Masters Tips: Bubba Watson

Augusta National is a classic ‘horses for courses’ venue; in the last 20 years there have been 8 repeat winners, more than any other golfing major.

Part of this is the tournament qualification criteria but the idiosyncrasies of the course make the first win the hardest.

During this 20-year period only Tiger Woods managed to retain his title the following year. This is possibly due to the demands incumbent champions face when they return.

In summary, a past champion (but not the most recent) usually makes a good bet.

Of those that fit the criteria, Bubba Watson is the most enticing. He suffered a prolonged drought after his Masters victory, perhaps burdened by expectation but in February he returned to the winner’s enclosure at the Northern Trust Open.

His weekend rounds of 64 were superb and he looks back to his best.

In addition to his win he has five top-10 finishes from just 8 starts, the only blot on his copybook was a withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

He shot an abject 83 and exited the tournament citing ‘allergies’. Whether that was a genuine excuse is up for debate, but it’s not a long term injury and he shouldn’t be in any discomfort at the Masters.

The advantage for Bubba is that he hits the ball a mile and can shape shots both ways, a massive help at Augusta.

At 28/1 (Paddy Power) he is a good each-way bet to continue the excellent record of left-handers in the event. Back him each-way and get 1/4 odds for a top-6 finish. 

The Masters 6 Places - Paddy Power
Paddy Power are paying 6 places at The Masters. Each way 1/4 odds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.