Masters 2023: Bryan Nicholson believes former champion is worth an in-play bet
By Bryan Nicholson
Masters 2023 Live Odds8 April 2023
A great first day at the Masters panned out just as everyone expected. Well, almost.
Soft conditions with very moderate winds led to some low scoring at Augusta, and the players eased into what will be a tougher weekend weather-wise. Play didn't disappoint in that respect but somewhat surprising to me was the performance from the LIV golfers, especially Brooks Koepka who took a share of top spot thanks to an opening 65.
Koepka looks to be taking the rivalry personally and has since increased his lead in round two. Is he a good bet to keep it going? Given he won last week's LIV golf tour event, it would be hard for me to put you off. The American has finished his second round with a score of -12 and has spread-eagled the field somewhat.
My ante-post picks are performing well all-in-all. Cam Young is looking dangerous, while Sam Burns started fast before putting the brakes on somewhat. Still, top 10 at the end of 36 holes isn’t bad.
Pre-tournament favourite Rory McIlroy has had a Lionel Blair and his much coveted grand slam in the majors now might be beyond the man in his mid-thirties. Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler were the two other pre-tournament favourites and both are flying high. Rahm took a share of the first-round lead, while Scheffler dropped numerous strokes on the greens in round two and still boasts a slim shot at Masters glory.
Sam Bennett is the surprise name up there. What were the odds on Sam finishing in the top five after 36 holes? This is further evidence that amateurs and maidens don't have that fear factor at Augusta anymore. The proof is in the pudding and scoring was definitely up at Augusta on day two.
Wintery weather might prove a problem as the weekend goes on, and whoever can handle the conditions and manipulate the criteria will be the best and closest to thrive. Big names dominate the leaderboard after 36 holes and only the strongest will survive now that rain, thunderstorms and subsequent delays are playing a big part in the 2023 Masters.
Where does the value lie now?
Koepka has built a lead at the top of the board, which is good for Masters in-running bettors as it provides extra value on some players who are sizzling further down the board.
Apart from our pre-tournament bets, Jordan Spieth catches my eye as a good play at the midway point. The course specialist was mounting a challenge early and finished poorly on day one, but he got going again on Friday and is definitely one to watch going into the weekend.
It is important to note that a lead like one that Koepka currently possesses is usually engulfed over the weekend at big tournaments. Perhaps Spieth will be the player to peg the LIV golfer back?