It's time for another edition of our fake gambling feature, What are the Odds? Here, we'll preview the upcoming Masters to give you the odds on all the favorites, longshots to keep an eye on...and that Tiger fella. So what are you waiting for? Come on, follow me!
The Favorites
Ernie Els - 5 to 1
-The big South African has seen a career resurgence after an injury spell over the last season. He's the only two-time winner on tour this year (the WGC at Doral and the Arnold Palmer at Bay Hill). Before Els's knee injury in 2005, he was a perennial contender at Augusta finishing in the Top 10 every year between 2000 and 2004. But, he's also missed his last 3 cuts at the Masters. So, which Ernie shows up? My bet is on the revamped 2010 Ernie, there's a look in his eye that resembles the Ernie of old, look for him to contend in a big way.
Paddy Harrington - 8-1
-The three time major winner also doesn't have the best history at Augusta, finishing no higher than T5, but he has placed in the Top 10 two of the last three years. Although his majors have come with Tiger either out of action or not at the top of his game, Harrington shouldn't be dismissed as he leads a strong European contingent this week.
Phil Mickelson /Tiger Woods- 10-1
-Only fitting that these two are placed at the same odds, as the rivals will undoubtedly still be compared to each other, even after all the scandal that has surrounded Woods (which I think we can finally ignore unless pictures of Tiger surrounded by farm animals shows up). We've already seen Tiger win on one leg at the 2008 U.S. Open, so nothing would surprise me. But, it would be foolish to list him as the favorite when we don't know how his off-course transformation will affect his on-course persona. Lest we all forget, he lost the lead in the final round of a major for the 1st time in his last one, the 2009 PGA. So, while he is likely to be in the picture, he's not the favorite.
Meanwhile, after winning his third major at the 2006 Masters, many thought Lefty might be pushing five or six by now. Alas, he's still stuck on three and has been erratic at best at the majors. But, he always seems to save his best for Augusta. Who can forget the duel Tiger and Phil had last year in the final round which saw them surge up the leaderboard, albeit briefly. Mickelson bested him that day, and last year at the Tour Championship. Undoubtedly, these are the two most talented players in the field, but can they put it together this week? If you know the answer to that, you really probably ought to legally place some money on the Masters.
The Dark Horses
Ian Poulter/Lee Westwood - 15-1
-The man with the funny pants and the big mouth is slowly proving himself as a worthy challenger to the world's best. He's already had the biggest win of his career this season at the WGC Match Play and could be in line for another. Westwood has had his chances recently in majors, missing out on playoffs twice since 2009. If he can get past his mental shortcomings in recent history, he can contend for his first major.
Anthony Kim/Camillo Villegas - 20-1
-These two young guns can either surge to the top of the leaderboard, or miss the cut completely. They've both won already this season, so they should be near the top of their game heading into Augusta.
Angel Cabrera - 22-1
-Maybe the most unheralded defending champ in history, Cabrera enters the Masters with little fanfare, which may fit the laid back Argentine just fine. He's one of the purest ball strikers in the game and proved he could roll his potato last year. It wouldn't be a shot to see El Pato compete for his 3rd major.
The Longshots
Fred Couples - 35-1
-Ok, he hasn't won on tour since 2003, but Boom Boom has won 3 Senior events this season and if Tom Watson showed anything at last year's British, it's that the over-50 crowd still has a lot to offer. Unlike most seniors, it won't be length that keeps Freddie from competing, it'll be his putting. If he can putt, he can contend.
Kenny Perry - 50-1
-Here's betting Kenny hasn't forgotten last year's collapse on the 71st and 72nd holes at last year's Masters. Leading by two, he bogeyed 17 and 18, then bogeyed the 2nd playoff hole to lose to Angel Cabrera. Perry put too much pressure on himself because he knew it was his last chance to win a major. This year, he'll prove he was right.
Louis Oosthuizen - 1,000,000-1
-Nothing against Oosthuizen, a solid South African player, but he dug his own grave by winning today's Par 3 contest. One of the most famous streaks in sports, no golfer has ever won the midweek Par 3 and gone on to win the Masters. It also doesn't help that Louie missed the cut in his only Masters last year, so, nice knowing ya!
So who are your favorites? Can Tiger get the job done? Will one of his mistresses streak onto the golf course? Keep up with our Masters coverage this week and everything else in the Wide World of RSS! Also don't forget to follow us on Twitter @RSS_Sports. Until then, it's bye for now!
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