Masters Odds - Breaking Down the Big Favorites

Any online betting fan knows that April means (usually) Easter and (always) the Masters odds. With Tiger Woods playing his first major since the 2008 U.S. Open, Masters betting should be hotter than ever this week. Let's examine what we can expect from the big sportsbook favorites at Augusta this year.

Tiger Woods

Make no mistake; Tiger is the heavy favorite to win the 2009 Masters odds, and deservedly so. After he closed out the back nine at the WGC-CA Championship a few weeks ago, most golf betting experts picked him to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational. They were bang on, as Tiger staged one of his trademark Sunday charges and broke Sean O'Hair's heart with an 18^th-hole putt. Tiger is back to firing on all cylinders, especially with his putter really on fire. He is by far the safest bet to win the Masters odds this weekend. It will be his fifth Green Jacket if he pulls it off, and he's at least a virtual lock to crack the top 10.

Phil Mickelson

It's fitting that Tiger's greatest rival is in the opposite situation entering Masters betting. After a healthy 2008, Lefty is slumping badly, partially because he is recovering from a virus, and even missed the cut at last week's Shell Houston Open. He's in a definite funk right now and, while the Masters could be the perfect motivator to jolt him awake, he's too risky right now—especially for a sportsbook favorite.

Geoff Ogilvy

He may be the best player not named Tiger Woods right now. With a World Match Play title under his belt this season and a 2006 U.S. Open title, Ogilvy is both hot at the right time and capable of handling the sportsbook pressure. Let's look at his 2009 PGA betting stats quickly, shall we? Two tournament wins before April, first in the FedEx Cup standings, first on the money list...yeah, it's safe to say he's a good online betting pick if you're not feeling Tiger. He'll also provide much better value than Mr. Woods.

Other favorites to consider

This weekend probably isn't Sergio Garcia's time; he hasn't looked good at all this season and shot a disgusting 81 at the Shell Houston Open on Sunday. Your money would be better spent elsewhere. How about Retief Goosen? He already has a win and top-three under his belt this season, not to mention two major championships. Don' t forget about Padraig Harrington either; he hasn't set the world on fire in 2009 but he showed last year that he plays his best in majors, so you could do a lot worse than picking him at the sportsbook.