Paulie’s Picks: 2025 Masters Longshots

In my previous post that previewed the 2025 Masters, I looked at what is needed to succeed at Augusta National and dug into some of the favorites for the week. Now let’s take a look at a few longshots to use for your Masters pools or bets.

Robert Macintrye 60/1

MacIntyre played the Masters in 2021 (23rd) and 2022 (12th), and he returns for a third time with a more refined skill set. Back in 2022, MacIntyre was more of a raw talent, but he has since molded himself into an elite ball-striker who should contend in majors.

Oh, by the way, he’s also left-handed. All the success by lefties at the Masters may sound like a coincidence, but it’s not. Many holes, such as No. 12, have significant advantages for left-handers. A left-handed pull draw covers the water to the right, whereas a right-handed push fade likely ends up short in the water. A left-handed push fade finds the green short left, where a right-handed pull draw finds the bushes over the green. Also, with modern technology, it is so much easier to move the ball with a fade than a draw off the tee. This creates an edge for lefties on many tee shots as Augusta’s preferred ball flight is definitely right to left off the tee. Just think of Nos. 2, 10, and 13.

But we aren’t backing MacIntyre just because he’s left-handed. He comes into the Masters in great form as he recorded his best result ever in Strokes Gained: Approach on Tour in his last start at the Players.

Akshay Bhatia 65/1

Bhatia’s Masters debut in 2024 was a bit frantic as it was on the heels of a playoff victory at the Valero Texas Open, and he was dealing with an injured shoulder. His 35th-place finish was really good considering that’s not the most ideal prep for your first Masters. In 2025, he comes to Augusta in full health, he’s a more complete player, and he has a better understanding of Augusta National. He has been playing great in 2025 as he has finished ninth or better in three of his last four starts, including a third at the Players where he gained his seventh-most strokes on approach ever in an event. Bhatia has one other thing going for him: he is left-handed just like MacIntyre.

Sepp Straka 75/1

Straka is on the verge of a breakout as he continues to strike the ball tremendously. In 2025, he already has a win and six other top 15 finishes, which has brought him all the way up to No. 13 in the world. In the 10 events he has played in 2025, Straka has gained at least 3.6 strokes on approach in all but one. He is elite and consistent with his irons. That is the exact recipe that is needed to have success at Augusta National. He debuted here in 2022 and has finished 30th, 46th, and 16th. I look for another top 20 finish for Straka this week, and potentially being in contention come the back nine on Sunday.