Golf / Jake Norton / 09 April 2008 / Leave a comment " class="free-bet-btn" rel="external">Bet Now

It would take a very brave person to assert with confidence that Tiger Woods will be beaten in this year's US Masters, starting on Thursday (Friday morning AEST, televised on Channel Ten from 5.45am). A brave person, or perhaps an insane one.

Granted, one can never declare a selection with certainty. Although with Betfair punters currently offering $2.32 about Tiger, reflecting a near 50% probability of winning his fifth Masters - phenomenal in a 94-strong field - Woods is near enough to it. 2006 winner Phil Mickelson is the only one in sight of Tiger in the market, currently trading at $13.50.

FOR TIGER FANS
Our advice? Well, for those keen on Woods (given that some 60% of money invested on the Masters is on the world no. 1, that's most of us!), the thin odds on offer do open up an array of in-play betting and trading opportunities; in three out of his four victories in 2008, Tiger traded at longer than $7 mid-tournament. If some value catches your eye in-play, simply call 1800 759 354 to place your bet.

For those with supreme confidence, it should also be noted that 5 of his 13 major victories have been won by more than 5 strokes, so a look at the Winning Margin market would be advisable. There's also our Tiger 2008 Special market, where you can currently back Woods at $14.50 to take the Grand Slam.

FOR TIGER OPPOSERS
Whether you think Tiger will be upset or you're simply unprepared to take the short price on the champ, plenty of options remain. Other than Mickelson, you can expect 25-1 or better on any other player in the tournament. We even have a market on who will be the winner without Tiger; Mickelson ($7.60) heads it up in front of Vijay Singh and Ernie Els, who currently fetch $13 and $17 respectively.

FOR PATRIOTS
Fiercely patriotic Aussie punters may not wish to throw their financial support behind anyone from outside the antipodes. We understand that, and despite the knowledge that no Australian has saluted at Augusta before, duly have the relevant Top Aussie market; '06 US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy and world top-ten Adam Scott head up the list.

FOR EVERY PUNTER
As usual, all punters will invariably find the Betfair betting experience the supreme one. For one, the markets on offer a whole host of choice; on top of those mentioned, there are markets to make the cut, top 5 and top 10 finishes, plus many, many more.

And ultimately, you invariably best US Masters value at Betfair. Here's a quick look at the top fancies:
Betfair* TAB Sportsbet % difference*
Tiger Woods $2.32 $2.10 10%
Phil Mickelson $13.50 $11 22%
Vijay Singh $25 $21 19%
Geoff Ogilvy $30 $26 15%
Retief Goosen $34 $26 30%
Adam Scott $36 $26 38%
Ernie Els $36 $21 71%

* Prices taken 4pm 7 April 2008. Betfair prices and percentage difference in odds taken before Betfair commission (between 2-5% on net winnings) deducted.