Augusta outsiders shouldn’t be left in the cold by punters
Published:Only one of the 96 golfers making the famous journey up Magnolia Lane to Augusta National will walk away with the 78th edition of the Masters but for all the inches and words used on the main protagonists it’s time to look at some of the less fancied operators at some more fancy prices.
Only a few days after the Grand National at Aintree there is a real similarity between the market make-up of the two events with Rory Mcllroy set to go off no shorter than 7-1 in the absence of Tiger Woods with some bona fide household names quoted at some heady odds.
Here are some at generous odds who certainly deserve a mention.
Louis Oosthuizen – 50/1
The 2012 runner-up is no stranger to the big stage having broke his Major duck at The Open Championship four seasons ago and despite not being in exactly the same form of late, the price dictates a small investment.
The likeable South African seems to reserve his very best for the biggest events and cannot be discounted at a course he clearly loves.
Ernie Els – 100/1
Another South African with a penchant for the Majors, Els was unconsidered when winning his fourth Major at the Open two years ago and, although some time ago, he has shown he has what it takes to be in contention on Sunday here.
Twice a runner-up in 2000 and 2004, Els hasn’t got as close in the decade since and although there is no doubt that the 44-year-old is past his best and enjoying the fruits of those previous successes, he remains someone to look out for when the biggest prizes in the sport are up for grabs.
Miguel Ángel Jiminez – 150/1
The swagger-strutting, cigar-puffing Spaniard needs little introduction having put smiles on the faces of golf fans for decades and it would be no surprise to see his name in the mix come the last day.
The ultra-popular swinger who hit the Big 50 in January, isn’t the type to hold many regrets but if he was to call time on a career that has seen him capture 23 tour victories he would be rue not having a Major amongst them.
The closest he has come here is when he tied for eighth six years ago but he was a runner-up and a third at the US Open and Open in 2000 and 2001 respectively so will know what it takes if the opportunity presents itself.
Fresh from warming-up for a potential Ryder Cup captaincy in the drawn Royal Trophy, he warrants more respect that his price affords.
