Woods goes for five Green Jackets at Augusta
Posted on 5/27/2008 3:07:32 PM
By Marco Sussman
For more Golf Betting Lines, Odds, and Props check out our Sportsbook
The first, and arguably most prestigious, major championship of the golf seasons tees off on Thursday as the 2008 edition of the Masters will take place at venerable Augusta National Golf Club. Zach Johnson utilized a brilliant course-management strategy to surprisingly snatch the fabled Green Jacket last year, but as usual, all eyes will be on Tiger Woods and his chase for the Grand Slam.
Woods is the overwhelming favorite this week at -120, and the world's No.1 player has been on fire this season. Woods has won three of his four starts this season, and he also loves playing at Augusta with four career wins, along with seven top-five finishes. Two-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson is next at 900, and “Lefty” has fallen off a bit since a hot start to the season which included a victory in the Northern Trust Open at Riviera. Before coming in tied for 24th last year, Mickelson had a run of eight consecutive top-ten finishes, so he is comfortable on this legendary golf course. Geoff Ogilvy is listed at 1300, and the Aussie is looking to add to his 2006 U.S. Open win. After missing his first three cuts of the year, Ogilvy has reeled off three top-tens in his last four starts, including a win in the WGC-CA Championship at Doral. However, Ogilvy has only been to Augusta twice, with a high finish of T-16. 2000 Masters champion Vijay Singh is rated at 1400, and the Fiji native has not finished lower than T-13 since 2001. Singh is playing himself into contention with four top-five finishes in his last five tournaments. Ernie Els rounds out the list of top contenders at 1800, but the South African who is known as the “Big Easy” would not be a solid pick after his performances on the PGA Tour this season. Despite winning the Honda Classic at the PGA National, Els has missed a cut along with finishes of 33rd and 75th. Also, Els had to withdraw from last week's Houston Open due to virus, and he was looking forward to getting in some practice before Augusta.
Other challengers for the Green Jacket will include last year's British Open champion, Irishman Padraig Harrington, at 2400 and two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen at 2500. Goosen is known as one of the best putters on a fast surface in the world, and Augusta is famous for its undulating greens. The South African has also racked up three straight top-three finishes at Augusta, and it seems to be only a matter of time before he steps into the winner's circle. Also, do not count out Johnson at 6000, as he proved last year that you do not have to bomb the ball 300 yards off the tee to score well at Augusta, especially on the par-5s where Johnson scored an outstanding -11 over the week.
For more PGA Golf Betting Lines check out the
latest lines, odds, and props at our Sportsbook
Marco Sussman isn't too bad on the links, reportedly a
five handicap. But, he's great in the sports betting game. He'll watch just about
anything you put in front of him, but golf is what really gets his juices
flowing. Thoughts or questions? Email
Comments@BetOnline.com.
