The 2018 Masters is almost upon us, and although this year’s field may be the smallest one ever, experts are working hard on making their predictions for the big tournament! Last year’s SportsLine model correctly predicted the winner of three of the four major tournaments last year. Some of the biggest news is that after years of struggling with a bad back, four-time Masters winner Tiger Woods at first was predicted to win his fifth green jacket, with 12-1 odds. However, the odds are constantly changing.

Golf writer Kyle Porter expects Rickie Fowler, who currently has 18-1 odds, to be the victor.  His other top five picks are Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, and Paul Casey. His top ten lock is Justin Rose, and his “sleeper” pick is Patrick Cantlay, who has 80-1 odds.

Writer Chip Patterson believes that Phil Mickelson, who has 16-1 odds, will win his fourth green jacket. His other top five picks are Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth, and Paul Casey. His top ten lock is Jordan Spieth, and his “sleeper” pick is Matt Kuchar, who has 50-1 odds.

Adam Silverstein, a CBS assistant managing editor, picks Justin Thomas, who has 10-1 odds. His other top five picks are Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, and Matt Kuchar. His top ten lock is Rory McIlroy, and his “sleeper” pick is Matt Kuchar.

As the golfers head to the weekend, we will have to watch the excitement unfold in what Jim Nantz, CBS sports commentator, believes will be one of the greatest Masters Tournaments yet!

~Connor Zody