On April 10, the world’s best golfers descend on Augusta National to compete in the year’s first major of the 2014 season, the 78th edition of the Masters Tournament.
[Update: The world’s best golfers, that is, other than Tiger Woods. Woods has pulled out of the tournament after requiring surgery on his back, leaving the tournament wide open.]
Read on for our (updated) look at who will compete for the 2014 Masters Tournament.
2014 Masters Betting Preview
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[sc:MLB240banner ]Tiger Woods was the favorite to win the season’s first major tournament before backing out on Tuesday. The four-time champion had not missed a Masters since his debut as a pro in 1997.
With Woods’ health issues, the price on Rory McIlroy (+800) has crept lower and lower. The 2011 US Open champion has underachieved at Augusta in recent years, however. He finished tied for 25th last year, and in 2011 he was the leader through 63 holes before floundering down the stretch to finish tied for 15th.
Defending champion Adam Scott (+1,000) beat Angel Cabrera in a thrilling playoff last year, becoming the first Australian to win the Masters. He had three top-20 finishes prior to his success last year.
Long Shots
A bumper crop of past champions and battle-tested veterans compose the list of +7,000 or higher-priced longshots. There’s 2000 winner Vijay Singh (+8,000), who finished tied for the 38th last year. Before hitting pay dirt in 2000, Singh had three top-30 finishes at Augusta. 44-year old Ernie Els finished second in 2000 and in 2004, and was tied for 13th last year. Another veteran who could compete down the stretch is Jim Furyk (+7,000). Furyk has finished in the top 25 in each of the last three years.
Best Value
If it’s value you’re after, Bubba Watson (+2,500) and Lee Westwood (+3,500) are two golfers worth a look. Watson won the 2012 Masters, and though he was tied for 50th last year, he remains a golfer worth laying your money on. Westwood, on the other hand, is also one of the most consistent players at the Masters, having finished 11th or bettor in each of his last four appearances.
Prediction
With Woods out, take Westwood’s value to the bank. He’ll stay involved and could offer a major payout if and when he gets his due for sticking around in past years.
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