The current favorites to win the 2024 Masters Tournament, based on expert predictions and performance so far, are Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Young. Scheffler is highlighted for his exceptional performance and is considered the best player in the world by a wide margin, with a realistic chance to win his second green jacket. Young is noted for his good performance, including a top 10 finish at Augusta last year, and is considered a sleeper with a strong chance of making a significant impact in the tournament 4.
Highlights of the tournament so far include:
- Madison McCarthy’s touching tribute to Madison Smith by carrying a rubber duck on his golf bag.
- Jordan Spieth’s worst-ever round at the Masters, concluding with a 79 on Friday morning.
- Bubba Watson’s struggles, including a quad at the 11th hole on the second nine.
- Dustin Johnson’s lack of birdies through 36 holes.
- Tiger Woods’ record-setting 24th consecutive cut at the Masters, with a 73 in Round 1 and a 72 in Round 2 3.
For the favorites to be competitive in the final two days, they need to:
- Maintain their current form and performance levels.
- Utilize their experience and knowledge of the course to navigate the challenges of Augusta National.
- Improve their putting, as Scheffler’s performance last year was hampered by his putter.
- Stay focused and avoid distractions, as Jon Rahm’s vibe and responsibilities as a defending champion could impact his performance 4.
These strategies, combined with the favorites’ exceptional skills and experience, will be crucial for them to secure a win or a strong finish in the 2024 Masters Tournament.
Since the tournament started, there have been several notable updates and changes in the field:
- Weather Delay: The tournament began with a 2 1/2-hour weather delay, which was caused by storms that swept across Augusta 2.
- Honorary Starters: Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson kicked off the tournament with ceremonial tee shots. This was a significant moment as these golfing legends are Masters honorary starters 2.
- Early Lead: Ryan Fox grabbed the lead early in the tournament after making an eagle on the 8th hole, putting him at 5 under through eight holes 2.
- Course Changes: There have been subtle changes to the course, including a new stone structure between the eighth and 18 holes, a new merchandise pavilion beside the eighth tee, and modifications to the first nine holes to enhance the playing experience 3.
- Defending Champion: Jon Rahm, the defending champion, is back in the field after leaving the PGA Tour for the LIV Golf League. This marks his first major start since leaving the PGA Tour 4.
Here’s the rundown on the 2024 Masters after two days:
Favorites:
Scottie Scheffler (13-4 odds): Still the favorite, living up to his billing with strong play.
Brooks Koepka (11-1 odds): Showing his usual Masters prowess, staying in contention.
Jon Rahm & Rory McIlroy (both 10-1 odds): Both within striking distance, but need a strong weekend push.
Highlights:
There could be surprises! Upsets are a possibility in golf, and players like Wyndham Clark (15-1 odds) are within striking distance.
Tiger Woods drawing the crowds with his fighting spirit, despite being a longshot.
What the favorites need to do:
Scheffler: Maintain consistency and avoid major mistakes. Augusta National can punish even the best.
Koepka: Keep finding birdies and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Rahm & McIlroy: Need a surge in low scoring rounds to climb the leaderboard.
Tiger Woods is currently tied for 22nd place in the 2024 Masters Tournament.
The key details are:
After the completion of his first round on Friday morning, Woods carded a 1-over 73.
This left him at 1-over par for the tournament through 23 holes played.
With this score, Woods made the cut and extended his record for most consecutive cuts made at the Masters to 24.
The search results indicate Woods is currently 7 shots behind the leader, Bryson DeChambeau, who is at 6-under par.
So in summary, Tiger Woods is currently tied for 22nd place at 1-over par through the first two rounds of the 2024 Masters Tournament. He has made the cut and will play the weekend rounds at Augusta National.
After two days of play at the 2024 Masters Tournament, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Max Homa are currently leading the field, all tied at 6-under par. Here are the current betting odds for these leaders and other top contenders:
Scottie Scheffler: The betting favorite with odds fluctuating around +120 to +140, reflecting his strong position and past success at the Masters.
Bryson DeChambeau: Also performing well, his odds are currently set at about +450.
Max Homa: Similar to DeChambeau, Homa’s odds are around +500, making him a strong contender as well.
Other notable players and their odds include:
Collin Morikawa: Positioned at -3, with odds of +1400.
Ludvig Aberg: Sitting at -2, his odds are approximately +2000.
Nicolai Hojgaard: At -4, he is seen as a viable contender with odds ranging from +2200 to +2500.
Cameron Smith and Xander Schauffele: Both slightly behind but still competitive with odds around +3000 to +3500.
These odds reflect the dynamic nature of tournament play, where players’ performances on the first two days can significantly influence their chances and the betting market. The leaders will need to maintain their form, navigate the challenges of Augusta’s notorious back nine, and handle the pressure of the weekend rounds to secure a win (Sportsbook Review) (BetMGM).