SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The first major golf tournament of the season is now upon us, as the stars of the sport head up Magnolia Lane to Augusta National. Tiger Woods is notable by his absence, but the new big three of Day, Spieth and McIlroy are in town.
Adam Scott also arrives on the back of two PGA Tour wins, whilst world number five Rickie Fowler will be heavily backed based on his consistent showings in the highest profile tournaments. And don’t discount multiple Masters winners, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson.
Just a few days before the action gets underway, we caught up with Rupert Adams, who works in Media Relations for William Hill, to get his and William Hill’s take on the upcoming Masters action.
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SBC: How much are you looking forward to the first major of the year at Augusta?
RA: Very much so. After the Open (in this country anyway), the Masters is the biggest betting event of the golfing year.
SBC: Aside from the outright betting, which markets get the most attention on William Hill during the biggest golf tournaments?
RA: Round by round markets, including first round leader, are really popular on William Hill. Clients also like to take advantage of our top 10/20 finish markets, particularly given the relatively short odds and the impressive win percentages of Day, Spieth, McIlroy etc.
SBC: Have you seen a wider spread of players backed over the last few weeks, in light of the inconsistency shown by Spieth and McIlroy?
RA: The field is wide open this year so there is a spread of bets on all players. The big three will obviously get a lot of attention, but you could also make a case for a number of others, including the in-form Adam Scott, Rickie Fowler, big hitting Dustin Johnson and two-time champion Bubba Watson. Although, we have to say Lee Westwood is now friendless!
SBC: Who do you want to win the tournament; would William Hill normally prefer a shorter or longer odds winner?
RA: I personally would like Patrick Reed to win the event. William Hill just want the player with the least bets!
SBC: What is your favourite Masters memory from Augusta National?
RA: Tiger Woods chipping in on the 16th hole and Olazabal putting on the Green Jacket when I had £5 on him at 50/1!
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Rupert Adams, Media Relations
