Masters picks: Johnson tames Augusta to claim 2nd career major

Despite the fact the calendar year is three months old, golf season officially starts for many fans this weekend with the first major championship taking place at Augusta National.

While the Masters is arguably the most anticipated event on the annual calendar regardless of circumstances, the fact Tiger Woods appears to be in top form for his return to Augusta after a two-year absence has only heightened anticipation.

Woods has two straight top-five finishes as he heads to an event he's won four separate times, but he's not on the list of players to target for a green jacket.

Here's who is:

Favorite to watch (odds 18-1 or shorter)

Dustin Johnson

Given his form heading to Augusta last season, it seemed the green jacket would be Johnson's to lose. Unfortunately, the world's top-ranked golfer never even got the chance to compete, as a freak accident while chasing his young son forced his withdrawal from the event. With Woods, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, and Phil Mickelson stealing the headlines lately, it seems Johnson is flying under the radar heading into the Masters. That will change in a big way, as the 33-year-old will claim his second major championship this week in Georgia.

Odds to win: 11-1
Top-five odds: 12-5

Second tier (odds 18-1 or longer)

Jason Day

If you like Day this week, get the bet in now, as the Australian star has already dropped from 20-1 to 18-1 at most sportsbooks. The 30-year-old has been a very solid performer at Augusta throughout his career, posting three top-10 finishes in seven starts. Excepting 2012's withdrawal, Day has never finished worse than 28th at the Masters, so it's a safe bet he'll be in the mix. Day comes to Augusta in top form as well, with a win and a second-place showing in his last three events.

Odds to win: 18-1
Top-five odds: 7-2

Long shot (odds 50-1 or longer)

Adam Scott

Each of the last six Masters champions entered the week ranked seventh or better on the PGA Tour in strokes gained: tee to green. Well, Scott ranks seventh in that category heading to Augusta, and when you add the fact he's a former Masters champion, the Aussie is a strong pick to contend this week. At 50-1, he's definitely worth a wager for a long-shot victory.

Odds to win: 50-1
Top-five odds: 10-1

Super long shot (odds 80-1 or longer)

Tony Finau

Whenever the Tour heads to a course that puts a premium on ball-striking, Finau is a very good pick to make the betting board. The 28-year-old ranks 11th on Tour in strokes gained: tee to green and is one of the longest hitters in the field. While Finau certainly isn't among the best putters, his elite-level long game more than makes up for it around Augusta.

Odds to win: 80-1
Top-five odds: 18-1

Hit this bet, buy a car (odds 100-1 or longer)

Kevin Chappell

Once again, the strokes gained: tee to green stat comes into play when selecting Chappell to contend. The 31-year-old is eighth on Tour in that stat, and has only missed one cut in 12 events this season. Chappell has only played at Augusta twice but certainly showed he can compete with a T-7 finish last year. With 100-1 odds, Chappell is one of the best-value plays on the board.

Odds to win: 100-1
Top-five odds: 20-1

Last event's results

Jordan Spieth: T-3
Russell Henley: T-41
Thomas Pieters: T-26
Grayson Murray: T-14
Kevin Tway: T-14

Season Record (12 events)

Wins: 4 (Paul Casey 25-1, Bubba Watson 50-1, Dustin Johnson 15-2, Jon Rahm 8-1)
Top five: 8

(Odds courtesy: Bodog)
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)