Scottie Scheffler is the No. 1-ranked golfer on the planet and the odds-on favorite to win the Masters this week at Augusta National.
So it's no surprise that he has the highest number of bets and handle at several sportsbooks.
There is, however, a major buyer beware for bettors. Scheffler’s wife is very close to going into labor with the couple’s first child. Meredith Scheffler is due later this month, but if the baby comes calling early, Scottie will withdraw from the tournament and leave Augusta, Georgia, according to a Golf Channel report.
“It’s going to be pretty wild. I don’t think it’s hit either of us quite yet but it’s an exciting time for us as a family,” Scheffler told Golf Digest earlier this year. "It’s been a pretty exciting last seven months or so and we’re looking forward to hopefully getting the baby out of there nice and healthy and with a healthy momma, and then we’ll go from there."
So what does that mean for sports bettors?
“If Scottie tees off on the first hole of the Masters, it's action,” Caesars Sportsbook Golf Lead Anthony Salleroli told Covers. “Certain other markets would be refunded.”
Voided if no-go
FanDuel and DraftKings confirmed with Covers that house rules say tickets from Scheffler markets would become losers if he begins the tournament and withdraws. If he doesn’t make his 10:48 a.m. ET tee time, all bets will be voided.
Scheffler isn’t the only golfer in this predicament. Sam Burns, who has Masters odds of +6,500 at DraftKings, is also planning to leave Augusta National if his wife goes into labor.
Pre-tournament pick
At +400 to win his second Green Jacket, BetMGM told Covers on Wednesday afternoon that Scheffler is receiving 14.5% of the tickets and 19.2% of the handle.
He’s also getting 20.6% of the handle to lead after the first round, and he’s the most-bet golfer to finish in the top five.
At FanDuel, Scheffler has the greatest handle and the third-highest share of wagers behind Brooks Koepka and Tiger Woods, who is a bigger liability at several sportsbooks than even Scheffler.
Scheffler or Koepka to win the Masters at +360 is one of the most popular FanDuel specials.
