting at -135.

“We have a lot of action on that prop and we knew it would be a good one because it’s a complete unknown,” says Bogdanovich. “He hasn’t played in a while and no one knows how healthy he is. He does look much better, even just walking around. For a while there, he looked all gimpy and tight. Now, he looks loose and healthy.”

Popular outright picks

Outside of the public love affair with Woods, there are a number of other golfers garnering good action from bettors.

The most popular play, in terms of handle and tickets written, at CG Technology sportsbooks, which include the M Resort, Cosmopolitan, Venetian and Hard Rock, is Spieth who is currently 8/1 to win the Masters. According to Jason Simbal, vice president of race and sports, behind Spieth in terms of tickets written is Rickie Fowler and McIlroy is currently holding the second most amount of money.

The biggest outright wager taken at William Hill sportsbooks in Nevada was a $4,000 bet on McIlroy to win his first Masters this week. A green jacket would also complete a career Grand Slam for McIlroy, who is a four-time major champion.

Jimmy Walker has seen his odds adjusted dramatically this week. Walker was as big as 60/1 to win the Masters a few months ago and has dropped as low as 21/1 at online market Bookmaker.eu. Another long shot popular with their players is Paul Casey, who has been trimmed from 90/1 to 60/1.

Other Sportsbooks also seeing similar action on Walker, who has been their most popular outright wager and currently sits at +2324 heading into Thursday’s opening round. Surprisingly, Pinnacle Sports notes that defending winner Bubba Watson is the only player among the Top 5 favorites that is not among the 10 most popular outright bets, sitting as the 19th most-popular tournament winner wager.

Matt Kuchar has seen his share of money, according to Sports Interaction, despite a slow start to the season. His past success at the Masters – T5, T8, and T3 the last three years – is convincing enough draw action and force an adjustment from 33/1 to 26/1.

“Knowing how to play Augusta is very important,” says Sindall. “Even if a player is not quite at the top of his game, he can still manage a high finish if he knows how to get around that course.”

Matchups and Props

Matchup props are among the most popular Masters wagers on the board, and betting has been hot and heavy with the public definitely picking sides at Augusta.

Books are a bit stunned at the amount of action coming in on Jim Furyk in his respective matchup props. According to William Hill in Nevada, Furyk has been the bet of choice in his head-to-head prop with Louis Oosthuizen, moving from -115 to -150. And at fellow Sin City sportsbook operator CG Technology, sharp money is on Furyk over Kuchar. Online bettors are also liking Furyk versus Brooks Koepka and Angel Cabrera at Bookmaker.eu.

Other names drawing matchup money are Bill Haas, Billy Horschel, Patrick Reed, and Hideki Matsuyama, who has taken more than 80 percent of the action in his matchup props against Oosthuizen and Paul Casey, according to Pinnacle Sports. A few players not getting any love from matchup bettors are Justin Rose, Martin Kaymer, Ryan Moore and Hunter Mahan.

In the tournament prop market, bettors are siding with a closely contested 2015 Masters. According to Sports Interaction, players are taking 1 stroke or 2 strokes as the winning margin and betting the ‘-9 through -11’ and ‘-12 through -15’ on their winning total special.

A sportsbook, opened a handful of entertaining Masters props including odds on if the “ceremonial tee shots” from golf greats like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player would land in the fairway. Those priced have been “steamed in one direction” with bettors taking “Yes”. Other popular prop selections are number of players to withdraw from the Masters – Over 5 has been bet up from -135 to -217 – and who will hug the winner first, with “Parent” climbing up the board from +1,015 to +465.

One of the most popular props each year is the hole-in-one prop, which a Sportsbook has taken 63 percent of action on “Yes”. Masters newcomer James Hahn aced No. 12 during practice this past week.