The 74th renewal of the Masters at Augusta is like no other, with the return of Tiger Woods to competitive golf after more than four months off the fairways giving the first major of the year a whole new dimension.
This time last year, the world No.1 was trading at 2/1. A year on, Woods is a 5/1 chance (Ladbrokes, Betfred) and, while he's made a successful comeback from a longer absence from the game due to injury, the general feeling is that this is a much bigger ask and one that is beyond him - perhaps? Finding one to beat him is no easy task, though, as it's safe to say this is the most open Masters for years.
The course at Augusta has been lengthened and tweaked in recent years but this year's version is little different to 2009, although there has been some tinkering to the second, fifth, seventh and 13th holes. As always, those players who are long off the tee and find their short game will prosper.
Ross' Three Off The Tee:-
Paul Casey @ 30/1 bet365 (33/1 Ladbrokes)
Balls of steel are required to win at Augusta and the Englishman is better equipped than most to cope with the inevitable pressure that brings. Granted, he's yet to add a major to his CV but has always said the Masters represents his best chance and that is backed up by a solid bank of course form. Since finishing sixth on his debut in 2004, he has posted finishes of sixth, 10th, 11th and 20th, and he's hinted at better still in 2010 with top-10 finishes in four stateside starts, including a runners-up spot in the WGC Accenture Matchplay. And don't let last week's "muscle problem", which prevented him from defending his Houston Open title, put you off. Think of that "injury" what you like but the bottom line is that he's had another full week to prepare and was one of the first on the practice ground this week. A stroke of tactical genius, perhaps? Fresh, in-form, and with the game to tame Augusta, he looks a serious contender this week.
I've already backed him at 25/1 (at a time when Woods was looking unlikely to return for Augusta) and I'll be going in again at 33's (win only) with Ladbrokes, who will pay me out as a winner if he finishes second to the world No.1. Somehow, I doubt they will be paying out twice but it's still a nice insurance to have on your side, nevertheless. If you are not already on, I suggest you have a decent each-way bet on him at 30's with bet365, plus a win only bet with Laddies at 33's. Job done.
Charl Schwartzel @ 50/1 Ladbrokes
No debutant has won at Augusta since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 but not many have turned up with the credentials of the young South African, who has been producing the goods in top-class stateside events in recent weeks. His runner-up finish in stellar company at Doral was impressive enough but to follow it up with a share of third at Houston on a course not dissimilar to Augusta marks him down as world class and makes him one of the form horses coming into this week. Twice a winner on the European Tour this season, he won't shirk the challenge should he get into contention and with doubts over some of the bigger names, quotes of 50/1 about him wearing the Green Jacket on Sunday are more than fair.
Matt Kuchar @ 80/1 Paddy Power
This will be Kuchar's first appearance at Augusta since 2002, when he missed the cut, but he returns in much better form having posted five top-20 finishes this year, including second at the Bob Hope and thirds at the SBS and CA Championships. The fact he now lies second in the All-Around ranking (a measure of all parts of the game) shows just how well he is playing and he has looked comfortable here in the past, including when finishing tied-21st as an amateur in 1998. The shrewdies agree with me as they've snaffled up all the three-figure quotes, so grab the 80's while it lasts.
Bubbling Under: Camilo Villegas (40/1 Paddy Power)
The Colombian was barely out of contention during a four-week spell in late February / early March, with the highlight being his runaway victory in the Honda Classic, and last year's 13th place at Augusta was full of promise.
Punters Beware: Tiger Woods
It's impossible to know how the world No.1 is going to perform on his first competitive start since winning the JBWere Masters in Australia in November and, although 5/1 might look huge based on his Augusta record, he must be left alone.
Recommended Bets:
Paul Casey 2pts each-way @ 30/1 bet365 & 1pt @ 33/1 Ladbrokes
Charl Schwartzel 1.5pt each-way @ 50/1 Ladbrokes
Matt Kuchar 1pt each-way @ 80/1 Paddy Power
