PGA Tour history maker among three ante post Masters picks

The most distinctive Major in the golfing calendar is only weeks away and guessing the identity of the Masters champion 2015 can now begin in earnest.

Since the turn of the Millennium three different players have become proud owners of multiple Green Jackets.

Tiger Woods (3) last claimed glory back in 2005 and in light of his self-imposed exile from golf, which may not be lifted by the time Augusta comes around, 33/1 is better spent somewhere else.

Staying with the American theme, 2006 and 2008 winner Phil Mickelson can never be discounted at 20/1, though the usually-beaming lefty has looked a little off colour early in the season.

Reigning champion Bubba Watson is a must for any punting plan at 10s, having claimed the 2012 edition as well, but he’s too obvious a choice to make our shortlist:

Jordan Spieth @ 12/1

American golfers account for the vast majority of winners at Augusta National, securing nine of the past 14 titles, and no US player got closer to Bubba than Spieth last year.

The Texas University graduate has always promised big things since an early age in the amateur game and cemented that reputation by winning the John Deere Classic during his rookie year as a PGA Tour card holder in 2013, before tying for second at Augusta aged just 20.

A second senior win of his career at the recent Valspars Championship in March saw Spieth become only the fourth man in history to scoop multiple PGA Tour title before his 22nd birthday, so he’s timing his Masters form perfectly.

Adam Scott @ 14/1

Three beautifully controlled rounds of 69 and a par 72 landed Scott his only Major title to date at Augusta National two years ago.

The former world number one has a real affinity with the course, finishing no worse than 18th in his last five visits to Georgia, which include a tied second place in 2011.

Any concerns over the Australian’s shift to conventional putter have proved false as he has already tied for fourth with the shorter stick at the recent WGC Cadillac Championship.

Lee Westwood @ 40/1

The eternal Major Championship bridesmaid is always each-way gold dust, he just hasn’t quite caught the bouquet yet. Westwood has finished at least third in all four majors and his best at the Masters was second in 2010.

Incredibly, the Englishman has finished no worse than 11th in four proceeding visits to a course where every strength of his game flourishes, though putting is his Achilles heel.

Crucially Westy has been in sensational touch this season, finishing no worse than 12th in three European Tour starts and bagging top 25s in two events stateside going into the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Ladbrokes customers wouldn’t want this to be the year they leave Lee off their punting plan.

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

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £25 in free bets.