Chasing the Green Jacket: Picks, Viewing Guide & Augusta Insider Info

The 2025 Masters is finally here, and you can feel the buzz all the way from Georgia to the Cascade foothills. Augusta National is renowned for its undulating fairways, lightning-fast greens, and strategic design that challenges even the best. Success here demands precision iron play, a deft short game, and the mental fortitude to navigate the storied Amen Corner. Whether you’re betting a few bucks with your buddies or just want to sound smart at the clubhouse, we’ve got your picks and Masters essentials covered.

Let’s break down our best bets for the week, then dive into some interesting facts about Augusta, this year’s field, and how to watch from the PNW.

Betting Picks for the Masters 2025

1. To Win It All: Rory McIlroy (+650)

It’s finally lining up for Rory. He’s playing the best golf we’ve seen from him in years—already picking up wins at Pebble Beach and THE PLAYERS this season. But it’s not just about form—Augusta suits Rory’s game when he’s firing on all cylinders. Seven top-10s here, including a runner-up in 2022, show he knows this course. Butch Harmon even said “everything in the universe is lined up” for Rory to complete his career Grand Slam this week. Feels like destiny.

2. Top 10 Lock: Collin Morikawa (+125)

If Augusta rewards elite iron play (and it absolutely does), then Collin Morikawa has to be on your card. He’s leading the Tour in strokes gained: approach and birdie average. Plus, three straight top-10s here? That’s consistency you can count on.

3. Dark Horse: Robert MacIntyre (+5500)

Here’s one for the sharps. MacIntyre isn’t a household name yet, but he’s quietly building a solid Augusta record. A lefty (which seems to be an advantage here), he’s got a T12 and T23 under his belt, and he's been trending well with four top-11 finishes in his last five worldwide starts. If you’re looking for a value play, this one’s got bite.

Masters 2025 Viewing Guide & Augusta Facts

Now that your bets are in, here’s what else you should know before settling in with a cold Rainier and four straight days of golf bliss.

Tournament Schedule (Pacific Time)

• Thursday & Friday: ESPN, 12 pm – 4:30 pm

• Saturday & Sunday: CBS, 11 am – 4 pm

• Early Coverage (Sat/Sun): Paramount+, 9 am – 11 am

Bonus: You can stream featured groups, Amen Corner, and every single shot from every single player (!) on the Masters app and Masters.com. Seriously, it’s one of the best digital experiences in sports.

Did You Know...?

• Amen Corner might be Augusta’s most iconic stretch, but statistically, the par-5 13th plays as the easiest hole most years.

• Prize money this year? A record $20 million purse, with $3.6 million to the winner.

• Tiger Woods is sitting this one out due to injury... but former champ Angel Cabrera makes a return after a long absence.

• The Wednesday Par 3 Contest is always worth a watch. There’s been 112 aces in its history—including nine in a single year (2016). Catch the action on ESPN from 9 am - 1 pm April 9th.

• Hungry? NYC's famous Rao’s is popping up in Augusta this week, hosting a "Country Club" experience for celebs and lucky insiders.

Hole 13: Azalea - Par 5, 545 yards

Final Thoughts from the Northwest

From the fairways of Chambers Bay to your local muni in Bend or Bellingham, Masters week just feels different. It’s the unofficial start of the golf season up here in the PNW—and a good excuse to fire up the group chat, crack a local IPA, and dream about slipping into your own green jacket one day.

Let us know your picks, your rituals, and how you're watching. And if you hit that MacIntyre to win bet, first round's on you.

Hole 12: Golden Bell - Par 3, 155 yards