Masters Betting

Masters Tournament Tradition and History

Of the four Majors, the US Masters is perhaps the one with the quirkiest and most curious traditions. 

The first-ever edition was in 1934, the year after the legendary US amateur golfer Bobby Jones and investment dealer Clifford Roberts founded the Augusta National Golf Club. The course was designed and built by British Surgeon Alister McKenzie, a friend of Jones’, but sadly, McKenzie passed away in between the course being built and being covered in grass.  

Curiously, big favourite Jones didn’t win it but rather the inaugural winner was the equally talented Horton Smith, who repeated the feat in 1936.  

Initially, Jones wasn’t particularly keen on naming the tournament the ‘Masters’ (a reference to the fact it was played by the Masters of golf). 

He considered it immodest, but he relented in 1939 with Roberts winning that battle. But that’s what it’s been called ever since and remains the only one of the four Majors that is always played at the same venue. 

The great Jack Nicklaus holds two important records here at Augusta. Not only is he the most prolific winner with six titles, but he’s also the oldest, having last won it at the age of 46. 

Another familiar name to all golf betting fans, Tiger Woods, is next best after Nicklaus with five Masters wins and also holds the record for being the youngest-ever winner at just 21 in 1997.

Well-known traditions at the Masters include the winner being given a tailor-made Green Jacket to wear, the defending champion deciding the menu for the Champions Dinner held on the eve of the tournament and all the holes being named after flowers that are indigenous to Augusta. 

Ranking the Best Masters Betting Sites - How We Do It?

If you’re thinking of doing some Masters betting, you’re not the only one! Betting on the Masters is an absolute must for the seasoned golf punter, and it is one of those betting events that the more casual sports punter tends to enjoy having a flutter on. 

One thing we’re very particular about here at AskGamblers is identifying the sports betting sites that are ideal for a particular sport or event within that sport, not just telling you which are the best sites in general terms. 

So after conducting our meticulous reviews, these were the considerations we took into account when choosing our list of the best Masters betting sites. 

• The odds: One of the most important factors that will determine the success of your US Masters Golf betting is the odds on offer. Most punters engaging in Golf Masters betting like to have numerous bets across different markets. So, getting paid out at bigger odds than they would at other established and new betting sites on the bets that do win can make all the difference. 
• The bonuses: It’s almost a given these days that when you open a new account at a sportsbook, they’ll give you some sort of a welcome bonus or a free bet and in the vast majority of cases, there’s no reason why you can’t use the free bet(s) to bet on Augusta Masters. But Masters betting sites will dangle other carrots as part of their offering of betting bonuses such as cashback, extra places paid out and boosted odds. 
• On-site content: Sadly, no betting site in the world is allowed to stream the action from Augusta, so that’s not the sort of content we’re talking about here. But some of the best US Masters betting sites have podcasts, betting columns, tips, analysis, stats and live leaderboards that all help you with your Masters betting. 
• Banking: Sure, this isn’t specific to Masters betting but a good range of payment options, instant deposits and fast withdrawals, and no fees on transactions, are all important considerations. 

How to Bet on Masters

If you’re new to Masters Tournament betting and not sure exactly how to go about it, here are all the steps you need to undertake. 

1. Read our sportsbook reviews and pick a bookmaker you like the look of and which is particularly strong on Masters betting. 
2. Open an account by providing all the relevant details and pass your Know Your Customer (KYC) Test as soon as possible so that there won’t be any delays when it comes to making your first withdrawal. 
3. If you want to claim their welcome offer, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully as they may affect how you make your first-ever deposit, such as the payment option used, or the minimum amount you need to deposit.
4. Navigate to ‘golf’ on the left-hand column of the homepage under the list of sports. 
5. Select US Masters or US Masters betting from the list of golf tournaments on offer.
6. Select the market you wish to bet on. For example, outright winner, Top 10 finish or Top European player. 
7. Click on the selection you want to back at the relevant odds. 
8. If you have a free bet to use, now is the time to do so by clicking the relevant box. If not, choose the stake you wish to place on that wager and process the bet.

Top Masters Golf Betting Markets

Some of the best Masters betting sites will have as many as 100 or more different betting markets. But here’s a selection of the most popular ones. 

Winner

There are no ties when it comes to the US Masters. If two or more players are tied after four rounds, they’ll contest a Playoff.  Last man standing is the winner, which is what you’re betting on here. 

To Make the Cut

At the halfway mark (after two rounds), half the field is eliminated and doesn’t get to play over the weekend. The other half (with the best results) do stay around for Saturday and Sunday and are said ‘to make the cut’. 

Here, you’re betting on whether the named player makes the cut or not.

1st/2nd/3rd Round Leader

There are four rounds in any golf tournament and this one is no exception. After each of the first three rounds, there will be a round leader or one or more players will be tied at the top of the leaderboard, in which case they’re dead-heated. 

There isn’t a fourth-round leader market because the leader after the fourth round is (obviously) the overall winner.

Head-to-Head

With this market you’re solely concerned with how one player gets on against another, rather than against the field as a whole. So, the market could be Scottie Scheffler v Rory McIlroy. 

The market could apply to each of the four rounds or to the tournament as a whole. Most betting sites will offer the draw/tie as a third option, while some will dead-heat the two players in the case of a tie. 

Top 10 Finish

Does what it says on the tin. You’re betting on a named player to finish in the Top 10, and it doesn’t matter if they win or finish ninth; the odds are the same. However, if your player is one of three tied in exactly 10th place, you’ll only be paid out at a third of the odds. 

Hole in One

Will any player be able to make a hole-in-one on any hole over the course of the tournament? A simple ‘yes’ ‘no’ market. 

Betting Tips for the Masters 2025

Now that you’re all pretty much up to date with Masters betting, here are some final tips to put you on the right path before you place your first-ever bet on Augusta Masters. 

• Secure the best odds: After deciding on your selection, check the odds at the different sportsbooks where you hold accounts. Whichever is offering the best odds, is the one to bet at.
• Make use of bonuses: Free bets, Odds Boosts, and other promos all make your money go further. Make sure you take advantage of any offers available to increase your payouts. 
• Bide your time: If you’ve decided that Players A, B and C have a great chance at attractive odds, then by all means, back them pre-tournament because their odds may contract once they get underway. But you don’t have to. You can watch the first couple of rounds, see who’s striking the ball best and have an opinion based on that. 
• Course knowledge is key: Augusta is one of the toughest and most unique golf courses in the world, making it virtually impossible for a ‘newbie’ to win at the first, second or even third time of asking. When looking for a winner, tend to only consider golfers who have played the Masters at least four or five times before. 
• Big hitters and ace putters only: This is a monstrously long course, so if looking for a winner, you’re going to need a player who can hit the ball powerfully off the tee. And the putting greens are among the hardest in the world, so huge ability with the short stick is also essential. Scrambling and chipping are less important skills here at Augusta. So, a player doesn’t need to be so brilliant at those to be in contention.