Players Championship 2013 Odds: Predictions for Top Golfers in Elite Field

A month after descending on Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters, most of the world's top golfers are back in action this week at The Players Championship. It's a star-studded field led by favorite Tiger Woods.

The best thing about these type of events is the sheer volume of golfers capable of winning. From the main choices like Woods and Masters champion Adam Scott to longer shots like Ian Poulter and Hunter Mahan, there is no shortage of contenders.

Knowing that, let's examine the top three oddsmakers' choices and predict how they will fare at TPC Sawgrass. Regardless of who comes out on top, it should be a very interesting weekend of golf.

All lines are courtesy of Bovada.

Tiger Woods (7-1)

The Players has never been one of Woods' best events. He's won it just once—all the way back in 2001—and finished a distant 40th last year. He maintains his heavy-favorite status because of his recent form, which is unmatched even in this terrific field.

Woods has finished inside the top four in all but one of his five stroke-play events on the PGA Tour this season, including three victories.

The biggest difference has been his putting. He ranks first in that category, helping him get back on top of the golfing world.

His strong play means Woods should once again be in contention throughout the weekend. That said, his inability to close the deal more often in this event is a concern. Expect a top-five finish, but not Woods' fourth win of the season.

Prediction: Fifth place

Adam Scott (16-1)

Scott returns to the course for the first time since his Masters triumph. He earned the victory in a playoff over Angel Cabrera, marking his first major title. At the same time, the win will cause the pressure on his shoulders to rise moving forward.

One thing he will be forced to combat is a post-major letdown.

It would be easy for him to fade after picking up the win at Augusta. Instead, Scott must build off that momentum and establish himself as one of the best golfers on the planet. He certainly has the talent.

Like Woods, he's won the Players once before (2004). Picking up back-to-back wins against top-notch fields would be a lot to ask of any golfer. Scott should hover around the top 10, but he'll fall short of another trophy.

Prediction: Eighth place

Rory McIlroy (16-1)

Slowly, but surely, McIlroy is showing signs of life after a slow start to the season. It was a slump that was blamed on everything from the mental side of the top ranking to changing clubs, but he's finally putting all that talk behind him.

He's had three top-10 finishes over his past five starts.

While that's a low standard for a player of his talent and accomplishments, it illustrates progress. It gives off the impression that he's getting closer to breaking through again.

Don't be surprised if it happens this week. Like Woods, this hasn't been his favorite event over the years, but when he's playing at his best, that doesn't matter. A victory against such a talented field would be a huge statement from McIlroy and his game is reaching a point where he can pull it off.

Prediction: Champion