The 2024 Masters Tournament: Predictions, odds and how to watch the Augusta Classic

In less than a month, the PGA Tour presents the 88th edition of the Masters Tournament, held at Augusta National. With huge names set to participate such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and of course last year's winner Jon Rahm, this year's tournament is sure to dazzle spectators.

Rahm has the honor of attempting to become the tournament's first back-to-back champion since Tiger Woods in 2001 and 2002. That will be no easy task. The world's No. 1 golfer, 2022 Masters winner, and current 2024 Masters favorite, Scottie Scheffler is hot on Rahm's heels and wants nothing more than to return to the sweet embrace of that coveted green jacket.

As we approach the tournament's first round, here's everything to know about this year's Masters Tournament.

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Predictions for the 2024 Masters:

CBS Sports: Rory McIlroy barely cracks top-five

The CBS Sports staff writes, "McIlroy has made the cut in his first four starts this season, but has not finished in the top 10 in any of them. In fact, he has finished 61st, 24th and 21st twice as he gets closer to the 2024 Masters Tournament. While he is still ranked first in the Tour in shots gained off the green (1.251), he's 152nd in shots gained approaching the green (-0.522) and 129th in putting (-0.246). His odds to win at Augusta National may be short, but his current struggles suggest you look elsewhere when betting on the 2024 Masters."

Golf Digest: Jason Day is a value pick to win the Masters

Alex Myers writes, "After a resurgent 2023 that saw the Aussie win on the PGA Tour for the first time in five years, [Day]'s back to being under the radar. But with four top-10s at the Masters, including a runner-up in 2011, this is an enticing price."

Covers: Rory is looking for vengeance

Chris Gregory writes, "No matter which way you slice it, Rory McIlroy's week at the 2023 Masters was a massive disappointment. He missed the cut by a handful of shots, allowing another opportunity at the major championship grand slam to pass him by.

His 2024 form has been just so-so but few have this week marked on the calendar like Rory does. Will this be the year he gets over the hump?"

2024 Masters Tournament Odds:

Here are the odds for the tournament winner. Odds via BetMGM, as of Tuesday, March 26.

• Scottie Scheffler (+450)

• Jon Rahm (+1000)

• Rory McIlroy (+1000)

• Viktor Hovland (+1800)

• Jordan Spieth (+1800)

• Brooks Koepka (+2000)

• Xander Schauffele (+2000)

• Patrick Cantlay (+2200)

• Will Zalatoris (+2200)

• Cameron Smith (+2500)

• Justin Thomas (+2500)

• Ludvig Aberg (+2500)

• Wyndham Clark (+2500)

• Collin Morikawa (+2800)

• Hideki Matsuyama (+2800)

• Joaquin Niemann (+2800)

• Phil Mickelson (+10000)

• Tiger Woods (+10000)

It's hard to bet against Scottie Scheffler given the tear he's been on as of late. He's played in seven events in 2024 with two wins. In fact, he's only finished outside the top-ten at one of those events -- The American Express from January 18-21. Essentially, he has been at or near the top of every leaderboard for more than two months at this point.

That said, one surprise pick to finish well could be Sam Burns. Burns has struggled in his three most recent appearances, finishing tied for 30th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, tied for 45th at the Players Championship, and missing the cut entirely at the Valspar Championship. However, he also has four top-ten finishes and ranks in the top-20 in the PGA Tour in shots gained total, shots gained off the tee, and shots gained via putting. Burns' odds are currently listed at +5500.

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How to watch the 2024 Masters:

The 2024 Masters Tournament will take place between Thursday, April 11 and Sunday, April 14, with one round played each day. Rounds 1 and 2 will air on ESPN. Rounds 3 and 4 will air on CBS. Each of the first three rounds will see coverage start at 3 p.m. ET. The fourth round's coverage start at 2 p.m. on the 14th.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 Masters predictions: Odds, picks, best bets ahead of Augusta