As the 2025 Masters Tournament tees off today at Augusta National, golf enthusiasts worldwide are analyzing the potential winners of this prestigious event. Three prominent golf experts have shared their predictions for golf's first major championship of the year.
Rory McIlroy emerges as the consensus favorite among the experts, with two analysts backing the Northern Irishman to finally complete his career grand slam. McIlroy's recent form has been nothing short of exceptional, with two victories already this season and no finish worse than T17. His statistical profile is equally impressive, as he leads the Tour in Total Strokes Gained and ranks highly in putting and scrambling.
One expert diverged from the McIlroy prediction, instead selecting Collin Morikawa at longer odds. Morikawa's ball-striking prowess has helped him to three consecutive top-10 finishes at Augusta, including a third-place result last year. His consistency is noteworthy, with 22 straight made cuts while ranking second in strokes gained tee-to-green.
For those seeking higher potential returns, the analysts highlighted several compelling longshots. Cam Smith at 60-1 stands out given his impressive Augusta record, with four top-10 finishes in his last five Masters appearances. Will Zalatoris, despite inconsistent recent form, boasts three top-10 finishes in three career Masters starts, making him an intriguing option at 50-1. Russell Henley, fresh off a career-best win at the Arnold Palmer, brings excellent course history and consistent play to the table.
According to analysis from Statbet, the putting statistics will likely be crucial at Augusta National, where green reading skills often separate contenders from the field.
In the matchup betting markets, experts favor Shane Lowry over Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas over Xander Schauffele, and interestingly, Rory McIlroy over tournament favorite Scottie Scheffler.
Prop bets focusing on finishing positions have also drawn attention. Will Zalatoris for a top-10 finish, Corey Conners for a top-30 result, and Lucas Glover for a top-40 placement all received endorsements based on course history and current form.
As play begins at Augusta National, these expert predictions provide valuable insight into which golfers might be donning the coveted Green Jacket on Sunday afternoon.
