2018 Masters Preview
Minnesota is currently in what could be the worst start to spring in recent years. As another bunch of snow fell on the state yesterday, Minnesotans begin to ponder why they actually live in this state. This snow is especially bad for golfers, leaving little hope for courses to open soon after the snowfall. Thankfully, the best week in golf is already underway. Lets take a look at some of the things that make the Masters so pristine.
Augusta National - Augusta is the most prestigious golf club in the world. Getting a chance to play here would feel more like a dream than a round of golf. I challenge any viewer to find something wrong with the golf course this weekend (you won't).
Concession Pricing - This may be the sleeper of the list, but it is undeniably awesome. What other sporting event can you buy a beer and the best sandwich on the menu for $7?
The Little Things - The Par 3 contest, no cell-phones, and the green jacket ceremony. In fact, the Masters stated that anyone that yells "Dilly Dilly" at the tournament will be immediately removed. Can we enforce this rule in all places??
The Tournament - This final section is obvious. The Masters Tournament is the first major of the year and possibly the one that players want to win most. This years tournament has a lot of hype, and could possibly have the highest ratings of any golf tournament ever. Why?
That's right, the man who single-handedly revolutionized the game in all aspects is back. Not only is he playing, but he is tied for the favorite to win at 10-1. There is no question why so many people will tune into this years Masters, and if Tiger wins this years Masters it might break the internet.
Now looking at some other big names... The golden child, Jordan Spieth is also tied for favorite at 10-1. Jordan is coming off a good week in Houston and has a history of success at Augusta. Would not be surprised to see him in contention on Sunday.
Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas are all set at 12-1 odds to win this week. If you are betting on DJ, wait to place your bets to make sure he doesn't fall down the stairs this year. If Rory can get his putter hot, he will be tough to beat. The reigning player of the year Justin Thomas is also a major contender as he continues his solid play.
Phil Mickelson is close behind these 3 at 15-1 odds. The lefty has already broken his winless streak, and appears to be playing some solid golf. He also generated a lot of attention for wearing a button down dress shirt in his practice round. Honestly the guy looks like he would rather trade stocks than play golf, but one thing is for sure we will see a lot of thumbs up this weekend.
Also at 15-1 odds is Bubba Watson, the two time Masters champion. Just go tell Bubba that he can't win this week, and he will put on his third green jacket.
Defending champion Sergio Garcia is listed as 33-1 odds to win. Sergio's game is always solid, but it is extremely difficult to defend your title at Augusta.
We all know why the TV ratings will be so high this week. If you made it to the end of this article, then you are truly a golf fan. There are so many players that I did not mention that could win this week. But there would be nothing better for the game than a Tiger victory, and I hope we see it. Regardless, it will be an entertaining 2018 Masters continuing the tradition unlike any other.
-Brett Buckingham