AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 11: Danny Willett of England, the 2016 Masters champion, poses with his green jacket at his rented house on April 11, 2016 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
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Unlike other majors, the Masters doesn’t lend itself to the underdog story very often. The big players show up on the big stage and dominate the winner’s circle at Augusta. Once a decade, a longshot finds his way into the green jacket.
A few notables are Danny Willett in 2016, Trevor Immelman in 2008 and Larry Mize in 1987. It was Mize who famously chipped in to beat Greg Norman in a playoff.
These guys are or were legit pros but not as well-known to the casual fan. Most every player in the Masters field would be a deserving champion due to the fact that the list of contestants is so exclusive. You must be somebody to compete.
Comparatively speaking, this Masters looks to be full of players who could pull off the upset. I’ve got a shortlist of the most likely—and profitable—candidates to surprise the golf world. Odds from Caesars Sportsbook as of April 8.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 07: Akshay Bhatia hits a tee shot on the seventh hole during the first round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship 2025 at TPC Southwind on August 07, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Far from an unknown, Bhatia is an intriguing player to watch this week. He’s a lights-out putter who is sneaky long off the tee. If he keeps the driver in play this week, you’ll see a lot of him over the weekend. His inexperience at Augusta may keep him from winning, but that doesn’t scare me off. He’s a good value bet to top 10 (+750) also.
NORTH BERWICK, SCOTLAND - JULY 08: Robert McIntyre of Scotland during a practice round ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, on July 08, 2025, in North Berwick, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images)
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This guy is a pitbull. He isn’t flashy and doesn’t do everything particularly great. He’s steady as they come and doesn’t shrink in the moment. No surprise if you see him on the first page of the leaderboard at any point this week. When he is, you’ll get tired of the announce team calling him Bobby Mac pretty quickly.
The top 10 play at +235 is a little low. Keep an eye on that number as the week progresses. He will play his way into that position late.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 29: Gary Woodland of the United States reacts on the 18th green after winning the Texas Children's Houston Open 2026 at Memorial Park Golf Course on March 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
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If you’ve been paying attention, you know his story. The former U.S. Open champion is back after a serious health scare and opening up about PTSD. He won recently, so his comeback is to this point a successful one.
Long off the tee, solid short game and proving that his heart and mental state are on form. One of my sentimental choices this week. I see him either threatening the top 10 (or better) or missing the cut. His game is sharp; are his emotions and mental health? I hope so. Let’s go, Gary.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Fred Couples of the United States celebrates a birdie putt with his caddie Mark Chaney on the first green during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
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A couple of reasons he’s on this list. This may be the last time we see Freddie tee it up at Augusta. He’s also not the longest shot to win. I’ve been betting on him at this tournament for many years.
He won’t win, let’s be real. He’s in his mid-60s, can’t hit it long anymore and his putting is, well, a weakness. But $20 is a sentimental, nostalgic nod to one of the best performers at Augusta ever. True, he’s only won once, but he made cuts and contended often. He and Arnold Palmer are my two golf heroes.
Here’s to hoping Couples makes the cut, turns back time and authors the greatest sports story ever told.
Xander Schauffele to record the low round of the tournament (+2800).
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