The first of the biggest four weeks on the golfing calendar is nearly upon us.
History tells us that previous form in one of the sport's majors including the US Masters is the biggest indicator of future success - among the last 15 major winners, only two had not posted a previous top five in one of the big four.
One of those was Morikawa who was competing in only his second major when winning the 2020 PGA, while the other sneaks on to the end of the most backed list of golfers for the Masters 2024 through oddschecker since the turn of the year.
Who is the favourite to win the Masters 2024?
The world number one Scottie Scheffler is the big favourite with the bookmakers to collect his second green jacket at Augusta next week.
Scottie Scheffler Masters Odds
Scheffler is a best price 4/1 to win the Masters with most bookmakers including bet365, Sky Bet and William Hill, giving him an implied 20% chance of winning the tournament.
The world number one, who was denied a third consecutive PGA Tour win at the Texas Children's Houston Open last weekend by a single stroke, has taken more than 11% of the total bets on the Masters through oddschecker since the start of the year.
Rory McIlroy Masters Odds
Grand Slam-seeking Rory McIlroy is given an 8% chance of winning the 2024 Masters at a best price of 11/1 on Betfred.
The Northern Irishman has suffered his fair share of heartache at Augusta, most famously blowing up on the 10th hole in the final round back in 2011.
However, he has recorded an impressive seven top 10 finishes since 2014, including his best result at the tournament two years ago (2nd) when he tore through the field with a final day 64.
McIlroy missed the cut 12 months ago after carding rounds of 72 and 77.
John Rahm Masters Odds
Jon Rahm is a 12/1 chance to defend the title he won so impressively 12 months ago and put an end to a trend of under-performance by returning winners.
As observed by oddschecker golf expert Niall Lyons, past winners of this event down the last decade have struggled to make an impact thereafter.
History isn't on the side of the Spanish LIV Golf convert, who will have more media obligations and the Champions dinner to deal with. Only two of the last 10 winners have managed a top 10 the year after.
If you take out Jordan Spieth who has a great record here, the last 10 winners have only managed two top fives between them after their win in 43 tries.
Masters 2024 Odds
Scottie Scheffler - 4/1
Rory McIlroy - 11/1
Jon Rahm - 12/1
Brooks Koepka - 20/1
Jordan Spieth - 20/1
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