Tigers Woods returns from a five-month layoff, adding a twist of doubt to a Masters betting cocktail that always is an unpredictable mix of skill, luck, talent and guile. The year's first golf Major will tee off at Augusta National on April 8 with Woods listed as the tepid 4/1 favorite, a relatively robust price in comparison to seasons past. In fact, Woods, who has admitted to frequent episodes of marital infidelity, was a 5/2 Masters favorite in 2009, a 4/5 betting choice in 2008, and a 5/4 wagering darling in 2007. Woods' current odds not only reflect his long layoff but whether the world's No. 1 ranked golfer can regain his legendary focus under intense-and often unfriendly-media scrutiny.
Woods, who won his first of 14 Major titles at the 1997 Masters, has competed in 14 Masters, winning four Green Jackets (1997, 2001-02, 2005) for a win percentage of 28.5. So, based purely on statistics, you'll be getting an overlay, at least from an historic perspective, with odds of 4/1.
Of course, those hard numbers must be tempered by the fact that Woods has not played competitively since winning the Australian Masters, Nov. 15, and has not won at Augusta in five years, though he was second in both 2007 and 2008 and finished tied for sixth place last year.
Woods holds the course record at The Masters with an 18 under par 270 in 1997 so, irrespective of the layoff and his personal problems, still is expected to attract his share of golf betting action. But gamblers looking for a more substantial price do have other options.
One of those choices surely is Phil Mickelson, the 2004 and 2006 Masters champion and the second choice in future book betting at odds of 8/1.
Padraig Harrington, 2008's Golfer of the Year, is listed at 15/1 to get his first Masters win, about the same price you'll find on three-time Major winner Ernie Els or highly rated Steve Stricker.
Paul Casey, Lee Westwood, Jim Furyk, Retief Goosen, Rory McIlroy and Geoff Ogilvy are six more players who could interest golf betting enthusiasts still searching for a Masters wager. You'll find odds of about 25/1 on any one from that six-pack.
Defending champion Angel Cabrera is 50/1 to win back-to-back Green Jackets while Trevor Immelman, who beat Woods by three strokes to win the 2008 Masters, is listed as high as 175/1 and 2007 Masters winner Zach Johnson is available at odds of 66/1.
Bettors also can wager on whether the 2010 Masters is won in a playoff (9/4) or the champion wins by one stroke (11/5), two strokes (3/1), three strokes (9/2), four strokes (6/1), or five or more strokes (7/2).
However, especially in light of recent revelations regarding his personal life, the attention, and most of the golf betting interest will be on Woods. At least that's what operators of sportsbooks must think, offering a series of propositions on his Masters participation.
For example, you can lay 1/8 that Woods makes the cut or take 9/2 that he doesn't get to play on the weekend. The odds are 9/1 that Tiger is the leader after the first round and 14/1 that he wins wire-to-wire. Gamblers also can get 10/1 that Woods cries on the 72nd green or 33/1 that he withdraws or is disqualified. Perfection by Woods, as defined by a hole-in-one, is worth 100/1.
Can't wait for the entire tournament to end or even the first round to be completed? Not to worry. You can bet on Tiger's result on the first hole! The odds are 1/2 that Woods makes par, 10/1 that he gets a bogey, 4/1 that he gets a birdie, 40/1 that he gets a double bogey or worse, and 125/1 that he scores an eagle.
You can even bet on Woods' fist shot. Lay 4/7 that it hits the fairway, take 15/8 that it lands in the rough, or get 15/2 that the ball finds the sand.
What will Woods shoot on opening day? That's part of the betting menu, as well:
Woods' First Round
69-705/2
71-7211/4
67-684/1
73-745/1
75 or more5/1
65-6610/1
64 or less16/1
Bettors also can wager on where Woods will finish in the overall tournament hierarchy. Lay 8/11 that he manages a top five finish, take 11/4 that he lands in sixth through 10th place, or accept odds of 11/4 that Woods finishes 11th or worse.
Can a Tiger change his stripes? Masters and golf betting fans are about to see.
