Fantasy Golf Predictions
Fantasy Golf Picks, Odds, and Predictions – 2021 Masters
Fantasy Golf Picks, Odds, and Predictions for the 2021 Masters
The 2021 Masters Fantasy Preview
Just a couple of months after our last trip to the iconic Augusta National, it’s off we go again down Magnolia Lane to find this stunning golf course in full bloom.
A player that seems to be blossoming at just the right time is Jordan Spieth, whose long road to golfing rehabilitation reached its glorious conclusion with victory at the Valero Texas Open on Sunday.
Spieth, who has been playing well for a number of months now, finally got over the winning line at a TPC San Antonio that was always likely to suit his game. And now he heads off to an Augusta layout that we know suits him down to a tee as well.
The issue is that he will have to beat the very best in the business, because aside from the absent Tiger Woods and the decrepit former champions teeing it up this week, the 88-man field is of the highest quality.
And while the November edition of the tournament, won by Dustin Johnson at -20, revealed a soft and easy golf course that was there for the taking, this more traditional April timeslot should ensure Augusta shows its teeth once more.
We’re in for a fantastic week!
Last Week’s Fantasy Results
We’re coming in HOT! With Spieth (1), Wallace (3), and Tringale (T9) as our top three picks last week. We”ll be rolling those nice earnings into some heavy games on DFS this week!
With the win, Spieth helped us make it 6 out of 25 events this season successfully picking the winner.
Also, this is our THIRD WINNER PICKED in the LAST FOUR EVENTS! Can we make it four at Augusta?
A big help this week will be our Key Stats Tool which can help you sort out the field by key stats to help you make better roster and betting decisions.
The 2021 Masters Field
As it stands, there will be 88 players teeing it up this week at The Masters.
As ever, at least 20 of them don’t have a chance in hell of slipping into the Green Jacket, so the likes of Ian Woosnam, Sandy Lyle and Larry Mize can just enjoy a leisurely couple of rounds at the famous course.
At the other end of the spectrum, all of the big guns are here as Dustin Johnson looks to defend the trophy he won in November.
He will benefit from Rory McIlroy seemingly being out of sorts – can he overcome a lack of form to complete the major slam? Brooks Koepka, meanwhile, is still recovering from knee surgery and was seen hobbling around the course in practice.
More lively contention is likely to come from Spieth and the likes of Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay, while former winners such as Patrick Reed and Bubba Watson can rarely be easily dismissed.
We wait to see if Bryson DeChambeau can make his unique style work at Augusta, while young guns such as Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Daniel Berger and Viktor Hovland will have dreamed of winning The Masters at some point during their career.
Lots of narratives, lots of angles and lots to discuss then!
This Week’s Course Preview
Come on, you know what to expect from Augusta National by now.
From the minute the players drive down Magnolia Lane, they will feel the weight of history on their shoulders – this is still golf’s greatest tournament, and no mistake.
From the gorgeous flowers and botanical brilliance comes the occasional brutality of the golf course itself – designed by Bobby Jones and Alister McKenzie way back in 1933. Naturally, it has been tweaked over the years to combat the changes that the sport has seen, but on the whole their original vision remains undiminished.
There are so many defenses to Augusta it’s difficult to know where to begin. At 7,475 yards for its Par 72, the layout is a decent length and remember that the grass grows in the direction of the trees laterally across the fairway – thus, it plays even longer.
There are significant hills, drops and elevation changes, while the thick tree lines and some severe doglegs require strategy and placement of the highest order.
Water and sand are less of a concern – although those eyeing up the dangerous 12th hole might question that, although the super-fast Bentgrass greens – with their devilish run-off areas – leave some nerve-jangling rescue chips back on to the putting surface for those that miss out.
It’s an incredible golf course, and one that befuddles players nearly a century after its original build. Of course, it’s a fitting venue for the sport’s greatest prize.
Here’s a quick hole-by-hole overview of Augusta National:
Hole 1: Tea Olive (Par 4, 445 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 4.17
This is the classic Augusta dogleg, sweeping from left to right, with thick tree coverage protecting both sides of the fairway. Get a good tee shot away and the players are left with a mid-range iron into a green that slopes dramatically from back to front, with a break of some 8ft possible should you land in one of the tougher parts. With natural nerves at play on the first hole of a major, this is a pant-shredding way to start.
Hole 2: Pink Dogwood (Par 5, 575 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 4.47
There aren’t many ‘gimmie’ birdie opportunities at Augusta, but this is one of them and the pressure is on to take advantage of the first longer hole on the course. This is the classic second shot hole, a roughly 250-yard approach into a green that slides quickly from left to right.
Hole 3: Flowering Peach (Par 4, 350 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 3.99
The easiest of the Par 4s, the key defense of the shortest ‘standard’ hole on the course is the small L-shaped green, which is protected by bunkers and shaved run-off areas that will shove errant approaches miles away from the pin.
Hole 4: Flowering Crab Apple (Par 3, 240 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 3.09
A hole where Augusta really bares its teeth, the players are greeted with a 220-yard carry over bunkers protecting the front and flanks of the green, and depending on pin placement shorter hitters might even have to take a rescue club into it. Devilish.
Hole 5: Magnolia (Par 4, 455 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 4.27
An uphill, doglegging Par 4 with two deep bunkers sat practically on the fairway, the fifth is all about getting a good drive away. The tiered green is another nuisance to overcome, and just 23 birdies were made here in 2019; as opposed to 69 bogeys.
Hole 6: Juniper (Par 3, 180 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 3.06
You might think that a 180-yard Par 3 is food-and-drink to these players, but that’s before you seen the green complex which features three separate tiers. If the pin is placed back right than they will also have to overcome the dramatic slope which feeds to the front left.
Hole 7: Pampas (Par 4, 450 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 4.15
The tough stretch continues with what is the narrowest fairway on the golf course, with a sight-line of thick Georgian pines providing the classic ‘tunnel’ look and feel. Even with a good drive, this is a contoured green protected almost 360° by five bunkers.
Hole 8: Yellow Jasmine (Par 5, 570 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 4.69
Get a good tee shot away and you might be in business on the eighth, although the elevated green does not mean that GIR is a given. Shorter hitters may lay up, while the longer bombers can be caught out by the bunker on the right-hand side of the fairway.
Hole 9: Carolina Cherry (Par 4, 460 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 3.97
The front nine concludes with a hole where a long and accurate tee shot is essential; anything other than a good hit down the right side can lead to approaches being blocked out by the trees. Two big bunkers protect the front of the green, as does a run-off area which will reject any balls that land upon it.
Hole 10: Camellia (Par 4, 495 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 4.19
The scene of Bubba’s famous hooked approach on his way to the 2012 triumph, thick trees line the fairways and the green slopes conclusively from right to left. Big drives have the advantage of being bounded down the fairway if they catch the slope.
Hole 11: White Dogwood (Par 4, 505 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 4.23
And so Amen Corner begins with arguably the toughest hole on the course. It’s a hole where players almost give up on birdie by laying up to a safe section of fairway directly to the right of the green, rather than attacking the small surface which is protected by a large pond. As if that wasn’t problematic enough, this is one of the tightest landing areas off the tee on the course.
Hole 12: Golden Bell (Par 3, 155 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 3.04
This may be the shortest hole on the course, but the players aren’t let off lightly by a tiny green that is protected by bunkers front and back and Rae’s Creek running ominously along the front as well. A notorious cross wind only adds to the drama.
Hole 13: Azalea (Par 5, 510 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 4.62
Amen Corner is swiftly followed by the easiest hole on the course. The green is protected by a thin water hazard and a series of bunkers, but if the players can get a good tee shot away they will be confident of setting up an eagle putt; birdie, of which there were 128 here in 2018, is far more likely.
Hole 14: Chinese Fir (Par 4, 440 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 4.03
This is perhaps the easiest tee shot on the course with no sand to worry about, but the approach is a different matter altogether, with a heavily-tiered green the key defense based upon pin placement.
Hole 15: Firethorn (Par 5, 530 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 4.59
Take on the green in two or lay up? That’s the main question here, with longer hitters able to find the dancefloor in two if they are accurate off the tee and avoid the pond prowling at the front of the green. Shorter hitters will lay up but a red number is on the cards here nonetheless.
Hole 16: Redbud (Par 3, 170 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 2.87
The green slopes dramatically from right to left here, with upper and lower shelves affecting the level of difficulty based on pin position. If the flag is on the lower shelf at the back of the green, the players are faced with a tough approach.
Hole 17: Nandina (Par 4, 440 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 4.11
Sadly, the famous Eisenhower tree did not survive a storm and had to be removed, which makes driving a whole lot easier. A left-to-right tee shot gives a good angle to attack a small green that is often said to be one of the quickest on the course.
Hole 18: Holly (Par 4, 465 yards) – Stroke Average in 2020: 4.20
With the Green Jacket in your midst, the leader will have to hit a nerve-less drive to a fairway flanked by sand left and trees right. The tiered green is protected by two deep bunkers, and with the pressure on all sorts of danger can be found on eighteen.
Weather Forecast for Augusta, GA
It’s fair to say that the weather gods have not been smiling on Augusta this week….
Monday has dawned beautifully sunny, and that theme continues into Tuesday and Wednesday – the thermometer could reach 86˚F by the afternoon on Wednesday.
That will help course officials get Augusta National into great shape, although hopefully they don’t over water – there is rain very much in the forecast from Thursday onwards.
We can take the days in pairs according to the early forecast. Thursday and Friday have a 40% chance of rain, with cloudy spells and temperatures at a still fair 80˚F. The wind is set at around the 11mph mark.
The threat of rain is slightly diminished over the weekend, with temperatures also down somewhat to 78˚F. The wind should ease to around 8mph as the winner is crowned.
Last Year’s Results from the Masters
It doesn’t seem all that long ago at all that Dustin Johnson ended his lengthy wait for victory in The Masters.
But the softer November conditions were always like to suit his bombastic style, and the fact that DJ was able to plunder -20 – the tournament record – reveals why The Masters has to stay in its traditional April timeslot unless absolutely unavoidable.
As soon as Johnson opened with 65 on the Thursday the writing appeared to be on the wall, and while the likes of Cameron Smith and Sungjae Im hung around in truth they couldn’t lay a glove on the winner. Here’s a fun stat – Smith was the first player in history to shoot four rounds in the 60s at Augusta National, and he still lost by two strokes to the next man to enter that category, Johnson.
Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy also featured in the top-five, but neither could get close enough to DJ to mount a title challenge.
A Champion’s Sunday | The Masters
Dustin Johnson spent his life waiting for this moment. It was everything he’d dreamed of. — Follow @themasters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themasters/ Follow @TheMasters on Twitter: https://twitter.com/themasters Follow @TheMasters on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMasters/
Where to Play Fantasy Golf for the Masters this Week
Look, we get it: this is the week that you look forward to more than any other on the golfing calendar. No problem – let’s get at it with a couple of entries into these exciting contests.
- PGA $4m Fantasy Millionaire: There’s no beating around the bush here – your $10 entry could make you a millionaire come Sunday evening! There’s a stack of consolation prizes too, so why wouldn’t you get involved?
- PGA $300k Birdie: For those on a tighter budget, there’s still plenty of rewards on offer in this contest that serves up a $30k top prize for a $3 entry – plus the chance to win numerous pay-outs for finishing further down the standings too.
This Week’s Fantasy Notes for the 2021 Masters
The criteria for a November Masters were far removed from what we are looking for in April.
The hot weather leading into the event ensures that Augusta will play fast and hard, and even if the rain does come the course’s famed sub-air systems should take care of that. The traditionally fast greens will certainly be the key consideration this week.
We’re looking for a drawer of the ball – there is a clear edge for those who can shape the ball from right to left, and the ideal candidate will hit their approaches in nice and high for a smooth landing. As mentioned, the wind isn’t set to be all that dramatic, so dropping bombs from above will be key.
Avoid some of the nasty chips and scrambles at all costs, and make hay on the Par 5s – some things at Augusta never change regardless of the month of the year, and remember that Augusta is a young man’s golf course – there really aren’t many Masters champions crowned after they pass 40.
We should also mention he psychological pressures of winning The Masters – the fear and the excitement of edging towards the Green Jacket. Make sure that any potential winners you draft have the mettle to cope with the possibility of changing their life forever….
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Our Top 5 (and Top 2 Sleeper) Fantasy Picks and Odds to Win the 2021 Masters
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Top 5 Picks/Odds to Win The 2021 Masters
Top Tier Pick #1:
Patrick Cantlay (Odds: 22/1, FPPG: 85.8, GPFP: 68.64 Salary: $9,800)
This will only be Patrick Cantlay’s fifth foray to Augusta National, but in time we expect this layout to be very good to him indeed.
He’s already served up T9 and T17 finishes for starters, and a player equally as adept with iron or wedge in hand will always have a chance in The Masters.
Cantlay is also decent enough off the tee, and while we have accused him in the past of being a ‘west coast bully’ remember that Augusta has Bentgrass greens, so he will feel right at home.
His current formline is good, bar a surprising missed cut at THE PLAYERS, and by utilizing a $9,800 play as our top-tier pick we have the chance to get plenty of studs into our line-ups from around that price point.
And be under no illusions….Cantlay is a live contender this week even accounting for the agreeable price.
Key Stats:
- Scrambling – 3rd
- Birdie Average – 4th
- SG: Tee-to-Green – 8th
Top Tier Pick #2:
Jordan Spieth (Odds: 12/1, FPPG: 70.8, GPFP: 88.46 Salary: $9,400)
Who has got it wrong this week – the sportsbooks or DraftKings?
The bookies make Jordan Spieth a short 12/1 poke, and while we wouldn’t recommend a hearty wager at such short odds it’s still fair to say that DK have underdone him here at $9,400 – an outstanding price.
For that bargain outlay, we get a proven winner in excellent form, and a guy who clearly enjoys life at Augusta – a win here in 2015 and runner-sup finishes to sandwich that are evidence aplenty.
It’s wrong to suggest that Spieth is the betting favorite this week because he simply isn’t, however his daily fantasy backers should get plenty of bang for their buck at this disrespectful salary.
Key Stats:
- SG: Around-the-Green – 17th
- SG: Approach – 23rd
- SG: Putting – 44th
Mid-Tier Pick #1:
Webb Simpson (Odds: 40/1, FPPG: 83.0, GPFP: 94.56 Salary: $9,000)
Given his natural game, it seems amazing that it took Webb Simpson so long to get to grips with Augusta National.
But after a fallow period at the venue, he has since banked consecutive top-10s and with good reasons.
Without a weakness through the bag, Simpson is an excellent iron player and even when he misses the greens he has the class to get up and down more often than not.
His high ball flight allows him to plonk the ball down from a great height on these slick greens, and while he isn’t the longest off the tee that doesn’t always have to be an impediment at Augusta when your long irons are so good.
Likely to be a low percentage pick this week given a perceived lack of form, Simpson could repay his backers in plentiful fashion.
Key Stats:
- Scoring Average – 6th
- SG: Around-the-Green – 8th
- SG: Putting – 13th
Mid-Tier Pick #2:
Matt Fitzpatrick (Odds: 50/1, FPPG: 66.4, GPFP: 53.13 Salary: $8,100)
In his last five trips to Augusta, Matt Fitzpatrick has not missed a cut and has a T7 and T21 to his name, and right now he is playing golf the like of which he has rarely delivered in the past.
The Englishman simply has no weaknesses in his bag, and with three top-10s and a T11 in his last four strokeplay starts he heads to Georgia in red-hot form.
Indeed, it’s hard to make a case against him, and while we are yet to see Fitzpatrick contest a major he certainly has the game to take care of business.
Key Stats:
- SG: Putting – 25th
- SG: Tee-to-Green – 27th
- Birdie Average – 33rd
Low-Tier Pick:
Matt Wallace (Odds: 125/1, FPPG: 57.2, GPFP: 45.72 Salary: $6,400)
Once again, Matt Wallace has been underestimated by the salary-deciders this week.
He was available at a snip of a price for his solo third at the Texas Open last week, and Augusta is another venue that should suit a guy with class from tee-to-green and on them too.
Wallace, after the customary missed cut on debut at Augusta, returned with a much more solid showing in November, and given how well he has been playing of late he will certainly be looking to build on that.
Excellent approaching the greens with a high ball flight, Wallace can far exceed this paltry salary.
Key Stats:
- SG: Approach – 4th
- Scoring Average – 40th
- SG: Around-the-Green – 63rd
Sleeper Pick for the 2021 Masters
Max Homa (Odds: 90/1, FPPG: 67.4, GPFP: 116.95 Salary: $7,100)
A player we have been touting for some time, it was great to see Max Homa win at Riviera a few weeks ago – if you can win there, that suggests your ball striking is of the highest order.
And we can certainly place Homa in that camp, as a subsequent top-10 finish at Bay Hill proved.
He missed the cut at Augusta in November, but faster conditions may be more to his liking anyway and so we’re expecting a much better turn from Homa this time around.
Key Stats:
- Scoring Average – 29th
- SG: Tee-to-Green – 57th
- SG: Putting – 87th
Alternative Sleeper Pick for the 2021 Masters
Marc Leishman (Odds: 100/1, FPPG: 57.1, GPFP: 54.26 Salary: $6,900)
Here’s a throwaway price on a player that has shown countless times in the past that he is a classy operator.
With a T4, T9 and T13 to his name at Augusta, Marc Leishman relishes his trips to Georgia, and why wouldn’t you with an all-round game this good.
While not at the peak of his powers right now, the Australian has still served up top-20s here are at Torrey Pines in recent memory, and quite frankly he is simply too good a player to miss out on at this salary.
Key Stats:
- Par 5 Scoring Average – 33rd
- SG: Approach – 67th
- Scrambling – 91st
This Week’s Sample Fantasy Lineup
Note: Sample lineups provided as examples only. Be sure to mix-and-match players to best fit individual contests.
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Fantasy Golf Predictions This Season (2020-2021)
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