2023 Masters Tournament: Are any of the LIV Golf players worth betting?

April 5, 2023 12:28 PM

Are the LIV Golf players worth betting at the Masters?

This year's Masters Tournament has a ton of drama surrounding it, as the tension between the PGA TOUR and LIV Golf players appears to be at an all-time high. That should make for some interesting television throughout the week, but is there anything you should know about the LIV Golf players heading into the tournament? After all, some of these guys were high-level players before leaving, so there could be some betting opportunities for you here. Keep reading for a short betting breakdown on how some of the bigger names in LIV Golf will perform at Augusta.

MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have for the Masters!

Dustin Johnson (22-1)

Johnson’s name carries a lot of weight at this time of the year, with the golfer being a two-time major champion and having earned a win at the Masters back in 2020. But Johnson’s best golf was seemingly behind him when he decided to head over to LIV Golf, and he’s not even a top-10 player in the LIV standings this year.

It’s not completely out of the question that he’ll make something of a run at this event, as he is extremely long off the tee and that goes a long way at Augusta. But is the short game there? That was a problem for him even during his prime, and it’s not like the LIV Golf players have much of a reason to work on their flaws. They’re all getting paid insane amounts of money no matter how they perform.

Cameron Smith (35-1)

Smith was probably the most surprising player to make the jump over to LIV Golf. The Australian earned a massive payday in doing so, but he was one of the best golfers on the PGA TOUR. And considering he’s smack in the middle of his prime, he easily could have made a fortune by sticking around — although the travel schedule isn’t for everyone, and Smith wanted to spend some more time with his family Down Under.

It is, however, wild to see this big of a number next to Smith’s name. The Australian has been very vocal about how important this tournament is to him, as he wants to prove he can still compete with the best. And truth be told, he would likely be listed amongst the group of favorites if he were still showing the world what he can do on a weekly basis.

There’s a lot of value to be had on Smith here, especially considering he was very close to being the top golfer in the OWGR last year. He’s one of the few LIV Golf players that’s worth a sprinkle this weekend.

Brooks Koepka (40-1)

Koepka is a really interesting player to watch heading into the Masters. People used to get on him for a perceived lack of drive, but anybody that watched the Netflix show Full Swing got a glimpse at a player that appears to be obsessed with competition. And after a rough final season or two on the PGA TOUR, Koepka has turned into one of the best players in LIV Golf. He has two victories to his name already this season, and he is currently ranked fifth in their standings. When Koepka is hot, nobody in the game is better. So, he’s worthy of a small play, even if it’s a little hard to stomach considering he was listed as high as 100-1 earlier in the year.

Joaquin Niemann (55-1)

There’s a little value to be had on Niemann, who was one of the best players to head over to LIV Golf. He’s not as big of a name as some of the other guys that left the PGA TOUR, but he’s a very consistent player. He has a very high floor whenever he steps out on the golf course, and he should be able to play some good golf this weekend. Niemann does, however, seem like a guy that lacks the upside to truly break through and win a major. But maybe you can win some money on him by backing him at +170 to finish Top 20.

Patrick Reed (80-1)

If it wasn’t for Reed having won the Masters Tournament in 2018, there’d really be no reason to put him on this list. It’s been quite some time since he was last a factor in a major, and it’s hard to imagine him doing much damage at Augusta this week. Reed did play well at the Dubai Desert Classic in late January, but he’s not even a top-10 player in the LIV Golf standings. Considering those are watered down fields, you’re best off avoiding him.

Mito Pereira (80-1)

Pereria is known for choking away the PGA Championship in May of 2022, but that performance still got him an invite to this year’s Masters. And Pereira has put together a very impressive season this year, so it’s hard to question his form coming into this one. Pereira should give himself a lot of chances to make putts this week, but he’s not the most reliable putter in the world. That could ultimately end up doing him in.

Bryson DeChambeau (110-1)

DeChambeau seems to have completely lost his game since signing with LIV Golf. The big hitter has mentioned that he made a mistake in bulking up so fast and relying on his brute strength, but that period felt like it was the most successful run in his career. Now, he has a ways to go before he is competing in big tournaments again.

Phil Mickelson (350-1)

Mickelson is one of the most polarizing players on the tour. Some people absolutely love him, while some despise him. He should be a fun player to track at Augusta this week, but we’re not expecting anything out of him here. He has been miserable since heading to LIV Golf, and it would take a miracle for him to replicate the success that earned him a win at the PGA Championship in 2021.