US Masters: back solid Westwood to finish as top European

It looks likely to be another disappointing year for Europe’s elite at Augusta – but there’s still plenty of ways to make some decent money from the continent’s underachievers.

Whilst it’s incredibly unlikely that any European can win the Green Jacket this year, having a punt on who will finish as top European offers some very decent odds.

Lee Westwood is currently leading the way at two-under par and is the most tempting-looking bet available.

His putting has once again looked less than brilliant on the glassy Augusta greens but tee-to-green he remains one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour.

He’s currently 6/5 to maintain his position as top European and rounds of 70, 71 and 73 suggest that, while he may not have the game to claim his maiden major at Augusta, he can certainly finish high up the leaderboard and maybe even emulate his two top-three finishes of the past three years.

Veteran German and former two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer (15/2) is also on two-under but, considering this is the first time he’s even made the cut since 2005, he may not have the stamina to keep up his excellent efforts over the first three days.

Meanwhile, out at 5/1 are big name Europeans Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia.

Both have top five finishes at Augusta to their name and have been in decent form over the past few days.

However, an opening 66 was followed by a 76 for Garcia, while Rose also went big on Saturday, carding a disappointing 75 to leave him out of contention.

Both players are certainly capable of shooting low and finishing as top European but, purely from a consistency point of view, the smart money is on Westwood to finish as the highest placed European at a decent 6/5.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date