The Masters: Woods-Mickelson Showdown?

Tiger Woods is back playing something like his very best, has already got a win under his belt and will be playing on one of his favourite courses this week. In which case, can anyone stop him from winning his fifth Masters title?

Woods has played only three competitive events since his return from reconstructive knee surgery, but his spectacular come-from-behind triumph at the Arnold Palmer Invitational two weeks ago would have sent out an ominous warning to his rivals. With four green jackets already in his wardrobe, he's a worthy favourite at around 7/4 meaning Sportingbet will have plenty of takers for their 9/4, although I would advise potential backers not to use up all their stake pre-tournament, as his odds may well drift a little in-running.

That said, Tigers has at least proved beatable at Augusta in the last three years (although two runner-up spots and a third place finish can hardly be deemed as failure), and the man most likely to challenge him is Phil Mickelson. The world No.2 started the season slowly, but a successful defence of his Northern Trust Open title, swiftly followed by a first World Golf Championship victory, has very much re-affirmed his credentials for what is his favourite major so far - two wins, six top-threes and ten top-10's from 13 Masters appearances.

Last week's missed cut at the Houston Open has to be a worry for his backers but Lefty didn't seem duly concerned about his game afterwards, saying he needed to play some tournament rounds after a couple of weeks off, regardless of scores, and the extra two days off to prepare are in his favour. At a best-priced 9/1 (Victor Chandler), he's sure to give his supporters a good run for their money, although they should also expect a roller-coaster ride of emotions along the way as the maverick American never does anything too easily

Of course, the opening Major of 2009 is not a straight match.

Geoff Ogilvy (20/1 Paddy Power*) has started this season on fire, beating a high-class field of 2008 PGA Tour winners to land the opening event of the season in Hawaii and then destroying several high-class opponents at the World Matchplay. That was his third WGC title which, along with his 2006 US Open win, confirms him as a man for the big occasion. His best Masters finish from three tries so far has been 16th, but this could be the year he steps up to the plate and seriously threatens for the title.

Padraig Harrington (18/1 Coral) is chasing his third straight Major, but has been strangely quiet since landing the PGA title in August. In that time, he hasn't even gone close to winning, although his whole campaign seems centred around the Majors these days and has rarely peaked outside them for the last two years.

Both Sergio Garcia (35/1 Totesport) and last week's winner Paul Casey (33/1 Stan James) are looking for their first Major but could have a say in matters, while young guns like Anthony Kim (50/1 Skybet), Camilo Villegas (50/1 Totesport) and Rory McIlroy (33/1 Ladbrokes) are also spoiling for a fight. However, it is a brave man who backs against Woods or Mickelson, who are both proven winners at Augusta.

*Paddy Power are paying 1/4 odds SIX places!

 

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Tags: Anthony Kim,  Augusta,  Camilo Villegas,  Geoff Ogilvy,  Golf Betting,  Masters,  Padraig Harrington,  Paul Casey,  Phil Mickelson,  Rory Mcilroy,  Sergio Garcia,  The Masters,  Tiger Woods