US Masters: backing an American winner looks great bet

Augusta hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds for European golfers for well over a decade – which makes the 4/5 offered for an American winner look a fantastic bet.

The last time a European pulled on the Green Jacket was Jose Maria Olazabal back in 1999 and, while there are certainly some Europeans capable of winning this year, the Americans lead the way once again.

A player from the United States has won the Masters in eight of the last 12 years, which in itself makes the 4/5 offered for another American winner look pretty generous.

And that’s not even taking into account the return to form of Tiger Woods.

Woods is currently the big favourite to the win the Green Jacket at 4/1 and is miles ahead of even Rory McIlroy who is priced at 10/1.

There are plenty of other Europeans with short odds – Justin Rose and Lee Westwood are 16/1 and 25/1 respectively – but, with neither having major-winning experience, it’s tough to see them upsetting the big Americans such as Phil Mickelson who is 10/1.

There have been plenty of winners from outside of Europe and America in the past few years though, with Charl Schwartzel, Angel Cabrera and Trevor Immelman all winning since Woods last tasted success at Augusta.

A winner from the rest of the world can be backed at a hefty 4/1 and, with the likes of Australian Adam Scott and South African Louis Oosthuizen both fancied at 25/1 each, that shouldn’t be ignored.

However, with Woods back to his best and Mickelson looking for his fourth title at his favourite major venue, a bet on the Green Jacket staying in the USA looks pretty tasty at 4/5.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.