The Masters: Top 10 In The Field

As we go full send into Masters week with players hitting the practice rounds, we have to start the process of figuring out who truly can contend into the weekend or even take the ever-so-elusive & stylish green jacket home. While some will be up or down, this list of the top 10 wasn't as easy as you may think with the mystique of it being a major & at Augusta.

#10 - Nicolai Højgaard

The truest of wild cards you can think of. Højgaard has the skill to play with anyone on this course & has shown glimpses in Augusta. Here is the thing you need to know about Nicolai: he could go out, be unconscious, and shoot a 65...or you blink, and see him finishing up a 76. His skillset can be lethal, and when on fire, the field better watch out if he comes with his A-game this weekend.

Odds:

• 1st: +7800

• Top 5: +1050

• Top 10: +445

• Top Nordic: +510

• Top Danish: +106

#9 - Ludvig Åberg

LUUUUUDDDDEEEE! One of my guys, though he has pulled the rug out from under me a few Sundays already early in this season. Now, the question with Åberg is not talent but maybe mentality; after a second Sunday collapse, the whispers look to be getting louder. BUT! His game has been sharp in Augusta, including two top 10s already. Still, be advised: betting Ludvig comes with a warning label, as Sundays are unpredictable. This would be the perfect time to finally put together a complete 72 & win his first major.

Odds:

• 1st: +1700

• Top 5: +320

• Top 10: +154

• Top Nordic: +166

#8 - Brooks Koepka

"Big Game Brooks" is back. A lot of positives are surrounding his game coming into this week. Though he may say differently, he looks ready to compete for another major. We know he can finish the job at Augusta, though it feels like it has been a while since he has truly been in the mix. Koepka has a new or renewed energy being back in the PGA; this may be the extra jolt needed to get that green jacket he’s just missed multiple times.

Odds:

• 1st: +3700

• Top 5: +630

• Top 10: +290

• Top American: +2000

#7 - Xander Schauffele

The two-time major champion has been so close at the Masters a handful of times, including five top 10s. Many may still question his full health, as his game hasn't been his best yet this season. He did, however, have a nice run Sunday at The Players, which may be the jump he needed to get into form for the first major of the year. Schauffele is the type of player who sneaks up the leaderboard, so don't panic as you look for his name come Sunday.

Odds:

• 1st: +1800

• Top 5: +305

• Top 10: +140

• Top American: +980

#6 - Tommy Fleetwood

The monkey is off the back & he will be tryin' his hardest! For Fleetwood, winning the FedEx Cup last year as his first win on the PGA Tour was a breath of fresh air in many ways. Now comes the first major as a PGA winner; will that have an impact on his mindset? So far it has looked that way, as he was one of Europe's best at the Ryder Cup. After a third-place finish two years ago, he may just get that first major Sunday.

Odds:

• 1st: +2300

• Top 5: +370

• Top 10: +168

• Top European: +830

• Top English/Irish: +435

#5 - Cameron Young

The Players champion looks primed to burst onto the major scene. Not to mention, he also has two top 10 finishes in the last three years in Augusta. He showed in the Ryder Cup last fall that his game has elevated to an elite status. Here is the thing with Cameron: he will either be within reach Sunday or not even there for the weekend; it just seems to be his trend.

Odds:

• 1st: +2200

• Top 5: +375

• Top 10: +176

• Top American: +1200

#4 - Jon Rahm

The former Masters champ is playing strong coming into the weekend. Personally, the LIV guys always give me pause because of the big difference in play, but Rahm & one more guy on this list are 100% the exceptions to the rule. It is hard to imagine Sunday without him in the mix; he knows how to finish the job in Augusta.

Odds:

• 1st: +900

• Top 5: +174

• Top 10: -120

• Top European: +360

#3 - Bryson DeChambeau

The only one of the top four to not find the green jacket yet, but you have to think his time may be coming soon. I, for one, am not a Bryson fan at all, but as a realist, I know he will find a way to get into the mix going into the weekend. If he can figure out the Augusta iron play, then this could be the one where he finally finishes with the green jacket on.

Odds:

• 1st: +1050

• Top 5: +210

• Top 10: +102

• Top American: +600

#2 - Rory McIlroy

The defending champ. With his Grand Slam now in hand, he returns to Augusta with the green jacket. While many are counting him out, that may be exactly what he wants. This could be one of the few times he can surprise the field. If Rory plays free now that the Grand Slam is complete, this could be the start of a major winning streak. The Northern Irishman put together a masterful dinner; now it’s time to put on a show on the greens.

Odds:

• 1st: +1175

• Top 5: +230

• Top 10: +110

• Top UK/Irish: +260

#1 - Scottie Scheffler

There can't be an argument for anyone else to be in the top spot. Though his game hasn't been as sharp as it was the previous year, he is still Scottie. Also, let's not forget the "baby bump," as his second son was just born. With his skill & that "father strength" now doubled, it's hard to think he isn't the favorite to put on his third green jacket.

Odds:

• 1st: +510

• Top 5: +110

• Top 10: -186

• Top American: +295

Of course, we have our dark horses & long shots who can rise into the mix or even take the jacket Sunday, but going into the tournament, the top 10 are clear. From Åberg to DeChambeau to McIlroy to Højgaard, make sure to pay attention to these names, as chances are very high one of them could be getting fitted late Sunday for a little green.