On Tuesday, Tiger Woods tweeted that he will not be taking part in the 2014 Masters Tournament, missing his first trip to Augusta since he became a pro in 1997. The injury couldn’t come at a worse time: Woods has recently regained his best form, is the No. 1-ranked golfer in the world, and is just four back of Jack Nicklaus’ all-time record for major wins at 18.
Sad to say I’m missing the Masters. Thanks to the fans for so many kind wishes. http://t.co/Ofbre9VHEL
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 1, 2014
Woods was forced to miss the tournament after doctors encouraged him to have a procedure to address a pinched nerve. As Woods had been the odds-on favorite to don the green jacket at +700, the field is now wide open for the first major of the year. Who stands to gain? Our oddsmakers have been hard at work resetting the field now that Woods is out. Read on for our breakdown of the new-look field and get into the action by betting on the Masters.
3 Players Who Stand to Gain from Woods “Backing Out” of Masters
[sc:Golf240banner ]While other golfers may not enjoy the same popularity as Woods, there are plenty who can make all the shots still set to play, and they will be gunning to pick up a major win without Tiger there to challenge them. Here are three we think could make moves this weekend.
Adam Scott – +1,000
With the No. 1 player out, there’s no player more excited that the No. 2-ranked Adam Scott. Scott won the Masters last year and, at +1,000, offers great value to repeat. The Australian beat out Angel Cabrera in a playoff last year, and comes into Thursday hungry for another win.
Lee Westwood – +3,500
For our money, the best underdog in this tournament is the man with the 12th-longest odds in the field, Lee Westwood. Westwood has done what few can at the Masters: be consistent. Westwood has rung up four straight top 11 finishes at the Masters, including third in 2012 and second in 2014. If Westwood can hang around, like he’s proven he can, he may just be the last man standing without Woods there to push him off the podium.
Rory McIlroy – +800
Rory McIlroy has never been a big time Masters performer, but he has played well this season and the Irishman is the favorite now that Woods is out. No. 7 in the PGA rankings, McIlroy is never a bad bet in a golf tournament, but his lack of form at this particular championship (his best finish was 15th in 2011) makes him a longer shot despite the short odds.
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