Masters: LITTLE chance of another South African winner say bookies

There appears to be little to no chance of one of the five South Africans in the field emerging victorious at this year’s Masters.

The captains, players and names of the 12 teams for the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series event have been confirmed following a draft. Photo: Backpagepix

We are mere days away now from the year’s first Major, the 86th Masters at famed Augusta National in Georgia.

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Those with a few rands left after March’s pay day will no doubt be itching to get involved with a flutter or two on the result come Sunday, 10 April.

With it’s field of around 90 golfers (still waiting on Tiger Woods to give the thumbs-up), the Masters represents the best chance of taking a winning bet out of the four majors who otherwise have fields of 156 players.

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So what do the bookies suggest?

Leading South African bookmakers Hollywoodbets have installed Spain’s world No 2 Jon Rahm as an 11/1 favourite to don the green jacket for a first time.

He’s following by Justin Thomas (14/1) and a trio of players at 16/1, namely Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith and new world No 1, Scottie Scheffler.

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There appears to be little to no chance of one of the five South Africans in the field emerging victorious after 72 holes.

Louis Oosthuizen is on offer at 40/1, Christian Bezuidenhout at 150/1, Erik van Rooyen at 200/1, Garrick Higgo at 250/1 and 2011 winner Charl Schwartzel at 350/1.

Besides Schwartzel, Trevor Immelman (2018) and Gary Player (1961, 1974, 1978) are the only South African winners of the Masters since the first tournament was contested in 1934.

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Of course, the big question surrounds Tiger Woods and ‘will he, won’t he’ play.

Woods is a five-time Masters winner, but suffered an horrific car accident 14 months ago. It would be nothing short of a miracle if played, let alone made the cut.

It would arguably be the greatest sporting achievement of all time if he went on to claim a sixth green jacket.

Hollywoodbets have Woods on offer at 50/1.

Personal opinion, save your money on Tiger. Better value lies elsewhere.

Prediction: Jon Rahm to win

Others to consider: Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Rory McIlroy (18/1)