US Masters: Bubba’s five-hole birdie spree makes him favourite

Bubba Watson charged into a three-shot lead after day two at Augusta National to leave himself as heavy favourite to claim a second Green Jacket in three years.

A succession of birdies on the back nine at 12,13,14,15 and 16 saw the 2012 Masters champion take control of this year’s tournament at -7 after 36 holes, where his odds to win have plummeted ahead of the weekend’s play to just 6/4.

We’re never ones to blow our own trumpet too hard here at News.Ladbrokes, but Bubba was one of our picks to grab a top-10 finish at least, while punters could have taken 25/1 on the lefty to win the Masters before the first ball was launched at Augusta.

Although Watson was pretty coy about his chances on social media signing off with #MadeCut, given the way he’s played up until now he’s certainly going to take some stopping.

However, history shows us all is not lost for the other contenders, especially for last year’s winner Adam Scott who remains a decent value shout at 5/1 to reel Bubba in.

Despite carding three bogies in the opening five holes, Scott managed to steady the ship before hitting three birdies on the back nine to shoot level par for the day and remain on three-under-par.

The Aussie will have to play well for the remainder, but having made up three shots on compatriot Jason Day after 36 holes to come back and win last year, he won’t be fazed.

Fellow Australian John Senden is also in with a great chance, representing one of only four players to have shot a 68 on day two, elevating him into second place outright on four-under, priced at 14/1 for glory.

Much will depend on what Bubba does in Saturday’s final grouping, but it’s worth noting that Charl Schwartzel in 2010 made up six shots after the second round to win and before him in ’06, Phil Mickleson closed a four-shot gap in his final two rounds for victory.

There are plenty still in range in that case and young American Jordan Spieth at 12/1 may just be the pick at three-under-par.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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