The US Masters is one of the highlights of the golf calendar and the 2020 tournament could be the best yet. One of the four majors in golf, the US Masters is arguably the most eagerly anticipated event in the sport – mainly due to the winter break.
It is also one of golf’s best events in terms of competitive play. Since 1998, 21 of the 22 US Masters tournaments have been settled by three strokes or less, with Jordan Spieth’s wire-to-wire victory in 2015 being the sole exception to the rule.
According to reports, the 2019 US Masters prize fund was $11.5 million – which ranks just behind the US Open for total prize money. Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the US Masters 2020 and what to expect from golf’s first major event of the year.
When Is The 2020 US Masters?
The 2020 tournament will get underway on Thursday 9th April, with the Green Jacket being awarded on Sunday 12th April following the close of play. Golf legend Tiger Woods claimed his fifth Masters title in 2019 and he will attempt to retain his crown next year.
Should the 2020 US Masters finish in a tie, there will be a playoff to decide the winner. With three Masters playoffs in the last eight years, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see another close competition at Augusta National in 2020.
US Masters 2020: Where Is It?
Augusta National has hosted the US Masters since 1934 and it is one of the most iconic golf courses on the planet. Unlike the US Open and Open Championship, the US Masters is always hosted at Augusta rather than including a number of golf courses in a rotation.
Show any golf fan an image of the Augusta course and they’ll be able to name it – it is very unique indeed. With the likes of Amens Corner, Ike’s Pond and Rae’s Creek, Augusta has its own identity and fans immediately associate the course with the US Masters tournament.
Becoming A Member At Augusta National
Augusta National are very particular with membership, only allowing around 300 members at any given time.
Membership comes at a cost for the lucky few, with an estimated cost of $20,000 for the “green jackets” – a term used to describe Augusta National members.
What Is The Masters Green Jacket?
In addition to the cash prize for winning the US Masters, players are presented with a green jacket in the clubhouse after play. This has been formally awarded since 1949, with golfing superstar Sam Snead claiming the first ever ‘official’ green jacket at Augusta.
There are a few traditions regarding the infamous green jacket. First of all, it can only be removed from Augusta National by the reigning champion. There have been one or two exceptions to the rule over the years but most players have stuck to Augusta’s principles.
Secondly, the winner of the previous tournament puts the green jacket on the new champion. So if Rory McIlroy wins the 2020 US Masters, Tiger Woods will place the green jacket on him.
US Masters 2020: Betting
As per usual, the golf betting odds on the 2020 US Masters are wide open. It takes a special talent to win at Augusta and the usual contenders feature at the head of the market. The latest US Masters 2020 odds are as follows:
- Brooks Koepka - 8/1
- Tiger Woods - 9/1
- Dustin Johnson - 10/1
- Rory McIlroy - 10/1
- Jon Rahm - 14/1
- Jordan Spieth - 16/1
- Justin Rose - 18/1
- Bar - 20/1
US Masters 2020 With 888sport
Keep an eye on the 888sport blog for the latest golf news, tips and online betting odds ahead of the 2020 US Masters. The countdown to one of the biggest events on the golf calendar is well and truly on.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Matt Slocum / AP Photo*
