Liam Murphy likes Viktor Hovland as an undervalued play at The Masters despite widespread criticism about his scrambling and short game— a key factor at Augusta. Murphy acknowledged concerns about Hovland's short game, which is known to be below average relative to other elite players, and that Augusta is specifically challenging for those who struggle around the greens. However, Murphy highlighted recent positive changes, noting Viktor's recent switch in drivers, fresh off a first-place finish, and observed his sentiment is disproportionately negative versus other highly ranked players, making him an attractive contrarian pick.

Keith Stewart was cautious about Viktor Hovland's chances at Augusta due to Hovland himself acknowledging glaring weaknesses in his short game. Stewart described how Augusta's exceptionally difficult conditions around the greens, characterized by the grass growing into the player, punishes any technical short game inefficiencies—a weakness Hovland openly admitted to. Citing Hovland's previous comments about the bunkers having heavy sand and creating challenging shots, Stewart pointed out that missing greens and facing tough recovery shots is inevitable at Augusta. As Hovland mentioned explicitly, Augusta demands creativity and flawless technique near the greens, elements he feels he currently struggles with. Stewart warned that due to these confessed weaknesses, Hovland's potential at this particular tournament appears significantly limited, despite recent strong form and a win at the Valspar.

John Murray highlighted sharp betting action targeting Viktor Hovland at The Masters, specifically in his matchup against Jordan Spieth. Hovland, available at plus money (+115), attracted sharp bettors due to perceived value and potential outperforming expectations. Murray presented this as notable betting information, backing Hovland based on sharp funds flowing towards his side against Spieth.

According to Golf Digest's anonymous swing coach, Viktor Hovland at 33-1 presents a risk to bettors at Augusta due to limited creativity and challenges around the greens. Despite solid recent play, including a win in Tampa, the coach emphasizes Augusta National's high demands on a golfer's short-game and specifically the ability to execute varied, creative shots. Given this, the coach believes Hovland remains poorly suited toward Augusta success despite recent positive results elsewhere, cautioning against betting on him at these odds.

Andy Lack recommended avoiding Viktor Hovland, citing a significant historical trend indicating that players rarely win a major immediately following a victory the preceding week. He mentioned specific examples like Scotty Scheffler narrowly missing a win at Houston directly before a major last year, implying that peaking a week early hurt long-term chances. Viktor Hovland recently winning at a prior week's event puts him at direct odds with this powerful historical trend. Andy thus advised bettors and DFS players to fade Hovland's odds for a Masters win this year, anticipating regression after the recent victory.

Pat Perry revealed that, although he bet Viktor Hovland earlier in the year at considerably more favorable 60-to-1 odds, he would not advise betting Hovland at the current market price of 35-to-1. Perry cautioned against Hovland due specifically to concerns about his scrambling ability, a key requirement around Augusta's notoriously difficult greens. He admitted liking Hovland's skill set overall and acknowledged his solid Masters debut as the low amateur, but explicitly clarified he wouldn't recommend the wager at the significantly shorter odds currently available due to the considerable question marks around Hovland's short game and scrambling consistency at Augusta.

Pat Mayo remains skeptical of Viktor Hovland's Masters potential despite his recent victory, placing him in the same problematic category as Hideki Matsuyama—players lacking consistency. Mayo highlighted Hovland's alarming form before that recent win, including multiple missed cuts, a historical red flag since Masters winners rarely enter Augusta in shaky form. Even though Hovland ranks highly in Mayo's statistical modeling and trends analysis, Mayo doubts Hovland's ability to carry recent momentum to a successful Masters performance, strongly recommending against betting or high DFS exposure to Hovland this year.

David Barnett expressed significant concerns about Viktor Hovland's viability at Augusta National, even predicting him to be one of the lowest-owned DFS options in the 9K and above range. Despite Hovland's consistently strong iron play, Barnett remains particularly worried about Hovland's severe struggles around the green and with putting. Highlighting Augusta's frequent 30-50 yard wedge shot demands, Barnett does not trust Hovland's recent spike in putting form at Valspar (+7.3 strokes gained) to hold. With only a single top 10 Masters finish two years ago, Barnett is fully prepared to fade Hovland, believing his short game inadequacies significantly outweigh any iron play upside.

Matt Gannon strongly advised fading Viktor Hovland for The Masters, despite Viktor recently winning his last start at Valspar Championship following three consecutive missed cuts. Gannon clarified he does not trust Hovland's results, pointing out that Viktor's perennial weakness in short game remains clearly evident. Although Hovland saw success through hot putting at Valspar, Augusta National requires precise short game and nasty greenside tests throughout 72 demanding holes. Gannon emphasized Viktor historically struggles significantly around Augusta's greens, citing this limitation as the key reason Hovland won't contend deep into Sunday. He further mentioned that softer, wetter conditions could marginally improve Viktor's chances, but generally advised bettors to steer clear at current odds.

Pat Perry revealed he's been quietly buying shares of Viktor Hovland for The Masters, highlighting the recent Valspar Championship win at 80 to 1 odds as a key indication of value despite Hovland admitting he felt lost with his swing. Pat emphasized that even though Hovland hit some notably poor chip shots and struggled around the green, his remarkable shots under pressure on holes 16 and 17 demonstrate his ability to overcome adversity. Pat compared Hovland's scenario to past situations with Brooks Koepka, citing instances when elite players suddenly win at long odds. He recommended considering Hovland for The Masters at his previous long odds (50-80 to 1), although warned against buying in at his current shorter price (25-30 to 1).

Mike McClure highlighted Viktor Hovland as a candidate for a DFS lineup, despite a rocky round one in his last outing where he lost four strokes with the putter. Hovland recovered with a strong round two and showcased excellent approach play, especially in the crucial 175 to 200 yards proximity range. McClure considers Hovland's ability to bounce back important and sees him as under-owned due to recent struggles, making him an attractive option considering his skill set aligns well with the course challenges.

Christopher Powers believes Viktor Hovland could deliver surprisingly strong results at Sawgrass, despite weaker recent overall results. Powers pinpoints Hovland's under-the-radar excellent approach stats from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he gained over four strokes on approach, offset by poor putting that led to a missed cut. With the potential for putting variance to swing positively, Powers underscores Hovland’s upside at TPC Sawgrass—a course famously favoring precision on second shots. Powers reminds bettors of Hovland's propensity to contend at premier venues (e.g., second-place finishes at last year’s FedEx St. Jude and PGA Championship), emphasizing that Hovland remains a lurking threat in big tournaments regardless of his recent slump.

Justin Van Zuiden categorically advised avoiding Viktor Hovland in DFS at this week's Players Championship due to his poor current form. Van Zuiden expressed significant concern over Hovland's struggles last week, noting weak statistical performances, which resulted in him ranking unusually low (86th) in the tout's model. Van Zuiden stated he sees no value at Hovland’s current DraftKings price near 9,000 salary and will confidently omit him from his lineups.

Mike Petta strongly advocated fading Viktor Hovland, describing recent performances as extremely poor. His struggles are severe enough that Petta does not believe DFS players will select him frequently, despite relatively low ownership opportunities. He advises confidently fading him, comfortable accepting any financial loss if Hovland improbably rebounds.

Jason Sobel strongly advises fading Viktor Hovland in matchups due to evident mental frustration and ongoing swing troubles. During the pro-am at Sawgrass, Hovland hit two balls in water on 17th and appeared visibly frustrated, isolating himself and spending hours grinding at the driving range afterward. Sobel categorizes Hovland as a big fade, taking Will Zalatoris over him in matchups as Zalatoris has shown signs of improved form.

Ben Coley strongly advises placing a win-only outright wager at long odds (around 100-110) on Viktor Hovland to win THE PLAYERS Championship based on his exceptional recent iron play, recording his best approach metrics in nearly two years at Bay Hill last week. Although Hovland struggled on the greens and missed the cut, Coley points to Sawgrass being potentially more forgiving, especially after a reunion with his former coach. Hovland also has demonstrated past success at this venue with two top-10 finishes in four appearances and is capable of contending in major events. Coley suggests this wager also offers significant trading possibilities if Hovland starts well.

Matthew Wiley pointed to Viktor Hovland as a promising bounce-back candidate at THE PLAYERS Championship, despite missing the cut recently. Wiley emphasized that Hovland's underlying iron numbers remained strong even as his putter let him down. He noted that Hovland maintained excellent ball-striking metrics, signaling a quick turnaround potential if he finds any improvement on the greens. While acknowledging his downbeat demeanor, Wiley believes Hovland's iron consistency provides significant upside this week, particularly at a discounted ownership due to recent results and higher price.

Byron Lindeque points out Viktor Hovland as a strong coverage play in DFS at $9,000 due to significant putting struggles that overshadow excellent ball-striking form. Viktor has consistently ranked highly in field ball-striking metrics recently but lost significant strokes putting. Byron expects Hovland's putting to regress back positively soon and believes low projected ownership makes him a high-ceiling leverage play, especially appealing in larger DFS tournaments.

Andy Lack detailed Viktor Hovland's struggles leading up to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, based on a report from trusted source 'Utah Stick.' Utah Stick, observing Hovland in practice rounds, revealed that he was visibly frustrated, experiencing a 'meltdown' and showing clear discomfort and frustration. Andy immediately acted on this insight, removing Hovland from his exposure and shifting his confidence to other golfers like Keegan Bradley, who appeared steadier. Lack emphasized the value of on-course information and highlighted Hovland's mental struggles as justification for fading him in DFS and betting markets at Bay Hill.

Rick Gehman shared caution on Viktor Hovland at THE PLAYERS Championship, referencing alarming recent trends hurting his DFS reliability. He mentioned Hovland's shaky putting and problematic around-the-green play being particularly detrimental at TPC Sawgrass, which typically demands excellent short game. Gehman noted starkly poor ball-striking rounds recently at Bay Hill and flagged his tentative looking strokes on the green. Despite typically strong ball striking, Gehman is notably concerned and recommends limiting or cautiously approaching Hovland in DFS lineups until Hovland displays consistent improvements.