'We must be focused and emotionless in our pursuit of winners' – golf's greatest tipster Steve Palmer answers your questions

The first golf Major of the year, the Masters, starts on Thursday, which makes this the perfect time to learn all there is to know from golf's greatest tipster Steve Palmer. Steve's tips have returned a profit in 21 of his 24 years with the Racing Post and last year alone he tipped 19 tournament winners, for a profit on investment of 39.84 per cent. Each week his tips are available exclusively online to Racing Post+ subscribers from 2pm every Tuesday, which is when his Masters selections will be published this week.

We asked Racing Post readers to submit questions for a special pre-Masters Q&A with Steve. The response has been fantastic and Steve's answers are published below:

Sign up to Racing Post+ now and get 25% off your first six months of Racing Post+ by selecting Ultimate Monthly and entering code GOLF256 at checkout.

I'm on Rory McIlroy for the Masters. What chance? Philip Cornwill

I don't remember his Masters preparations ever going so well. Every department of his game appears in mint condition. Technically, he is clearly ready, but mentally it is difficult to tell. Completing a career Grand Slam of Majors at Augusta is the ultimate test of golfing courage. It is 90 years since somebody won the Masters as the final leg of a Slam.

Largest bet ever won? Adrian Blanchfield

I won £70,000 on the day in 2018 when Xander Schauffele won the HSBC Champions and Cameron Champ won the Sanderson Farms Championship.

If you had to choose one, would it be to get a DP World Tour, PGA Tour, LIV Golf treble up one week or see Weymouth get into the Football League? Alan Power

Maybe one could help the other! I've long dreamed of a day when I win the jackpot, then have the finances to become Weymouth FC chairman, assemble a squad of superstars and finally see the Terras reach the promised land.

Why has Fred Couples got such an amazing record at the Masters? What is it about his game? Dennis Meehan

Length has always been of great advantage at Augusta – a big ballpark where coming into fast greens with loft in hand makes life so much easier. Boom Boom Couples was one of the longest drivers of his era. He was also a fantastic lag putter, able to handle the devilish Augusta dancefloors.

What is in Steve's golf bag? NCFC1970

Only 13 clubs, sadly! I still haven't found time to replace the 52-degree wedge I lost at Killeen Castle in Ireland last year. All my weapons are TaylorMade, aside from my Titleist wedges and my beloved Scotty Cameron California Monterey putter.

If you could pick any celebrity fourball to play a round with (living or dead) who would it be and what course would you play? Martin McKibbin

I think it's important to have a good natter on the way round a golf course – it is a social event for amateurs – so I'd better opt for the living. They tend to be more chatty than the dead. Tiger Woods, Michael van Gerwen and Steve Claridge. Augusta National.

Which 1970s sitcom is your favourite? Giles Moore

Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Let's hope we're not all whining "Ooh, Rory!" in exasperation on Masters Sunday.

Do you still use va instead of lol? I have kept it going but unfortunately lol is winning the battle? Duugro

Va! Yes, I still use it. People who don't know me well just assume I have misspelt ha, but friends understand. Only about one per cent of people are actually loling as they type lol. The paucity of authenticity disgusts me.

Cameron Smith lines up a puttCredit: Getty Images

If you had to pick a current golfer to sink a ten-foot putt to win a huge bet, who would you choose? Andrew Hinton

It depends on the status of the tournament, the grass type of the green, etc. All things considered, I'd have Cameron Smith edging Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed for this honour.

I've noticed golfers improve performance when something good happens in their life, like getting married or having a baby. Is there anyone in the Masters field celebrating good news? Mike Foster

Jon Rahm had a first daughter in September. Matt Fitzpatrick got married in October. Justin Thomas became a father in November. Joaquin Niemann got married just before Christmas. Cameron Smith is due to become a father any second now! Akshay Bhatia is getting married in December.

What is your own golf history? Richard Blackshaw 

I got down to a single-figure handicap in the year 2000, shortly before joining the Racing Post. The handicap was nine, but saying 'single-figure handicap' sounds much more impressive, leaving people wondering if it might have been two, one or even scratch. I always hope they don't ask a supplementary question – because then I usually have to admit it was nine. The time demands of work and family mean these days my true handicap is probably more like 99. 

Is there a golfer you would refuse to back because you don’t like him or because he has cost you a big win? Al Gardner

No, sir. Affections and loathings must be eliminated from the selection process. We must be focused and emotionless in our pursuit of winners.

Is TGL golf going to have a negative effect on top players' real golf success rates due to overcommitment and lack of rest? Steve Turner

I think so, yes. It was almost three months of regular competition for the teams who went all the way. The matches were short, but intense. I certainly don't think it helps, although if McIlroy suddenly claims a Green Jacket after years tinkering with his Masters build-up, he will probably get TGL tattooed on his forehead!

I am a great admirer of you and have been following you for years. Can you please tell me the formula you use when picking your selections each week? Perry Jobling

Thanks, Perry. It's like Colonel Sanders' secret recipe – a heady mixture of herbs and spices. The golf section of the 2019 book, Racing Post Betting Guide, has 14 pages of advice on this subject. I would recommend purchasing a copy.

Xander Schauffele's 2024 Open Championship win was the first leg of a memorable doubleCredit: Getty Images

What is your favourite winning golf bet ever? Christopher Yeandle

I appreciate winners more than ever these days, given the responsibilities which come with age, so banking £60,000 when Schauffele won the Open last year before Nick Dunlap triumphed in the Barracuda Championship was probably my most satisfying golf betting return.

What is the most relevant stat to look at when selecting? Paul Norris

It depends on the course in question. For Augusta, strokes-gained-on-approach is by far the most important.

Out of the Majors this year, where do you think Ludvig Aberg will be best placed to win his first? Lee Wainwright

The Masters, not least because it is the smallest field. His chance lessens in each Major this year, in my opinion, with the Open the most challenging for him.

Do you think Scottie Scheffler's new baby could be the reason he’s taken his eye off the ball? Garry Ashworth

Possibly. Adjusting to parenthood is not straightforward. He has, though, won three PGA Tour titles, an Olympic gold medal and a Hero World Challenge since becoming a father.

What is the one sporting event that you would love to attend? Noel O'Keeffe

The Masters! Has long been on my bucket list.

I have had some ante post money on Xander Schauffele for the Open at Portrush. Do you remain confident that he can get past the woes of his rib injury and push on to win more Majors? Brett Purkiss

If he has no further setbacks, he should be ready to play well by then, but rib problems are notoriously troublesome. Scheffler has been behind schedule this year due to his hand surgery, but Schauffele had to spend even longer on the sidelines.

Do you think McIlroy should go after Billy Foster to caddie for him? Do you think he would make a big difference? Paul Carroll

I can't see it happening. McIlroy's loyalty to Harry Diamond is clear. I think they are improving as a duo. McIlroy will never accept anyone telling him what to do – even a caddie as experienced as Billy Foster – but fortunately Rory himself seems to be determined to improve his course-management and discipline. Given McIlroy's recent change in attitude, Diamond has arguably become his perfect caddie.

Nigella Lawson, Kevin Bridges, Si Woo Kim (pictured) and Britney Spears make up Steve's ideal dinner party guestsCredit: Getty Images

Which four famous people would you like to have a three-course meal with? Must be 1x celebrity chef, 1x comedian, 1x pro golfer & 1x musician. Also, what would be on your menu? Stephen Chaytor

Nigella Lawson. Kevin Bridges. Si Woo Kim. Britney Spears. Stout; pies; cheese.

Your first book was so honest and good! Any plans for the next one? Adam Warner

Thanks, Adam. Maybe when I'm not working full-time. One day I hope to just do a few hours a week on a supermarket deli counter, while writing numerous tomes in my spare time!

A tricky one I know but who would you put up as a winner waiting to happen on both the PGA and DP World Tours? Chris Trower

Isaiah Salinda. Sam Bairstow.

I was lucky enough to get Tiger Woods autograph at The Open in 2012. What is your favourite piece of golf memorabilia that you own? Nick Williams

I own an Emirates GC cap signed by Rory McIlroy in the wake of his maiden DP World Tour title in 2009. I guess it might double in value if he completes the career Grand Slam on Sunday.

If you could play on the final day of a Major, which and where would you choose? Buzby Burrows

The 2100 Open Championship at St Andrews as a wily 122-year-old.

Golf punting can be so rewarding but also so painful! Can you tell us how you get over a close call when there is big financial rewards on the line. I, like you, never lay in-running. That takes some grit. Any views appreciated. Thank you. Steve Silverson

Steves don't lay off, eh?! Yes, there is no betting more mentally challenging than the long rollercoaster ride of a golf tournament. Time is a great healer for most of life's setbacks. I try to 'process' punting disappointment as quickly as possible – because none of us get long on this planet. We mortals are but shadows and dust. Don't let it linger. Have a drink, have a bowl of Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes, go for a walk, talk to a pylon, talk to a dog, go for a jog, sit on the bog… Whatever works for you.

What are your thoughts on Robert MacIntyre for the Masters? I think he's been playing pretty good stuff for about a year. Philip Pevie

I agree. Lively runner. Glad to see him back at Augusta after missing the last two Masters.

Do you think Cameron Young will finally get his name on a winner's trophy this year? Martin Baird

I doubt it. But I've heard rumours he is being lined up for a leading role in Bridesmaids 2.

Bob MacIntyre apart, who do you rate as the most promising Scottish golfer on tour? Jim Anderson

There is a lad called Sandy Scott who is a Korn Ferry Tour rookie this year after an injury-interrupted college career. He is still only 26 and may end up as the second-best Scot behind Bobby Mac.

Who in which year is your favourite Masters Winner irrelevant of whether you had money on them? Will Murray

Tiger Woods, 2019. I had a significant in-running investment on the great man, but this was a tear-jerking triumph for humanity. The early start to the final round due to the threat of thunderstorms meant I could watch with my family, who witnessed my hero roll back the years to become the second-oldest Masters winner in history, before he embraced his children and mother as the galleries chanted "Tiger, Tiger, Tiger…". I was an emotional wreck for weeks afterwards.

Who is the likeliest first time Major winner this year? David Alexander

Ludvig Aberg.

Do you have a favourite course for punting, for watching and for playing? Well done for the tipping and love the sense of humour. David Leonard

Thanks, David. The Masters is my favourite punting event of the year. Small field, same course every year, typically fine weather, fantastic each-way terms. The Open for watching – I love the dawn till dusk TV coverage if I'm not attending in person. Wentworth West for playing. I've got some good friends at the club and am fortunate enough to tee up there occasionally. Good luck with your Masters bets, comrades.

Don't miss Steve's Masters advice in the Racing Post. Find out more here:

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Steve's tournament preview selections have resulted in profit in 21 of his 24 years as a tipster and he has been in sensational form in recent months, with a slew of big winners at 70-1, 50-1, 40-1, 28-1, 25-1, 25-1, 22-1, 20-1, 18-1, 14-1, 12-1, 9-1, 8-1 and 5-2 since last July alone.

Golf fans can access even more extensive golf coverage via the digital newspaper which also comes as part of the Racing Post+ Ultimate package – you will receive expert spotlight comments for all players in our extensive PGA Tour and DP Tour price comparison grids which include course and recent form, plus Palmer's unique attribute icons to help identify the type of players likely to be suited to conditions each week.