2025 Masters Picks: Chalk, Chaos, and Augusta Dreams

Hello, Friends - It’s that time of year again. The azaleas are blooming, the pimento cheese is getting slapped between white bread, and golf’s most sacred ground is ready to crown a new (or familiar) champion. The 2025 Masters is here, and the betting board is loaded with storylines.

Let’s break down the best picks to win it all, who’s getting too much love, who’s being slept on, and why this might finally be that year.

Scottie Scheffler: The 2025 Masters Favorite, but Too Obvious?

Let’s be real—Scottie Scheffler is the chalkiest chalk that ever chalked. DraftKings has him at +400, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s been in Terminator mode all season, and his Augusta resume (wins in 2022 and 2024, Top 10s across the board) reads like a master's thesis on consistency.

But at those short odds? It's a stay-away for bettors who like a little juice with their squeeze. He's the best golfer in the world—no argument there—but in a tournament where one gust of wind or one roll off the green can wreck a round, the value just isn’t there unless you're parlaying him with world peace.

Rory McIlroy: The Slam Still Eludes Him… Until Now?

Ah yes, the annual "Is this finally Rory's year?" storyline. Every April, we convince ourselves that this time he’s got the mindset, the swing, the horoscope. But 2025 feels a little different.

He’s at +650, and he’s been dialed in this season. Two wins already, and the swagger is back. Augusta still haunts him, but he’s been talking less and playing more. No press tour distractions, no equipment tinkering, just Rory—focused. As ESPN’s expert panel pointed out, his improved wedge play could be the final piece of the puzzle. Is it narrative bias? Maybe. But it also feels like the stars are aligning.

Will a LIV Golfer Win the Green Jacket?

Don’t look now, but the LIV boys are creeping.

Jon Rahm (+1400) still looks every bit the assassin he was when he won this thing in 2023. He hasn’t missed a beat, no matter what tour he's on.
Bryson DeChambeau (+2800) is back in "mad scientist" mode, and Augusta has slowly become less of a Rubik's Cube for him.
Joaquin Niemann (+3000) is LIV’s hottest hand—multiple wins, a smooth swing, and the kind of game that travels well.

Say what you want about the LIV format, but Augusta doesn’t discriminate. If you’ve got the game, you can win here. And there’s real value in backing one of these rebels.

Dark Horses Who Could Shake Up Sunday

Here’s where things get fun. The casual fans may not have these names circled, but the sharps do—and so should you.

Sahith Theegala (+5000) – From USA Today: He’s got the charisma, the creativity, and a T9 at Augusta last year. He’s also trending with strong showings this season. If he gets hot with the putter, look out.
Tommy Fleetwood (+5500) – Still chasing that first big breakthrough, and Augusta owes him one. Pure ball striker, great under pressure, and built for Sunday red.
Corey Conners (+8000) – Quietly one of the most consistent Augusta performers. Three straight Top 10s from 2020–2022, and flying under the radar once again.
Min Woo Lee (+7000) – He’s got flair, power, and the kind of short game that makes Augusta blush. Could be the Cam Smith 2.0 for this year.
Chris Kirk (+25000) – Total long shot, but he's been sneaky solid all season. Think Brian Harman at The Open. If conditions get weird, don’t count him out.

Final Verdict: Picks to Back

Undeniable Favorite: Scottie Scheffler (+400) – He’s the best golfer on the planet right now, but unless you're comfortable laying chalk in a chaos-filled major, there's more risk than reward at this number."
Best Value Favorite: Rory McIlroy (+650) – The story is almost too perfect.
Top LIV Threat: Jon Rahm (+1400) – Experience and killer instinct.
Dark Horse Dart Throw: Sahith Theegala (+5000) – He wants the big moment.

Let the green jacket chase begin.