89th Masters Tournament Predictions
89th Masters Tournament Predictions  
Podcast: RJ Bell's Dream Preview
Published On: Wed Apr 09 2025
Description: Will Doctor reviews all 95 players at Augusta en route to finalizing card for the 89th playing of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. -Reviewing 4 futures outright tickets -Reviewing 3 picks to win any major in 2025 -Going through all 95 players in the Masters Tournament -Adding 1 outright -1 t20, 1 t30 -2 bets "to make the cut" -1 bet "to miss the cut" -4 72-hole matchups -1 first round matchup -3 round 1 three ball matchups -1 t10 after R1 including an 8.2-unit loss at the Valero Texas Open and a failed 9-1 futures ticket on the Houston Cougars in NCAA basketball. He stresses the importance of reviewing picks, especially amid a losing streak, and outlines the four Masters futures he carries from December: Scottie Scheffler (7-1), Ludwig Aberg (14-1), Sung Jae Im (50-1), and Sepp Straka (100-1), with three additional tickets on Sahith Theegala, Tom Kim, and Davis Thompson to win any major. Scottie Scheffler, coming in as the favorite at +525, is praised for consistent elite performance, including no finishes worse than 25th in six events since returning from a hand injury, and podium finishes in his last four starts. His game, including a best putting performance of the season in Houston, is peaking. Rory McIlroy is faded despite strong wins at Pebble Beach and the Players; Will cites driving accuracy issues and suggests 10-1 would be a fairer line than 7.25-1. Jon Rahm, now on the LIV circuit, enters at 16-1 with recent top-10s but inconsistent putting and chipping. Morikawa is also passed over due to final-round collapses, though Will does back him to top 10 in Round 1. Other fades include Bryson DeChambeau (20-1), Justin Thomas (25-1), and Hideki Matsuyama (35-1), due to poor putting or chipping trends. Conversely, Will is bullish on Robert MacIntyre (60-1), who has recorded three straight top-11 finishes and two strong prior Augusta showings. He places both an outright bet and a matchup on him. Victor Hovland is another targeted play, specifically in a matchup over Cam Smith, following his Valspar win and a confident outlook on his improved short game. Shane Lowry, cited for consistency and solid Augusta history, is backed for a top 20, while Russell Henley earns a top-30 ticket thanks to elevated iron play. Several key quotes add depth. Scottie Scheffler credits Texas's varied conditions for developing his shot-making adaptability. Rory McIlroy reflects on family memories and the beauty of Augusta. Morikawa defends media avoidance, which Will critiques as symptomatic of poor mental preparation. Hovland speaks optimistically about short-game improvements with coach Grant Waite, prompting confidence from Will. Aberg’s comments reveal awareness of recent struggles, but he remains committed to routine. Sepp Straka remains a strong value at 100-1 with excellent iron play and driving form. He's bet to beat Sam Burns in a first-round matchup, who is faded due to declining performance. Sung Jae Im’s ticket has cratered in value, and Will expresses regret on that pick. Spieth is passed over at 40-1 due to erratic iron play, despite solid chipping and putting. Other noted fades include Tommy Fleetwood, Corey Connors, Cam Smith, Patrick Cantlay, Min Woo Lee, and Brooks Koepka, each due to specific statistical weaknesses in approach, short game, or driving. Later segments analyze lower-ranked players, including positive remarks about Phil Mickelson’s resurgence and Charles Schwartzel’s sharp form. Will picks Mickelson to make the cut, citing recent LIV success. Keegan Bradley and Akshay Bhatia are also featured in favorable matchups. Will wraps with lineup picks for Masters.com, choosing Scheffler, Patrick Reed, Shane Lowry, Davis Thompson, and Straka. For the latest as far as the world of golf is concerned, follow me on X @drmedia59 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices