The Master 2024 - Top Picks for Round 2
by Tyler Doty | by Tyler Doty
The Masters Day Two Best Bets
Bryson DeChambeau holds a one-stroke lead at The Masters after going -7 in his first round. DeChambeau has a brutal record at Augusta, recording just one top-25 finish in seven entries. As a result, he’s still only 6/1 to receive the Green Jacket despite holding a lead after the first round.
Day Two will see a fierce battle to make the cut. Some of the favorites underperformed in the first round, including Xander Schauffele who is tied in 27th after 18 holes.
Let’s take a look at the best bets for Day Two of The Masters:
Scottie Scheffler to lead at the end of Round Two – +140 at DraftKings
Not only is Scottie Scheffler the number one ranked golfer in the world, but he’s also the form man in the sport. Scheffler was second at the Houston Open and won both the Players’ Championship and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
He won The Masters back in 2022 and was tied for 10th last year. Few golfers are as comfortable taking on the challenges of Augusta as Scheffler. Only one shot off the lead going into Day Two, Scheffler is well-placed to lead at the end of the day’s play.
In fact, he’s the betting favorite at the majority of sportsbooks. With DeChambeau’s struggles historically at The Masters, it’s not a big ask for Scheffler to make up a one-stroke advantage and take the lead.
Hideki Matsuyama to have a better score than Will Zalatoris and Justin Thomas – +145 at DraftKings
Hideki Matsuyama won The Masters in 2021. Like Scheffler, he came into this year’s event in good form. Matsuyama won the Genesis Invitational before top seven finishes at The Players Championship and the Valero Texas Open.
Yes, bettors will be wary of backing Matsuyama given his +4 first round, but that can be put down as no more than a blip for a golfer of this caliber. Even with five bogies to his name, we like the value in this market.
Will Zalatoris and Justin Thomas have struggled mightily in their most recent appearances, so we’re going to roll with Matsuyama’s track record here.
Jon Rahm to have the best Round Two score in Sixshooter E – +350 at DraftKings
It’s always going to be tricky to judge the form of LIV golfers when they take on the PGA stars at The Masters. Jon Rahm, though, has been one of the top performers in the world over the last few years and looks well-placed to defend his title.
The biggest concern with this wager is Rahm’s putting. He has been inconsistent on the greens over his last 10 tournaments or so, but the rest of his game has been very solid.
Going one over par in the first round was obviously a bit of a disappointment, particularly after he shot 65 on the first 18 holes last year. Still, Rahm is rightly favored in this group.
Up against Hideki Matsuyama, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Justin Thomas, Will Zalatoris and Nick Dunlap, Rahm’s form over the last few months stands him in good stead.
Wyndham Clark to have a better score than Viktor Hovland and Cameron Smith – +190 at DraftKings
Wyndham Clark is appearing at The Masters for the first time in his career. Starting off by going +1 was not exactly what he had been dreaming of, but it firmly keeps him in contention after a remarkable few months.
Winner of the US Open last year, Clark was runner-up at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship. His approach play and putting have been phenomenal.
In contrast, Viktor Hovland and Cameron Smith are in really poor form. While the pair both went -1 over the first 18 holes, we still feel comfortable taking Clark at this price now he’s settled into his first Masters.
