These aren’t the typical clubhouse loudmouths spouting off about having Trevor Immelman at 150-1 to win the 2008 Masters. These are sophisticated bettors, who often can be spotted scooping up value in other niche sports and on unique props.
“They’re specialists,” said Jeff Sherman, assistant manager at the LVH SuperBook and a golf odds specialist in his own right. “And there’s only about a handful of them.”
When it comes to golf, Sherman says, there are two completely different markets. The futures market on the odds to win the Masters is comprised of casual fans and public bettors, dropping $20 on their needle-in-the-haystack. The matchups are a different ballgame.
“When it comes to the matchups, it’s ultra-sophisticated,” Sherman said. “We don’t get much play from the public (on the matchups) at all. It’s mostly just sharps. There really is a huge contrast between the two markets.”
Sherman hung 62 individual matchups Monday night for this week’s tournament. On week-to-week PGA Tour tournaments, the LVH will take up to $1,000 bets on individual matchups. They bump their limits to $2,000 for the majors. The sharps pounced and fired the first limit bets Sherman took on three players (these prices have been adjusted since the wagers were placed):
-- Dustin Johnson (pick ‘em) over Bubba Watson
-- Henrik Stenson (pick ‘em) over Justin Rose
-- Charles Schwartzel (-120) vs. Lee Westwood
Despite the tougher competition, Sherman says, the LVH usually comes out as a small winner, but “nothing to write home about” on the week-to-week and major individual matchups.
“Odds to win is where we do well with golf,” he added
Who’s taking the futures action?
As of Tuesday morning, Jason Day (12-1) and Matt Kuchar (12-1) were tied in terms of futures ticket count at the LVH, followed by Jordan Spieth (30-1). The top three in terms of money wagered were Kuchar, Day and Phil Mickelson (12-1).
To read more Masters betting news and notes, head over to The Linemakers on Sporting News.
