The Masters 2025 betting tips: Sepp Straka stands out as dark horse for Augusta glory

The Masters is back. All eyes converge on Augusta this Thursday, as 95 of the world's top golfers step onto its hallowed fairways, all vying to lay claim to one of the most sought-after prizes in sports: The Green Jacket.

Augusta National Golf Club is one of the most iconic yet intimidating courses worldwide.

Beneath its breathtaking beauty, Augusta remains a merciless test, providing challenges for even the most seasoned Masters players.

Don’t expect putting to steal the spotlight this week, the last eight winners have averaged 72.23% Greens in Regulation (GIR).

This is a ball-striker’s battleground, where players with accurate tee shots and elite approach play are heavily favoured.

Here, Sports News Blitz’s Sam Condy points to four of the best picks ahead of this week's tournament.

Colin Morikawa

Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Colin Morikawa are three of the big favourites in contention.

Scheffler has won here twice already, but as a result, the odds are flat, and a bet proves too big a risk while offering not an awful lot of payout.

McIlroy is much the same, with unappealing odds, even though the Northern Irishman has a notoriously bad record at The Masters.

Morikawa, however, has the game to back up a call for him to perform this weekend, and the odds look far more appetising.

Despite not having won a tour event since 2023, Morikawa has been on a superb run of form, cashing in two second-place finishes already through 2025.

Morikawa’s elite iron game suits the tricky course, which rewards strong second shots above all else. It's evident looking at his last four finishes here, clocking in T18-5-T10-T3.

He may be on a winning drought, but good form always gets rewarded eventually, and Morikawa will certainly be in contention come the weekend.

Best odds: 12/1 (10EW, 1/5) with Paddy Power

Robert MacIntyre

Augusta has long been kind to the southpaws. Across the last 22 events, a left-hander has claimed victory on six occasions - a remarkable stat considering their rarity in the field.

With numerous dogleg-lefts, right-handed golfers often struggle, being forced to hit draws that can be difficult to control.

Left-handed players have the privilege of being able to hit looping fades to cut the corner, which are much easier to control and keep from running off the fairway.

The Scotsman is the highest-placed lefty in the field this year, having enjoyed a breakout season last year, claiming his first PGA Tour event victory and backing it up with a famous win in his homeland at the Scottish Open.

MacIntyre has placed well in his previous two visits with T12 and T23 placings, and he looks better than ever before heading into the 2025 edition.

Best odds: 45/1 (8EW, 1/5) with Bet365

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Sepp Straka

Despite being the 14th highest-ranked player on the planet, Straka is heading into this week with some shockingly large odds.

The Austrian possesses a strong iron game and elite approach play, and currently ranked second in GIR on the PGA Tour, Straka thrives in the high-pressure, second-shot scenarios Augusta demands.

His previous finishes here are nothing to write home about, but Straka is clearly on an upward trajectory.

With his game seemingly peaking at the perfect time - and bookies continuing to sleep on him - Straka could be the dark horse that blows the tournament wide open.

Best odds: 50/1 (10EW, 1/5) with Paddy Power

Ludvig Aberg

The youngster finished second last year, in his first-ever appearance at The Masters - all the more remarkable, given Augusta’s reputation for rewarding seasoned campaigners.

A double bogey on the 11th extinguished his Major dreams last year.

However, the Swede returns to Georgia no longer a wide-eyed newcomer but a genuine contender.

The 25-year-old’s repeatable swing keeps accuracy high and mistakes at a minimum.

This compact, efficient motion breeds consistency and accuracy off the tee, two qualities Augusta will punish you for lacking.

What makes Aberg so dangerous is how well-rounded his game already is. He doesn’t rely on an explosive drive or a magic week with the flat stick.

Instead, his game is defined by an overall solidity, making him a name none of his counterparts will want to see hanging around the top end of the leaderboard.

Best odds: 18/1 (10EW, 1/5) with Bet365

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