Pamela Maldonado advises a strategic live-betting approach on Rory McIlroy rather than backing him pre-tournament. Despite McIlroy’s status as a heavy Masters favorite (+625 outright), she acknowledges the significant pressure McIlroy faces in pursuit of a career Grand Slam and a complicated history at Augusta. Maldonado's strategy is to wait until after an unspectacular first round to secure better value, especially considering Friday's expected rain conditions, softening the course significantly. McIlroy ranks third in the field for ballstriking, which will be amplified when wet conditions make Augusta more receptive. A blended bet—half pre-tournament and half live—could offer an average ticket around +725 or better, optimizing the opportunity to back McIlroy while minimizing risk exposure with a delayed entry.

Pamela Maldonado identified Collin Morikawa (+125 for top-10) as her outright pick to win the 2025 Masters. Morikawa finished top-10 each of the last two Masters, notably showing steady improvement at Augusta and gaining strokes putting in all four appearances. He's currently first in the field in anticipation stats like ballstriking, approach, and tee-to-green play, and second in total strokes gained behind only Rory McIlroy. Maldonado believes that wet conditions projected for the event could further suit Morikawa's elite iron game. She acknowledges Morikawa's risk on the greens but is confident his precise approach game will offset potential putting difficulties, making him a high-upside wager to win his first green jacket.

Pamela Maldonado recommends betting Jon Rahm to finish in the top-10 (+170) at the 2025 Masters. Rahm had an uncharacteristically weak performance at Augusta last year (T45) amid a rare slump in his approach game. Maldonado believes this dip was an anomaly during a period when Rahm was battling physical and mental issues. She points to Rahm's otherwise stellar Masters record, including three top-10 finishes in his past five visits and a green jacket win. Rahm's recent form has improved dramatically, regaining his reliable approach game and overall completeness. Maldonado anticipates Rahm's form will translate well into this major, especially given his proven capability in Augusta conditions.

Pamela Maldonado likes Corey Conners as a strong top-20 bet (+155) at the 2025 Masters Tournament. She noted a significant improvement in Conners' putting and short game this season, contrasting with previous dependency purely on ballstriking. His iron play remains steady, and despite missing the cut and finishing T38 in his last two Augusta appearances, Conners previously had three consecutive top-10 finishes at the Masters. Maldonado highlighted softer greens from Friday's forecasted rain as beneficial to Conners' precise iron play, easing the demand on his putter. With recent top-20 finishes against strong fields and solid recent form tee-to-green, Conners emerges as an ideal candidate for a top-20 wager.