Bridgestone Invitational 2012: Odds and Predictions for Top Golfers

The 2012 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational begins today and almost every top golfer in the world will be on hand to earn some prestige and try and grab a piece of the $8.5 million purse.

Golf fans and sports bettors will also be able to profit off of the Akron, Ohio-based event by making smart wagers on who will win the tournament.

Let’s take a look at some of the top competitors in the field this year and their odds, courtesy of Bovada.lv.

Tiger Woods – 5/1

Tiger traditionally dominates this tournament. He’s won a record seven times and has the lowest score in the event’s history (259 aggregate, 21-under-par), which dates back to 1976.

He’s coming off of a strong T3 finish at the British Open and looking to continue the dominance he has culminated on the PGA Tour this season.

Expect Woods to be at or near the top of the leaderboard when the Bridgestone Invitational concludes.

Luke Donald – 14/1

Donald may have never won a major, but he’s ranked No. 1 in the world because of his consistent and solid play in every tournament he enters.

The Englishman isn’t a bad play here, although he’s never won at the Bridgestone before. There is certainly a first time for everything.

Adam Scott – 16/1

Scott is coming off an emotional collapse at The Open Championship and it’s unknown how it will impact his composure and psyche during this event.

The bookmakers are obviously a bit leery; as it’s likely they would have made him a favorite had he won at Royal Lytham and St. Annes. Scott is the reigning champion at Firestone Country Club and knows how to win on the course.

He’s a great value bet at 16/1 and bettors should jump on it.

Rory McIlroy – 18/1

McIlroy may be a bit overvalued as a fan favorite, but he’s still a dangerous golfer that could catch fire at any time. He hasn’t truly displayed his best form since the 2011 U.S. Open, but it’s unlikely that he will lie dormant for much longer.

If you think McIlroy will regain his composure and touch at Bridgestone, 18/1 is a solid play.

Phil Mickelson – 33/1

Lefty is having a rough 2012, but there is no way that he continues to stumble this badly for any longer.

At 42 years old, Phil still has something left in the tank and should be eager to prove it after a series of rough tournaments this season.

This is my favorite bet on the board and Mickelson can be comfortably backed at 33/1.