Tiger Woods: Why You Shouldn't Sleep on Tiger at This Weekend's Masters

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Tiger Woods' Struggles Continue, But We Should Know Better Than to Count Him Out at Augusta National

Tiger Woods has not looked like the golfer who made the game's best shake in their boots when they saw him atop a leaderboard over the last 12 months. In fact, Woods has spent precious little time on top of a leaderboard since making his post-cheating debacle return at the 2010 Masters Tournament.

But, with this year's annual trip to Augusta National, arguably one of the most beautiful courses on the face of the Earth, the field might want to watch their step.

Sure, Woods has yet to win a tournament since coming back on tour last April. Sure, his game has been club snappingly inconsistent, and sure, his putter and driver are continuing to betray him.

With Tiger though, you never want to bet against him here. At Augusta National.

See, this is where it all began for young Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods. He won his first major title here in 1997, shaking the tree of the golfing establishment in the process. He's won four Masters total, tied with the PGA Tournament for the most of any of the majors in his career.

Remember last year, when Woods' life was literally falling down around him? Where did he decide to come back? That would be Augusta National, where he finished an incredibly solid fourth.

There's something about Tiger and this golf course; like they're inexorably linked until the day Woods hangs up the black hat and red polo for the last time.

It's not like Tiger's been a complete lost cause, either; he's flashed the game that made him golf's most feared player this side of Palmer and Nicklaus for a round or two, he just hasn't put it together for a full tournament yet.

There's a reason the oddsmakers have Tiger as the second favorite to win the thing: because they know that Tiger always ups his game for this tournament.

Am I saying he's going to win it? Not necessarily; he's going to have to fight Phil Mickelson for that distinction this season, as well as Lee Westwood, last year's runner-up.

But, do you really want to bet against him, at this course, with the azaleas blooming, the grass such a beautiful shade of emerald green, and the green jacket up for grabs?

Neither would I.

For more golf, check out 2011 Masters Odds, Favorites and Predictions for This Year's Tournament.

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