Masters Field 2013: Odds, Favorites and Tournament Preview
The 2013 Masters has everything going for it to be an instant classic. With stars like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson all looking ready to bring their best, the potential is there for a dramatic finish at the year's first major.
Not that the Masters needs stars to be a great event. With Amen Corner and a host of holes that can reward risky play, this tournament always packs the drama.
Last year was a great example. Bubba Watson took home his first major after he forced a playoff with four consecutive birdies on the final back nine, and then pulled off this miracle shot to help him beat Louis Oosthuizen:
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For most golf fans, this is the greatest week of the year. Here is when and where you can catch the action, followed by a look at the odds and the tournament's favorites.
Where: Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga.
When: Thursday, April 11 through Sunday, April 14
TV Schedule
Thursday: ESPN from 3-7:30 p.m. ET
Friday: ESPN from 3-7:30 p.m. ET
Saturday: CBS from 3-7 p.m. ET
Sunday: CBS from 2-7 p.m. ET
Live Stream
Masters.com offers a great second screen option that allows you to follow highlighted groups or different holes.
Odds
*odds according to Bovada on April 8.
- Tiger Woods, 7/2
- Rory McIlroy, 8/1
- Phil Mickelson, 10/1
- Justin Rose, 20/1
- Charl Schwartzel, 22/1
- Dustin Johnson, 25/1
- Lee Westwood, 25/1
- Louis Oosthuizen, 25/1
- Adam Scott, 28/1
- Brandt Snedeker, 28/1
- Keegan Bradley, 28/1
- Bubba Watson, 33/1
- Luke Donald, 33/1
- Matt Kuchar, 33/1
- Hunter Mahan, 40/1
- Ian Poulter, 40/1
- Sergio Garcia, 40/1
- Rickie Fowler, 45/1
- Graeme McDowell, 50/1
- Henrik Stenson, 50/1
Breaking Down the Favorites
Tiger Woods
For a guy that hasn't won a major in nearly five years, the odds on Tiger Woods are shockingly low. However, they are also justifiable.
Tiger is in great form. He's won his last two PGA Tour events, and other than his 55.8 driving accuracy percentage, his game is spot on. Augusta is not a course that requires pinpoint work off the tee.
It does challenge a player on the greens, though, and Tiger is on fire with the flat blade.
Tiger is the Tour's No. 1 putter this year with 1.476 strokes gained-putting.
Anyway you want to look at it, Tiger is in great position to claim his fifth green jacket.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy's 2013 got off to a rough start. He was having a hard time controlling his ball, and his scores were suffering.
McIlroy had a light early schedule, but he's been busy lately.
An inconsistent performance in a 45th-placed finish at the Houston Open, led to him deciding to enter last week's Texas Open.
It appears to be the right call for McIlroy. Rory looked much more confident and in control of his game. He also regained a little pep in his step as he finished in second.
If he can maintain that form, he will definitely be a factor here.
Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson is in good form and he looks ready to contend at his favorite major.
In two of his last three Tour events, the three-time green jacket winner has a third and 16th-place finish. He has also already picked up a win at Phoenix in February.
While inconsistency has always plagued Phil, Augusta plays to his strengths, and he has the recent performances here that prove that.
He last won here in 2010, finished in 27th the following year, and came in third last year.
Mickelson has been solid with his putter, and if he keeps that going this week, he will be a factor.
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