It is not just the sight of Tiger Woods returning to action at the Masters, it’s everything that encompasses this amazing tournament – one that truly tests the merits of every golfer. The best in the world — including those on the LIV Golf tour — will set out in search of the famous green jacket, or in some case look for another fitting. With the Big 3 of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm atop the betting board, there seems to be a wider mid-range of golfers to be, ultimately opening the door for tremendous long-range value. Let’s dive into the best longshot for this year’s Masters at Augusta.
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2023 Masters Longshot Golf Bets
There are two guys who stand out in the 120-1 range as true longshots with tremendous value. There is no difference in the price, but rather the value for each golfer. The biggest difference between the two is one has already broken through, while the other is still waiting for that big moment. It is super difficult to bet on that big moment coming at Augusta this year, especially having to do it with such a top-heavy field. That unfortunately would disqualify Sahith Theegala and instead put Kurt Kitayama as the best longshot candidate. Unlike Theegala, the latter has won this year on tour – capturing victory at Bay Hill. Both were teetering on victory over the past 12 to 14 months, striking their irons incredibly well in the process. Kitayama can hit the ball a mile but also hit for accuracy off the tee.
It is a new event for Kitayama, which is hard to argue away. However, the course at Augusta truly fits his game – especially with the recent tear he is found. The biggest question for both of these guys was when they would break through and ultimately see a rush of victories to follow. The difference between the two longshots, and truly why Kitayama makes more sense, is already winning. Both have great value, but the edge falls on the one golfer who took those close calls and turned them into victory. He has gained strokes on the green in four of his last five events — including a missed cut at the Genesis — and can quickly turn those into scoring chances. Approach shots have been money for him, gaining in each of his last five events. At 130-1, it makes sense to see how far this ride can go. Also consider laddering him at top 40 and top 20 – especially with a smaller field.
Best 2023 Masters Longshot: Kurt Kitayama (130-1, DraftKings)
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Do not bet Tiger Woods to win the Masters. Do not bet him top 5 or top 10. Even making the cut seems like lost value, especially with the smaller field at Augusta. It is still Woods at the Masters, so we have to make a bet, but take some chances with value on the board versus just playing the most popular bets. The first bet on DraftKings is “Tiger Woods Any Bogey-Free Round” at +700. This is a monster ask for Woods but not crazy. It’s worth a small sprinkle at 7-1 mainly off the first day. Nobody expects Woods to hold up for four straight days, but coming out of the gate strong is not out of any realm of possibility. He knows the course, played well enough to hit this at the Genesis and will be out of gas halfway through the second round. This is the time to bet this, as the only shot would be the first round.
The second bet correlates with this at “Over 3.5 Birdies in Round 1” for Woods. He may shoot a 75, but there will be plenty of scoring chances for Woods, no matter how bad the end result is. Consider this the anchor bet and the bogey-free bet more of a risk. The ability for Woods to putt and control his approach shots will determine this bet. Based on what he did the Genesis and his ability to work approach shots in the past at Augusta, he can certainly roll four in on Thursday.
