The Masters 2023: Preview, betting tips & how to watch

The first major of the year gets underway on Thursday at Augusta National, and it’s already shaping up to be a memorable one.

The Masters is, of course, always the biggest story in the early part of the golf calendar, but this year, there’s loads to get our teeth into.

Can Rory McIlroy finally conquer Augusta National and complete the career grand slam? Could the seemingly unflappable Scottie Scheffler become only the fourth man to defend the Green Jacket? Will a LIV golfer be victorious come Sunday night? Or, perhaps most shockingly if it were to happen, could Tiger Woods add a 16th major championship to his career?

This will be the 87th playing of the Masters, and will be the first where the new-look 13th hole is in play. The par-5, which is often pivotal to the eventual outcome of the tournament, has been lengthened by 35 yards, and will pose a different test to those pursuing a Green Jacket.

The tournament is once again going to feature a field much smaller than any other major championship. This year, we’re likely to see less than 90 golfers competing, with some of those, think amateurs and veteran past champions, unlikely to be lifting the Masters trophy come the end of the week.

That means only a small number will miss Friday’s cut, which will allow the top-50 and ties to tee it up again over the weekend. Two men who will be desperate to make that top-50 are Larry Mize and Sandy Lyle, both of whom are set to play in their final Masters this year.

There’s also the small matter of Chairman Fred Ridley’s pre-tournament press conference, which is something of a State of the Nation for the golf world. There’s bound to be one or two interesting topics covered there.

Here’s a look at all the details you need for the week.

The Masters preview details

Course: Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia

Course details: 7,510 yards, par 72

Defending champion: Scottie Scheffler

Purse: $15,000,000 (2022, this year’s purse will be announced during tournament week)

Winner’s Share: $2,700,000 (2022)

The Masters preview betting tips

Here’s who the bookies fancy for the first major of the year…

Scottie Scheffler 8/1

Rory McIlroy 8/1

Jon Rahm 17/2

Jordan Spieth 18/1

Xander Schauffele 22/1

Collin Morikawa 22/1

Justin Thomas 22/1

Cameron Smith 22/1

Patrick Cantlay 22/1

Jason Day 25/1

The bunkered Bet 

Rory McIlroy

Virtually all 90-odd names have been mentioned in the bunkered office ahead of the tournament, but one stands out. The MC at the PLAYERS seems to be an aberration, with a new putter and driver shaft helping him to a third place at the Match Play. The course, in theory, suits his high draw down to the ground, and he shot a 64 here last year. Could this be the year?

How to watch

This is unlike any other week, with wall-to-wall coverage across Sky Sports from Monday to Sunday. You can get the full listings here, but main coverage will begin at 7.30pm from Thursday to Saturday, with the final day’s main broadcast from 6.30pm. We can’t wait.