Masters Odds 2012: PGA Stars Poised for a Deep Run

That feeling you have right now is guilt, because there is no way the Masters should ever be this good. 

From the beauty of Amen Corner and the budding Azaleas, the Masters is a feast for the eyes. You could take a couple of clubhouse pros from a municipal course and I would watch at least 15 minutes. 

The other part of the greatest golf tournament of the year is, of course, the talent. This year will welcome one of the best fields in recent memory and will actually include a Tiger Woods who can putt and drive like his old self. 

We are about to go through four days of amazing shots and beautiful views. We might as well get to know some of the cast of characters. 

(Odds via Bovada.lv.)

1. Tiger Woods: Odds to Win 9/2

You might have heard of this man who already has four green jackets hanging in what I assume is a very big closet. 

Finally, we can call him a genuine contender once again. He put together four days at Bay Hill that were so strong, we can't really question that his putting will be a problem at Augusta—a place that demands a keen eye. 

2. Rory McIlroy: Odds to Win 6/1

The smell of an epic collapse is in the air. It could be the freshly-mowed grass, but I am going with choke job. 

McIlroy will come in hoping to make up for a brilliant three days at Augusta last year that ran headlong into disaster in the fourth. He is in fine form and will be there on the last day. 

3. Phil Mickelson: Odds to Win 11/1

Yeah, you remember him? Lefty has been lost in the shuffle of whether or not Tiger is back and whether or not McIlroy is the heir apparent. 

Well, he has the three jackets that say he can dominate this course better than most of the field. We will see a great deal of Mickelson this weekend. 

4. Luke Donald: Odds to Win 14/1

It just goes to show you how star-studded this tournament will be when you consider that the No. 1-ranked PGA player is considered the fourth-likeliest to win. 

Donald has been playing some inspired golf lately, and there is no reason to think that he will be on the outs in this go-around. Augusta has dealt him some frustration in the past, but he is a new man heading into Thursday. 

5. Lee Westwood: Odds to Win 22/1

The No. 3 player in the world is barely in the top in regards to odds. 

While he was tied for 11th last year, he is only two years removed from a runner-up placement at Augusta. He is my dark horse headed into the Masters. 

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