Masters 2023: First-Round Leader (FRL) Bets

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Viktor Hovland, of Norway, hits from the 18th fairway during the final round of The Players Championship golf tournament, Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
(AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Ryan Hannable @RyanHannable Apr 05, 2023, 10:10 AM
  • The Masters is April 6-9.
  • First-round leader bets are a nice way to make a quick profit.

The 2023 Masters will begin Thursday, April 6, from Augusta National.

It is a par-72 with 10 par-4s, four par-3s and four par-5s. All of the par-5s are reachable in two shots, and depending on the conditions, low scores are very possible.

The course record at Augusta is 63 (9 under). Nick Price shot a 63 in the third round of the 1986 Masters, and then Greg Norman matched it in the opening round in 1996.

While Masters winners in recent memory have been some of the best players, first-round leaders have been all over the map.

Who could post the best score in Thursdayโ€™s first round? Below are my first-round leader bets for the week.

*Odds as of April 4.

Masters 2023: First-Round Leader (FRL) Bets

Rory McIlroy +1400 First-Round Leader

Thereโ€™s some pressure on McIlroy this week to complete the career Grand Slam, and historically, the first round at Augusta has given him some issues, including a 73 last year. But this year feels like it has the potential to be different, and McIlroy could make a statement on Thursday.ย 

Viktor Hovland +3300 First-Round Leader

Hovland is a trendy pick to win this week, but the best option with him may be to lead after the first round. The 25-year-old is third on the PGA Tour this year in first-round scoring average (68.56). Heโ€™s one of the best ball strikers in the game, so if he can get his putting on track, heโ€™ll be tough to beat.ย 

Justin Rose +5000 First-Round Leader

Did you know Rose has been the first-round leader at the Masters four times, including by four strokes in 2021 after an opening 65? Heโ€™s held or shared the lead after eight Masters rounds โ€” the most of any player who has yet to win the event. Rose is also playing some solid golf this season, so this makes a ton of sense.

Masters Betting Odds

BetMGM is the premier destination for Masters betting odds throughout the year.

As the best golfers in the world compete for the green jacket at Augusta National, the online sportsbook has updated odds to win The Masters, including tournament winners odds, player props, and live betting. Betting on The Masters is the best way to add more excitement to the most prestigious tournament in the world.

Sign in to your account today โ€” or, if you don’t have an account, sign up today with a sportsbook welcome offer โ€” to start betting. And always check your new account for updated sportsbook promos and bonuses.

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About the Author

Ryan Hannable

Read More @RyanHannable

Ryan Hannable is a Content Managing Editor on the Web Content Team for BetMGM. Previously, he was a New England Patriots beat writer for WEEI in Boston. He also has published a golf book, โ€œThe Ultimate Book of Golf Trivia: 600 Questions and Answers.โ€

Ryan Hannable is a Content Managing Editor on the Web Content Team for BetMGM. Previously, he was a New England Patriots beat writer for WEEI in Boston. He also has published a golf book, โ€œThe Ultimate Book of Golf Trivia: 600 Questions and Answers.โ€