The Masters Tournament, the first major golf event of the year, is set to take place from Thursday to Sunday at Augusta National in Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler, the current champion, is the favorite to win again with betting odds of +475. He is closely followed by Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and Jon Rahm.

Which golf experts are predicting victory? Where do betting experts see the best value? We`ll explore the top contenders and more as we look ahead to the 2025 Masters.

Sections:
Expert Win Predictions | Betting Advice

Expert Predictions

Matt Barrie
Rory McIlroy: It`s his time to win.

Tory Barron
Brooks Koepka: Despite a disappointing performance at Augusta last year, remember this is Brooks Koepka, a major player. As a five-time major winner with a history of strong Masters finishes, he excels when underestimated. With attention on Scheffler and McIlroy, Koepka could finally secure a Masters victory.

Jeff Darlington
Justin Thomas: Thomas has regained his confidence recently, achieving four top-10 finishes in eight tournaments, including an impressive 62 at the Players Championship. The timing seems perfect for him to win a major.

Michael Eaves
Rory McIlroy: He might be playing his best golf ever leading up to Augusta, supported by his stats. Golf is about winning, and with victories at Pebble Beach and the Players Championship, he`s the only player with multiple PGA Tour wins this year. Historically, the player with the most wins entering the Masters has won the green jacket. This could be McIlroy`s year to complete the career Grand Slam.

Peter Lawrence-Riddell
Scottie Scheffler: While his season start may seem less dominant than usual, he`s been regaining form after some time off. Despite this, he`s still consistently finished in the top 10, suggesting a win is imminent, possibly at a course where he`s won before.

Andy North
Collin Morikawa: His Masters record here is impressive: T3, T10, and 5th in the last three years. He`s playing well, with a near win at Bay Hill, and his iron play is back to top form.

Laura Rutledge
McIlroy: I`m picking Rory! He`s been playing excellent golf this season, and his mental game seems stronger than ever. This is the perfect combination for a Masters victory and completing the career grand slam.

Mark Schlabach
McIlroy: In his 11th attempt at Augusta, Rory will finally win the Masters, becoming only the sixth golfer to achieve a career Grand Slam. After a long wait for another major, this is his moment. McIlroy enters the tournament in great form, with wins including the DP World Tour Championship and the Players. His driving and iron play are exceptional, and his putting is improved. Despite past challenges at Augusta, this could be his year.

Marty Smith
McIlroy: Arguably playing the best golf of his career, McIlroy feels like a complete player, confident in all aspects of his game. His wins at Pebble Beach and the Players Championship confirm his momentum. He`s expressed feeling relaxed and confident, believing he doesn`t need everything to be perfect to win. This is his year for the green jacket and career Grand Slam.

Curtis Strange
McIlroy and Scheffler in a playoff. Ultimately, golf fans will be the winners.

Paolo Uggetti
Will Zalatoris: Zalatoris has an impressive early Masters record. In three appearances, his worst finish is tied for ninth, including a second-place finish in his debut. Despite a back injury setback, he`s healthy now and has the game to win at Augusta.

Scott Van Pelt
McIlroy: It`s a combination of current form, preparation, and timing. Sometimes, it`s just someone`s time to win, and I believe this is McIlroy`s year.

David Wilson
Bryson DeChambeau: Last year, he had his best Masters round with a 65. After winning the U.S. Open and having strong finishes in other majors, he seems to have matured since his earlier comments about Augusta. He may now have the course knowledge needed to win.

Betting Advice

Odds provided by ESPN BET

Who is your pick to win?

David Gordon, ESPN Research
Winner: Morikawa (+1400)

Morikawa blends current good form with a strong Augusta track record, similar to Jon Rahm before his 2023 Masters win. Morikawa leads the PGA Tour in approach play and has hit the most fairways at Augusta in the past five years. He consistently performs well at the Masters, finishing within the top 15 in his last 11 rounds, with impressive overall finishes in recent years.

Tyler Fulghum, ESPN BET Live host
Winner: McIlroy (+600)

It`s time for McIlroy. After chasing the green jacket for over a decade with some close calls, this could be his year. With two wins already in 2025, including the Players, he`s in great form. While the pre-tournament odds might not be ideal, consider betting on McIlroy after the initial rounds if his odds improve. He`s ready to win.

Pamela Maldonado, betting analyst
Winner: Morikawa (+1400)

Morikawa is showing consistent improvement at Augusta each year. He doesn`t need exceptional putting to win, just consistent play. His iron game is strong, his confidence is high, and favorable weather conditions could benefit him. He has major championship experience, discipline, and course history. This year, everything could align for him to win.

Anita Marks, ESPN betting analyst
Winner: McIlroy (+600)

Key stats for winning at Augusta include strokes gained tee to green. McIlroy ranks second in this category and is also strong in driving distance. With favorable weather expected, he`ll have an advantage on par 5s.

Who is your favorite bet to make the Top 10?

Gordon: Sepp Straka (+525)

Straka excels in both fairways hit and greens in regulation this season, placing him among top players in these stats. The odds of +525 are attractive for a player with a win this season and strong finishes in other events. His best Masters finish was last year, and he`s experienced at Augusta now.

Fulghum: Sergio Garcia (+600)

The 2017 Masters champion is in good form on the LIV Tour, with multiple top finishes this year, including a win. Stats indicate strong tee-to-green play recently.

Maldonado: Corey Conners (+800)

Conners is entering the Masters in top form, excelling in tee-to-green play. He has a history of top 10 finishes at Augusta. Favorable weather conditions could suit his ball-striking strengths. While putting can be a factor, his current form makes him a good bet for a top 10.

Marks: Russell Henley (+380)

Henley has a strong Augusta record, including a previous top finish. As a Georgia native having a great year, with a win at Bay Hill, he`s consistently performing well and could contend for a top spot.

What is your favorite Scottie Scheffler bet?

Fulghum: Top American golfer (+270)

Scheffler`s odds are generally low, making it hard to find value. Betting him as the top American golfer offers better odds. As a tournament favorite, this bet still leverages his win probability while narrowing the competition to American players.

Gordon: To finish the first round Inside the top 10 (+162)

This is a good way to bet on Scheffler given his consistent performance in Masters opening rounds. He frequently finishes in the top 10 after the first round at Augusta. While his recent first-round rankings haven`t always been top 10, he`s been close, and his Masters history suggests a strong start.

Maldonado: To finish the first round Inside the top 10 (+162)

Scheffler`s excellent ball-striking provides a high floor, often keeping him in contention even with inconsistent putting. Favorable green conditions could reduce putting pressure, and his tee-to-green game is consistently strong. His current form and past Masters win further support this bet.

Who are your favorite long shots/value bets (50-1 or longer)

Gordon: Cameron Young (+17500)

Despite a slow season start, Young at 175-1 odds offers value. Previously at 50-1 odds for the Masters, he has the potential to quickly improve. A recent top 20 finish suggests he might be turning things around.

Fulghum: Phil Mickelson (+10000)

Mickelson always has a chance at Augusta due to his course knowledge. While not as consistent now, his experience is invaluable. His odds suggest a low probability of winning, but his past Masters performance indicates he could outperform these odds, offering value.

Maldonado: Robert MacIntyre (+5500)

MacIntyre is showing improvement, with solid Masters finishes in limited appearances. Recovering from injury, his ball-striking and confidence are improving. Consistent play suits Augusta, and his temperament is well-suited for the course. A top 20 bet is also appealing, but the longer odds offer good value.

Are there any other bets that stand out to you?

Gordon: Russell Henley over Patrick Cantlay (Full tournament matchup: +100)

Henley is a strong pick overall, with a good Masters record and a strong season. This matchup bet leverages his current form and Augusta history against Cantlay, who has less consistent Masters results recently.

Fulghum: Max Homa to miss the cut (-115)

Homa`s recent form is poor, missing cuts in multiple events. His lack of confidence and recent struggles, even in similar tournament formats to the Masters, make betting on him to miss the cut a reasonable option.

Maldonado: Tyrell Hatton to make the cut: No (+240)

Augusta penalizes aggressive play. Hatton`s reactive and sometimes volatile style might not suit Augusta`s demands for patience. His recent tee-to-green and short game inconsistencies, combined with Augusta`s pressure, suggest he might struggle to make the cut.

Marks: Top American golfer — Collin Morikawa (+800)

Morikawa`s top ranking in tee-to-green play, crucial for Augusta success, along with his consistent top 10 Masters finishes, make him a strong contender to be the top American golfer in the tournament. His course knowledge is now a significant advantage.