US Masters: Scott one of three to fit six-year winners trend

After bogeying the first hole in the first round at the Masters, American Bill Haas went on to sink six birdies on his way to carding a four-under-par 68, giving him a one-shot clubhouse lead overnight at Augusta National.

Understandably, his odds have shrunk considerably to 16/1 to wear the Green Jacket, but to do so Haas will have to repeat a feat only seen once at Augusta since 1984.

Trevor Immelman was that man back in 2008 with a start-to-finish victory, but there is another strong trend stretching back over the last six years which is a far greater boon to the chances of some of the current frontrunners.

Adam Scott’s maiden Masters triumph in 2013 saw him become the latest of half a dozen men to add the famous green to their wardrobe having shot at least a first-round score of 69; three-under-par.

Phil Mickleson’s 67 en-route to his 2010 victory was the lowest of recent day-one tallies, while being tied for seventh is the furthest back a winner has come from during that spell.

This is brilliant news indeed for the trio currently tied up for third having all shot opening-round scores of 69, which includes two former champions.

On this evidence, last year’s winner Scott makes a worthy 5/1 favourite, while Florida’s finest Bubba Watson is in great shape at 7/1 to capture another Green Jacket to add to his 2012 blazer.

Lastly, this trend falls firmly into the lap of 14/1 shot Louis Oosthuizen, who of course was the unfortunate runner-up to Watson after their celebrated 10th-hole play-off two years ago.

If you haven’t already nailed your Masters colours to the mast, then a punt on any of these three gentlemen may be well worth your while.

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

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