2024 Masters Prop Bets: Can Thorbjorn Olesen, Gary Woodland, Austin Eckroat Shine at Augusta National?

2024 Masters Prop Bets: Can Thorbjorn Olesen, Gary Woodland, Austin Eckroat Shine at Augusta National?

Sadly, there were no returns last week on our two selections. Jhonattan Vegas didn't even need to make the cut to finish top South American, he only had to beat Camilo Villegas who finished a shot ahead of him. He looked all set to claim it but he dropped three shots in his final five holes. Paul Barjon couldn't take advantage of home comforts and unfortunately missed the cut by a couple of shots.

THE MASTERS DATE, START TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH

• Date: April 11 - 14, 2024
• Where: Augusta, GA
• Where to Watch: Golf Channel, NBC, Peacock

2024 MASTERS PREDICTION

We move swiftly onto this week, which needs no introduction, as it's the first major championship of the year. The Masters is the pinnacle of professional golf, just participating in the event is an incredible achievement, let alone coming away victorious with that coveted, green jacket. Augusta National is a piece of art, its pristine conditioning makes it stand out from the rest. Along with its beauty it's also an incredible test of golf.

Augusta National tests all parts of a players game and rewards those who get creative. It's a tough nut to crack, experience has proven crucial here over the years but some players might never work out how to play it. Staying patient and having good course management is vital to success at Augusta National. They are usually the players that show up in other major championships or in tough scoring conditions.

As always we are spoilt with some extra markets this week as it's the Masters. I've made three selections, across three different markets, which stand out as value in my eyes.

2024 MASTERS Prop Bets

Gary Woodland Top 20 +550 CLICK HERE TO SEE WHICH SPORTSBOOK HAS THE BEST ODDS

It's not often a longshot appeals to me as much as this one does for the Masters. Gary Woodland looks excellent value this week. He was out of action for six months last year, after discovering that he needed to have surgery to remove a lesion on his brain. Since his return to action he has struggled, which is to be expected. He has missed five cuts from eight events but last time out at the Houston Open, he found something. Woodland closed with a round of 66 to finish T21st, it was his lowest round of the year, which also led to his best result of the year. He hit the ball brilliantly, ranking second in driving distance, 16th in ballstriking, second tee to green and first of approach. The hope is that he can carry that level of ballstriking into this week, his putting has been woeful but that has always been his achilles heel.

We have seen plenty of players with bad putting show up at Augusta National over the years, as the greens are so tough, everyone is struggling. It's worth noting, he has had some decent putting displays at Augusta; He was fifth for strokes gained putting in 2021 and 19th last year on his way to a 14th place finish. Surprisingly, that is his best finish from 11 appearances at Augusta. It might be a case of finally working out how to play the course. He has a solid record in majors, he won the US Open back in 2019 and he has three further top tens all coming in the last six years. I'm all in for Woodland this week, which doesn't usually end well. First round leader, win and eachway but the most sensible way to play him is definitely in the top 20 market.

Thorbjorn Olesen Top Continental European +1800 CLICK HERE TO SEE WHICH SPORTSBOOK HAS THE BEST ODDS

Thorbjorn Olesen having a great week in Texas, a week before the Masters, is certainly eyecatching. He finished T14th, ranked 12th tee to green and 3rd around the green which is always important at Augusta National. He loves a tough test, he will grind and scramble for par; he has a fantastic attitude and welcomes the challenge of the big stage. He has all the attributes needed for this week and that's why he has enjoyed Augusta National in the past. Olesen has never missed the cut from three appearances. He was sixth on debut, 44th the following year and 21st on his last visit back in 2019. That's an impressive record and given his performance last week I wanted to back him in some shape or form.

I've decided to roll the dice with him in the 'Top Continental European' market, as there are a lot of uncertainties about the players at the top of that market. Jon Rahm hasn't turned into a bad golfer in a matter of months just because he's gone to LIV, but he does looks unsettled. It's his first major since his move to LIV and he's defending champion. A lot of eyes and pressure are on him this week, it's tough to know what to expect, he could be anything. It's Ludvig Aberg's debut, Hovland is out of sorts, Garcia lost out in a play-off last week on LIV, missed a 4ft'er to win. Jaeger's debut, also coming off a win, not sure what to expect from him. Straka looked poor last out at the Valspar and hasn't finished better than 30th. That open's the door to Olesen who is disrespected in this market in my opinion.

I've got the option of each way in the UK with three places, which gives me that extra bit of security if he does fall short. I'm shooting for the stars a bit in this market. The safest way to play him would be in the Top Danish market where he comes up against rising star Nicolai Hojgaard. They are priced the same but I make Olesen favorite to get the better of Nicolai. He has been in poor form the last couple of months and is making his debut at Augusta. His irons improved last week but the short game woes continue. I can envision him losing several strokes on and around the greens.

Austin Eckroat Top Debutant +2000 CLICK HERE TO SEE WHICH SPORTSBOOK HAS THE BEST ODDS

I've been impressed with Austin Eckroat recently and his consistency has caught the eye. He finished 2023 in strong form and he has built on it this year with some excellent displays. He has only missed one cut from his last 12 starts and he got that all important first win at the Cognizant Classic. He won comfortably by three shots and has followed that up with some steady performances. His iron play has been sensational and it is the main reason for his success. He ranks 10th for shots gained approach this year and 19th in ballstriking.

Eckroat's approach play will be a massive asset to him this week, as it's key to hit the right areas of the greens at Augusta. He impressed in his last major outing, finishing T10th at the US Open. That show's he's not afraid to mix it with the best of the best on big occasions. Wyndham Clark and Ludvig Aberg the obvious dangers in this market, although Eckroat stands out as the best value in my opinion.

GOLF ODDS

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