This weekend, all eyes in the sports world will be on golf and the highly anticipated 2021 Masters Tournament, where two local players have secured their spots in the exclusive field.
On Thursday, the prestigious Masters tournament, which is one of the PGA Tour’s four major championships, commences. As per tradition, the renowned Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Ga., will serve as the venue for the star-studded four-day event.
In Virginia, the world of golf betting presents a vast array of choices. From determining the overall winner to selecting the top 10 performers, or even predicting the first-round leader and whether a player will make or miss the cut, the options are plentiful. Additionally, there are opportunities for group wagers and tournament props, ensuring that golf betting takes on various exciting forms.
Let’s face it: The 2021 Masters has great potential to induce FOMO. As Virginia sportsbook apps have started accepting legal bets, it’s highly likely that your fellow sports enthusiasts will be eagerly participating in this prestigious golf event.
If you’re considering joining them, you have an abundance of options available. Moreover, if you wish to support Virginia’s own golfers like Lanto Griffin and Marc Leishman, there are numerous betting opportunities to back them as well.
Popular picks for the 2021 Masters
Dustin Johnson, the champion of the pandemic-delayed 2020 Masters held in November, is predicted as the frontrunner for this year’s tournament. The 36-year-old golfer, currently positioned at No. 6 in the FedExCup Standings, is listed at +950 on DraftKings VA and FanDuel VA. With these odds, a successful $10 wager would yield a $95 profit.
Bryson DeChambeau, currently holding the top rank, is one of the favorites for the 2021 Masters, alongside Jordan Spieth (ranked 7th), Justin Thomas (ranked 2nd), and John Rahm (ranked 13th). All four players can be found within the range of +900 to +1200 odds.
DraftKings reports that Brooks Koepka (+2800), Collin Morikawa (+2500), Xander Schauffele (+2500), Patrick Cantlay (+2050), and Rory McIlroy (+1900) are among the top favorites being heavily bet on by gamblers.
In addition, DraftKings offers a unique promotion exclusively for new depositors. You have the opportunity to select any golfer participating in the event and receive odds of +10000 for them to secure a top 10 finish. The maximum wager allowed is $1, implying a potential payout of $100 if your chosen golfer manages to secure a position in the top 10. To avail this offer, simply:
- To fund your Sportsbook account, make a deposit of $5 or higher.
- Take advantage of your one-time Odds Boost and apply it to the golfer you prefer.
- Choose your selection prior to the first golfer hitting the tee.
Keep in mind that the tournament happening this week will not feature a usual lineup. The Masters only invites the crème de la crème, comprising past Masters winners, PGA champions, international victors, and even Olympic gold medalists. In fact, it boasts the most exclusive field compared to any other major championship.
Meet VCU grad Lanto Griffin
Included in the prestigious group are Lanto Griffin, currently ranked 56th in the FedExCup Standings, and Marc Leishman, positioned at 90th. These seasoned golfers have deep connections to Virginia, which further enhances their appeal. Moreover, if you seek emotional reasons to support them with your wagers this weekend, they possess an abundance.
Griffin, originally from California, relocated to Blacksburg, Virginia during his childhood and established a strong attachment to the place. At a young age, he developed a keen interest in golf and spent countless hours honing his skills on the local municipal course. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Griffin’s father passed away due to brain cancer. However, during this difficult time, the head professional at Blacksburg Country Club took Griffin under his guidance, extending him an honorary membership as a way of providing support and encouragement.
“In 2018, Griffin expressed in Golf Digest that, to him during that moment, it seemed reminiscent of Augusta National.”
Griffin’s skills reached new heights when he joined the club. Eventually, he pursued a golf career at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he excelled as the Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Year. Additionally, he obtained a marketing degree from the university.
Despite facing initial difficulties on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour, Griffin persevered and contemplated abandoning his aspiration of becoming a professional golfer several times. Nevertheless, the 32-year-old remained committed and eventually achieved his first PGA title in 2019. Presently, he has successfully made 14 out of 16 cuts this year and secured two top 10 finishes.
Furthermore, Griffin had previously faced significant credit card debt while striving to support his golfing aspirations. However, over the course of a few years, he has managed to accumulate an impressive sum of almost $5 million from his successful career.
Meet Australian-born Virginian Marc Leishman
On the other hand, Leishman is an Australian golfer who earned the title of 2009 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year.
After settling down in Virginia Beach, the 38-year-old has established his permanent residence and integrated himself and his family into the local community.
One reason for this is attributed to his wife, Audrey. Back in 2015, she faced a near-fatal encounter with acute respiratory distress syndrome, with a mere 5% probability of survival. However, against all odds, she triumphed. Presently, both Audrey and Marc actively manage the Begin Again Foundation, an organization dedicated to assisting families in need of financial support for medical and daily expenses.
Leishman’s reputation as one of the “friendliest guys on tour” is easily understandable.
Although Leishman has faced challenges in 2021, he managed to secure his fifth career PGA Tour victory in 2020. Known for his cunning skills on the golf course, he remains a formidable contender when the pressure is on.
How to bet on VA golfers
On Thursday, April 8, the 2021 Masters commences, featuring a total of 88 golfers. Following the initial rounds, the top 50 players, along with any ties, will progress to the final two rounds, while the remaining participants will be eliminated.
This week, we have compiled the playing groups for every golfer from Virginia.
Group 20, 11:54 a.m. tee-off
- Lanto Griffin
- Jose Maria Olazabal
- Matt Wallace
Group 21, 12:12 p.m. tee-off
- Marc Leishman
- Victor Perez
- Jason Kokrak
While there is a chance of Griffin or Leishman winning the esteemed green jacket this weekend, the potential rewards could be quite substantial. However, it is important to consider that other alternatives may offer more practical probabilities. Here are a few options to consider:
- To emerge as the tournament champion, place a wager on a golfer.
- Place your bets on where a golfer will finish in the tournament: Top 3, Top 10, or Top 40.
- To wager on the first-round leader in golf is to place a bet on the golfer who will be leading the tournament after the initial round of play.
- Place a bet on whether a golfer will successfully make or fail to make the cut after completing two rounds of play.
DraftKings, the VA sportsbook, presents a range of Masters betting options along with the corresponding odds.
| Lanto Griffin | Marc Leishman | |
|---|---|---|
| Win | +25000 | +15000 |
| Top 5 | +2500 | +2000 |
| Top 10 | +1000 | +900 |
| Top 40 | -120 | -120 |
| First-round leader | +8000 | +8000 |
| Make cut | -200 | -200 |
| Miss cut | +150 | +150 |
Alternatively, you have the option to utilize Griffin or Leishman in conjunction with DraftKings’ enticing promotional offer of betting $1 and winning $100. Instead of receiving a mere $9 (Leishman at +900) or $10 (Griffin at +1000) in return, your $1 wager has the potential for a remarkable $100 payout due to the enhanced +10000 odds.
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