Masters Odds 2012: Vegas Odds for Phil Mickelson and More Contenders

It's almost time for "a tradition unlike any other," which means it is also time to start predicting the most likely winners at this year's Masters.

The three favorites by a long shot are Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson. But what are the odds for each? And are they really as likely to win as the odds suggest? Who else with favorable odds could sneak in and take the event?

All shall be revealed.

Tiger Woods: 4-1

Oddsmakers believe one of two things: Either Tiger Woods is back, or a whole lot of people will be willing to bet he's back despite the odds.

I would guess the latter. Woods may have won at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, but I don't think the old Tiger has magically returned. Proceed with caution given these odds.

Rory McIlroy: 5-1

For my money, McIlroy should be the favorite heading into this tournament. A Sunday with he and Woods battling down to the wire would make me—and the golfing community—very, very happy.

Phil Mickelson: 8-1

Mickelson would love to get a fourth green jacket, which would tie him with Woods in Masters victories.

Few players are better at Augusta. Don't be surprised if Mickelson gets that fourth jacket.

Luke Donald: 15-1

The world's top-ranked golfer can't be ignored despite the odds suggesting he isn't a top-three candidate to win at the Masters. With three top-10 finishes in seven appearances at the event, don't forget about Mr. Donald.

Lee Westwood: 18-1

Rob Bolton at PGA.com went ahead and power-ranked a few golfers heading into the Masters. Here's his case for why Westwood will be in contention this weekend:

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Runner-up in 2010. Settled for a T11 last year due to a third-round 74. Five top threes in his last nine starts in majors. Started this season with a pair of solo fourth-place finishes. Ranks second on TOUR in both greens hit and the all-around.

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He's got the chops. But I still think the most likely winner will be either Woods, McIlroy or Mickelson.

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