World Golf Championships Odds
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Masters vs. US Open
2021-06-18
Although many would argue that the Masters and U.S. Open are the two greatest golf events in the world and have tremendous history, which is about where the similarities end.
The Masters has always been marked by an elitist, private attitude. The idea that The Masters is able to do whatever it wants stems from Augusta National’s origins as an exclusive private club for wealthy businessmen. Perhaps the most prominent example of this is the all-male membership, something that has become increasingly controversial over the years and threatened to overshadow the 2003 tournament amidst protests. The club’s exclusivity extends to the tournament itself, which has the most demanding qualification requirements of any tournament in the world. While most tournaments have 144 players in the field, The Masters is always under 100, with no open qualifying.
This is in stark contrast to the U.S. Open, which truly lives up to its title of “open”. Anyone can attempt to qualify provided they have a handicap index of 1.4 or less. This has repeatedly led to unknowns making their mark in America’s tournament, at least temporarily. Since the USGA leaves a lot of slots open to these qualifiers, a high premium is placed on them; the requirements for automatically qualifying are similar to those of the Masters. Thus, many highly accomplished touring pros must go through the same process as everyone else. Numerous winners, including Lucas Glover last year, have had to go this route.
The public/private dichotomy extends to the courses as well. Part of The Masters mystique is that it is played on the same course every year and every golf fan gains a more intimate knowledge of it with each passing year. Nevertheless, it is a private enclave and the vast majority of people will never get to play it for themselves, if they even get to attend the tournament at all. The Masters is considered by many to be “the toughest ticket in sports,” and Augusta National has tight rein over who receives tickets. On the other hand, the U.S. Open venue changes by the year and is determined by the USGA, which has made a concerted effort in recent years to bring the event to public courses to make it more relatable. The 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage Black was a watershed event in this regard as it was the first time America’s championship was held on a truly municipal golf course, as opposed to a private or resort course. The Open’s presence at Torrey Pines in 2008 and return to Bethpage Black in 2009 reaffirmed this promise, which has proven to be very popular. The USGA also provides many more tickets than Augusta National and the prices are much more affordable, much to the joy of golf fans and golf betting alike.
There are many differences in the way the tournaments are played as well. Augusta National is a long course with very little rough so the long-hitters are considered to be at a distinct advantage. It’s a classic risk-reward golf course that is set up for making birdies but also potential disasters as well. Although par is considered a good score in The Masters, the winner needs to make birdies and usually winds up being double digits under par. Although the US Open changes venues, the USGA has a pretty consistent setup each year. U.S. Open courses are marked by long rough and very fast greens. Like The Masters, it requires stellar putting to win. However, accuracy off the tee is an absolute premium as there is very little margin for error. Since players are bound to make mistakes, par is generally a very good score. It is not uncommon for the winning score to be around even par. Since the Open can be such a grind, it requires players who have superb mental capabilities and can recover from making a mistake which golf betting loves.
One aspect that makes the Masters superior is the universal symbolism of the Green Jacket. It is the most hallowed award in sports and just another part of the rich Augusta National lore. The U.S. Open winner receives a trophy that hasn’t attained such prestige. There is no real name for it and in an odd tradition; the winner has to get it engraved themselves. Nevertheless, this doesn’t put a damper on America’s championship. Whoever holds the trophy aloft this year will know they have just completed the most exacting test in golf.
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U.S. Open Contenders
2021-05-24
As the U.S. Open draws NFL Lines near, just about a month away now, many golf fans are wondering who will rein victorious at the end of the grueling four-day tournament. In the past few years, Tiger Woods has maintained a lock on the “favorite” position, but these days, nothing is certain. There are, however, a handful of players who could very easily take home the coveted title in this year’s U.S. Open. And for many of them, an Open win is long overdue and deserved, and PGA golf bettors are keeping their eyes on the entire top of the field.
At the top of the list of favorites sits Phil Mickelson. This southpaw has the best short game in golf. His abilities were put on full display at this year’s Masters, which he walked away from with a commanding victory. He made every putt that mattered and this was the difference between walking away the victor and just walking away with another bloated paycheck. However, Mickelson has yet to win U.S. Open and will ride into Pebble Beach this year on a wave of confidence. In 2000, Tiger Woods won the U.S. Open with a record 15-stroke margin of victory which has made him the default favorite ever since – especially considering the Open was played at Pebble Beach that year, as it will be this year; however, Mickelson has shown that Pebble Beach won’t get the better of him with three victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach National ProAm, so he is definitely the guy to watch this year.
Though Tiger seems to have lost a certain something since focus moved from his golf game to his personal life, he should never be counted out. With a record victory at the Open hosted by Pebble Beach in 2000, Woods has already proven that he can come out on top and in a big way. But as he puts the pieces of his personal life back together, it’s hard to know if he’ll come into the Open with that single-minded focus and determination he is known for. He isn’t the same player he used to be, both for better and worse, but his competitive hunger still seems to be in tact. So, for now, Tiger remains a wild card – which is quite the change from years past where he was the assumed victor. The moment we count him down and out, however, is the moment he will come stampeding back and prove us all wrong. All eyes will definitely be on him to see how he approaches this tournament, and PGA Golf bettors are also watching him closely.
After Mickelson and Tiger, there are a handful of other guys who warrant careful watching at this year’s Open. Lee Westwood has proven to be a solid player who continuously finishes in the top three, but he seems to lack the short game to put him over the top. Perhaps he has reached his climax, or perhaps he is just waiting for his big break. And perhaps that break will come at this year’s Open. Steve Stricker is another one to watch. One of golf’s veterans and most beloved players, Stricker is still waiting to see a top tournament finish. Stricker has spent the last year plus in the top three of the World Rankings despite having won a major tournament. This is due to an extremely accurate long game and one of the purest putting strokes in golf. However, he seems to lack the toughness to grind through a tournament and close it out. At 43-years old, time is not on Stricker’s side. Perhaps that proverbial egg timer in his head will give him the determination needed to come out on top this year.
Past favorites, such as Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Jim Furyk, are not hot topics of conversation this year, though they are solid players with years and years of experience. Unfortunately for these guys, the years of wear and tear seem to have frayed their nerves and unsteadied their hands. Putting strokes have become shaky and this is a death sentence when you’re up against talent like Mickelson, Woods, Westwood and so on. Ian Poulter, however, is a relatively new name, but has caused quite a bit of buzz lately, so also look to him for an exciting four rounds of golf.
As they say, it ain’t over ‘til it’s over, and that’s very true when it comes to a tournament like the U.S. Open. With a premium put on driving, pinched fairways and hilly greens, it’s a matter of whose clubs are working with them at the right time. And who has the drive, focus and determination to grit their teeth and finish on top. These are just a few guys, from a field of 156, who have a strong chance to emerge victorious this year. But like in 2008, there are always a few surprises thrown in there. Chances are, Rocco Mediate’s name wasn’t being thrown around two years ago and he gave Tiger a run for his money. So, take this for what it is, an estimated guess based on past years’ and tournaments’ turnouts. But to really know what will happen, you have to watch. You are assured an exciting and thrilling four days of golf. Are you ready to bet on the US Open this year? Head over to www.here the king of Golf Betting.
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