US Masters Preview

The first major golf action of 2012 tees off on April 5 at the Augusta National as the world’s best players shoot it out over four days for the right to become the latest US Masters champion.

And it is four times winner and former world number one Tiger Woods who heads the betting following his miraculous return to form over the past few weeks.

The 36-year-old from California always has to be respected over course and distance however his credentials have been boosted massively by his five shot romp to success in the Arnold Palmer Invitational a fortnight ago.

Woods is likely to play his way into contention over the first three days and will be the obvious choice for punters if in touch going into the final 18 holes.

His nearest rival in the market is Rory McIlroy who infamously choked in the last round twelve months ago after holding a commanding lead against the rest of the field.

But the Irishman’s dramatic collapse is unlikely to affect his mentality this time around – after all, he managed to instantly bury the disappointment by triumphing at the US Open later in the season.

McIlroy can certainly make his presence felt if in the same form as last year, however it is doubtful over four days whether he can measure up to a rampant Tiger who has made Augusta his stamping ground on so many occasions.

One thing fairly certain nonetheless is McIlroy’s ability to start with a bang and he can lead after the first round to land decent odds of 9/1.

As per usual with the Masters, the crème de la crème are unlikely to surface until deep into the third round and treble Green Jacket holder Phil Mickelson is an obvious candidate to be around at the business end of the tournament.

It is arguable whether the 41-year-old from San Diego is in quite the same touch as when collecting the honours for a third time in 2010, nevertheless his overall credentials have to be taken seriously and he marks a fairly solid wager at around 16/1.

Lee Westwood could quite possibly head the charge of European challengers and the 38-year-old will be as hungry as ever to lift his first major title.

Westwood clearly acts at the course as demonstrated by his second place finish in behind Mickelson two years ago, but his drought on the big stage is an obvious worry for backers.

The Englishman should be there or thereabouts turning for the clubhouse but it may be safer to lump some weight behind a top ten finish instead of the outright win.

The same can also be said for current world number one Luke Donald whose consistency should at least ensure some decent prize money but he will have to be at his very best to eclipse his tied third place result achieved in 2005.

Of the remainder, it seems difficult to envisage a potential winner emerging from too far down the betting, however last year’s champion Charl Schwartzel may be overpriced at 33/1.

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02/04/2012     © Frixo 2024