2016 Masters Odds And Why They Still Aren't Long Enough

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The "easiest" major to predict arrives in a few weeks, but a look at the various prices from GolfOdds.com or Bovada reveals very little incentive to plunk down money. A gambler can get better value on a Non-winners of Two Lifetime Starts $5000 Claimer at Turf Paradise.

Still, we know only about a dozen can win at Augusta if the course is playing long and slow as it has in recent years. As Gary Van Sickle at Golf.com found out interviewing an "anonymous gambler", the Masters is the best major to bet. But he still advises you stay on the sidelines. For reasons like this:

Anonymous Gambler: The thing that makes the Masters the best major to bet is the data. It's the only major played at the same course every year, so we've got numbers we can crunch. The Kid, as I call him, has played two Masters -- second once, ties the all-time scoring record in the other. He is the game's best putter, and there aren't three other players as good with a wedge. It's that simple. Plus, the Kid has found a system with his caddie to out-prepare the other guys, the way Jack Nicklaus used to. I love, love, love that. Except the Kid messed up this winter. He jetted all over the planet; he's pooped. He needs three weeks off, no golf, but that's not going to happen in March. O.K., he's 22; he's resilient. I'm just afraid he strained his back hauling all those dirhams, yuans and Aussie-Singapore dollars to the bank. I'm laying off him… for now.

While Spieth certainly isn't much of a value at 6/1, Rickie Fowler remains a barely interesting 12/1, while  the most attractive option is Justin Rose at 25/1. He finished second last year and has been working very hard with his team to peak in the second week of April. But until President Trump legalizes sports betting in America, I'll just have to dream of my potential winnings. Or bet that claimer at Turf Paradise.

SXSW Panel: Virtual Reality And Golf

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If you aren't one of the cool kids who landed a badge for SXSW (South By...duh), there was a golf-related panel on making virtual reality a reality in golf.

The PGA Tour's Sloane Kelly helmed the panel with Alex Lindsay of the Pixel Corps and Oculus' TJ Won.

According to Erica Bloom, this is something the tour is getting serious about (you can view a sort-of sample here). But back to where the only people who matter gathered, the panel discussion was described this way:

With picturesque venues that change every week, an abundance of data, and individuals competing, professional golf is uniquely positioned among sports for virtual reality. At this stage in VR, the pace of the game is another benefit, bringing action to viewers while also ensuring they can easily follow along. The role of individual athlete personalities is also key. Watching a golfer play or interact with a caddy creates an intimate behind-the-scenes view of life on the greens. It can also help a viewer gather valuable instruction tips. From concepting to the shooting and stitching of video footage, this panel will explore the takeaways (and pitfalls) in producing PGA TOUR golf in VR.

The panel for those with 57 minutes to spare:

Kasich: “I basically watch the Golf Channel when I’m traveling"

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Republican presidential hopeful and Ohio Governor John Kasich was asked by CNN’s “State of the Union" about his viewing habits.

The governor, who faces possible elimination if he doesn't win Ohio Tuesday, said he passes on the news for...Golf Channel.

“I don’t watch the news,” Kasich told Jake Tapper on  on Sunday, according to Yahoo. “I basically watch the Golf Channel when I’m traveling, believe it or not.”

Here was the governor on Morning Drive last year.