Jump on these Friday Masters three-ball matchups NOW

We're getting this out a bit early and with a bit more urgency today, as we'd like to get some more Masters bets in our pockets for the Friday action. As we consider where to go with our wagers today, we're thinking a few bets on some three-ball matchups could be just the ticket.

In this market, you're betting on one golfer of the three in a pairing recording a better day than the other two, and we know just where to go for this afternoon.

Backing some past winners to have a strong Friday

These two trios will be teeing off in the next hour or so, so be sure to get in on them now if you're interested in joining!

Scottie Scheffler (+120 DraftKings) vs. Rory McIlroy & Xander Schauffele

Tee time: 1:48 p.m. ET

Scheffler left no doubt as to why he was a 4-1 favorite heading into the tournament with his play yesterday. He drove nearly every fairway, chipped in some beauties, and putted incredibly consistently. He was doing whatever he wanted out there, and it culminated with a strong round of 66.

The two in his pairing did not fare as well. McIlroy really struggled down the stretch, losing a ton of strokes on the green, and our man Schauffele ended even on the day, just not able to give himself any easy birdie tries.

At this price, we're going to have the bet the favorite in Augusta to continue having the best day of the three out here in this pairing.

Hideki Matsuyama (+155) vs. Will Zalatoris & Justin Thomas

Tee time: 1:24 p.m. ET

On a different note, Matsuyama did not play well on Thursday, finishing +4, which was worse than both Thomas (even) and Zalatoris (-2).

Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, was one of the most bet on options heading into Round One, and knowing that he needs a strong day to make it to the weekend, we like a far more spirited and productive effort with his back against the wall.

He knows he needs to have a big day, and we're going to put our trust in a guy who has made the cut at the Masters every year since 2015, often finishing inside the Top 20.

In the news ...

Bryson DeChambeau first-round leader at Masters, Max Homa starting Friday strong, Scottie Scheffler showing why he's the favorite — Ah, it's great to just have The Masters on all day, isn't it? Thursday's action wasn't able to finish on time thanks to the weather delay, but it was Bryson DeChambeau's seven-under par that led the day's efforts. Scottie Scheffler was right behind him at -6 and had no trouble reminding us why he was such a heavy favorite at 4-1. Max Homa is off to a strong start at time of writing, currently tied for the lead at -7. Scheffler is currently +125 to win, followed by DeChambeau at +550 and Homa at +900.

Pittsburgh Penguins pick up massive win for their postseason hopes — In a quasi-playoff game against the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh picked up a huge OT victory to move into the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins currently have 86 points, one more than Washington, Detroit and Philadelphia, with three games left to go. Pittsburgh has been playing phenomenally, 7-0-3 in their past 10, and we're all for getting Sidney Crosby and Co. into the big dance. The Penguins are -150 to make the playoffs, followed by Detroit at +250.

Shohei Ohtani's interpreter charged with bank fraud — The gambling controversy around Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara took a dramatic turn on Thursday, with federal authorities announcing that Mizuhara had committed bank fraud. Not just some simple bank fraud, mind you. Mizuhara had apparently transferred more than $16 million from Ohtani's account to pay for gambling losses, which is an offense that could carry 30 years in federal prison. The full report goes on to say that Mizuhara had impersonated Ohtani in discussions with a bank. It seems Ohtani is indeed innocent, and we move on from this bizarre story.

Mark Pope to become next head basketball coach at Kentucky — It appears Kentucky has their next head basketball coach following the departure of John Calipari. After being scorned by multiple top options, it seems a deal is coming to a close with BYU coach Mark Pope. Pope has been with BYU for five seasons, amassing a 110-52 record, though he has never won an NCAA tournament game. Kentucky is +2000 to win it all next season.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll. Follow him on Substack: griffybets.substack.com.