2025 Masters Preview: Why We Love It (But Rarely Bet It)

At Steady Gain Sports, we’re all about smart, data-driven betting. That means we stick to sports where the numbers give us a long-term edge. Golf? Not so much. It’s one of the most volatile sports on the board. Even the best players miss cuts, and underdogs can randomly get hot and win a major. That unpredictability is exactly why we don’t bet golf seriously — but we still love watching it, especially when it’s Masters Week.

The Masters is a tradition like no other. From the roars at Amen Corner to the pressure-packed back nine on Sunday, it’s golf’s Super Bowl. And while we don’t chase long shots here the way we do in more predictable markets, we’re not above placing a just-for-fun bet or two for the thrill. So let’s break down the biggest names heading into Augusta in 2025, the kinds of bets you’ll see out there, and who we’d ride with (if we had to).

---

Scottie Scheffler – The Obvious Choice

It starts with Scottie Scheffler, who’s basically golf’s version of a cheat code right now. He’s the current World #1, already owns two green jackets (2022 and 2024), and has been on a Tiger-esque run of top-10s in every major event he enters. He’s long, precise, composed under pressure, and Augusta seems to suit every part of his game.

Scheffler enters this year as the heavy favorite — and rightfully so. In a sport that’s pure chaos, he’s the closest thing to consistency. If you’re going to place a bet on a winner, this is the guy to back. But don’t expect great odds — sportsbooks are well aware of how dominant he’s been. 

---

Bryson DeChambeau – Our Fun Pick (If We Had to Pick One)

If we had to ride with anyone other than Scheffler, we’d take a shot with Bryson DeChambeau.

Yes, Bryson. The LIV Golf wildcard with the physics degree and a driver that could break time. After a stretch where he was written off by many, he’s surged back into the spotlight. His win at the 2024 U.S. Open reminded everyone how dominant he can be when everything’s clicking. He was also one stroke away from winning the PGA Championship. Love him or hate him, he’s in form and absolutely bombing it off the tee again.

His aggressive style is a risk-reward rollercoaster — but at Augusta, where par-5s are key, that power can pay off. LIV guys are still a mystery to the casual crowd, and that could mean slight value in the books. He’s not the safe pick, but he’s got the upside to steal the show.

---

Rory McIlroy – The Grand Slam Dream (Again)

Every year, Rory McIlroy shows up at the Masters with one mission: complete the career Grand Slam. It’s the only major he hasn’t won — and that’s made Augusta a mental mountain for him.

Rory’s still one of the most gifted players in the world, and on any given week, he can beat anyone. But the Masters has haunted him. Whether it’s a slow start or a final-round fade, something always seems to get in the way. Last year, he had a chance to win the U.S. Open and let it slip through his fingers. Will 2025 finally be his year?

As a betting play, McIlroy usually comes with shorter odds than his recent results might justify. If you’re betting Rory, you’re betting the story — not necessarily the edge. That said, we’ll be rooting for him. Watching him finally get that green jacket would be legendary.

---

 Ludvig Åberg – The Dark Horse to Watch

The 25-year-old Swede went from top amateur to breakout star faster than you can say “Amen Corner.” He finished second at the Masters last year — in his first-ever major.

Since then, he’s kept the momentum going with strong finishes, a PGA Tour win, and a confidence that feels way beyond his years. He has the length, poise, and ball-striking to seriously contend. If you’re looking for a high-upside play at longer odds, Åberg’s your guy.

He’s still new to the pro scene, so he’s not as proven under pressure as the big names — but he’s fearless. Every Masters needs a Cinderella story, and Ludvig could easily be that this year.

---

Betting Markets to Explore (For Fun Only)

If you’re looking to place a little action for fun during the Masters, here are the most common betting markets you’ll come across:

Outright Winner – High reward, high risk. Even favorites rarely win, but it’s the classic bet for a reason.
Top 5 / Top 10 / Top 20 Finish – Safer than outrights. A solid way to back a consistent player like Scheffler without needing him to win.
First-Round Leader– A fun sweat on Thursday. Long odds, quick payoff.
Head-to-Head Matchups – Pick one player to beat another over the whole tournament. More manageable than picking from the full field.
Props – Will there be a hole-in-one? What will the winning score be? Will the cut line be over or under a certain number? These are more entertainment-based but can add some spice.

As always — we do not recommend golf betting for serious bankroll growth. The sample sizes are tiny, the variance is huge, and it’s nearly impossible to model consistently. This is a sport for watching, enjoying, and maybe tossing a small wager in for the sweat. 

At Steady Gain Sports, we focus on long-term returns through data. But once a year? We’ll kick back, turn on the Masters, and maybe throw $20 on a long shot just to feel something.

---

Enjoy the 2025 Masters – and remember, don’t bet big. Just soak it in.  

With Positive Intent
– Steady Gain Sports