Monday Finish: Thomas back to old tricks in Maui

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Tradition and progress comingled on Augusta National’s first tee Thursday. The first shots struck at each Masters represent an opportunity to look back before the quest for the Green Jacket becomes the focus. This year, that ceremony included Lee Elder, the first Black man to compete in the Masters. He joined Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, who combined to win nine Masters, in hitting the honorary opening tee shots. As the nation reckons with issues of race, Elder’s inclusion celebrated his groundbreaking appearance at this tournament in 1975. Elder’s name was listed atop the board on the first tee that announces the starters, He was the first to arrive, raising his left arm triumphantly in the air as he received a standing ovation. Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson, wearing their Green Jackets, stood at the back of the tee, along with Cameron Champ. Champ’s grandfather, Mack, picked up golf as a caddie in segregated Texas and is the one who introduced Cameron to the game. Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley introduced Elder by celebrating his groundbreaking appearance at Augusta National. “Lee Elder is the first Black man to compete in the Masters and in doing so, blazed a trail that will inspire the game of golf and future generations of players,” Ridley said. “Today, Lee Elder will inspire us and make history once more. Not with a drive, but with his presence, strength and character. Lee, it is my privilege to say, ‘You have the honors.’” Black PGA professionals and representatives from Paine College, a historically Black college and university in Augusta, sat along the ropes lining the first tee. The announcement that Elder would participate in Thursday’s ceremony was accompanied by the news that Augusta National would endow a Lee Elder Scholarship for one man and one woman on Paine College’s golf teams (Augusta National also paid to start a women’s golf team at Paine). Many of Elder’s friends and family were there Thursday, as well, wearing green hats celebrating Elder’s first Masters appearance. The words “Stay the Course” were written on the side, a tribute to Elder’s pioneering journey from the all-Black United Golfers Association tour to Augusta National. The standing ovation Elder received Thursday reminded him of his first Masters, when he received a warm reception at the greens and tees. “It was one of the most emotional experiences I have ever been involved in,” Elder said about Thursday’s tee shot. “It was something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

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The PGA TOUR is back to its stroke-play format this week with the Mexico Open at Vidanta, which will be played at Vidanta Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. While the format is back to normal, it’s another unusual week for golf betting. Since this is an inaugural event, there’s no course history to go off of when selecting players. Three of the top-25 players in the world rankings will be teeing it up: Jon Rahm (No. 2), Abraham Ancer (No. 20) and Tony Finau (No. 25). In addition, the field includes 14 of the top 100 players. This is impacting the golf odds to win, as Rahm is a massive favorite. As of Tuesday, he’s +450 to win after opening at +500. And despite such high odds, Rahm is still a huge betting favorite this week at the BetMGM online sportsbook. The 27-year-old has the highest handle at 22.1%, which is well ahead of Gary Woodland, who has the second-highest handle at 8.1%. With no course history to turn to, the best betting strategy this week appears to be just going with the best player in the field. In 10 PGA TOUR events this season, Rahm has seven top-25 finishes to go along with four top 10s, but for his standards, it’s been a pretty underwhelming year. He lost his No. 1 world ranking to Scottie Scheffler, and aside from a T9 finish at the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play, his best finish since January is a T10 back in February at the WM Phoenix Open. This could be what Rahm needs to get back in the winner’s circle for the first time since last year’s U.S. Open. Current Handle & Tickets Handle Jon Rahm – 22.1% Gary Woodland – 8.1% Abraham Ancer – 7.1% Tony Finau – 5.6% Kevin Na – 4.3% Tickets Gary Woodland – 6.2% Abraham Ancer – 6.1% Jon Rahm – 5.7% Tony Finau – 4.8% Kevin Na and Cameron Champ – 4.7% Ancer has seen his odds change quite a bit this week. After opening at +2000, he’s now +1600. With that being said, he may face some extra pressure playing in front of a ton of fans in his home country. In terms of value plays, Aaron Wise (+2200) and Sebastian Munoz (+3300) could be worth considering. Wise has 2.8% of the tickets and 4% of the handle, while Munoz has 4.1% of the tickets and 3.7% of the handle. * Visit BetMGM.com for terms and conditions. 21+ years of age or older to wager. BetMGM is available in AZ, CO, DC, IA, IN, IL, LA, MI, MS, NJ, NV, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Paid in free bets. Free bets expire in 7 days from issuance. Minimum deposit required. Excludes Michigan Disassociated Persons. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO, DC, LA, NV, WY, VA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-GAMBLER (IN, NJ, PA & WV), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA) or call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), call or text the Tennessee REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN) or call 1-888-777-9696 (MS). Sports betting is void where prohibited. Promotional offers not available in Nevada.

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