Masters 2014: Odds for Sleepers and Favorites Heading into Augusta
Just because Tiger Woods is a no-go for the 2014 Masters doesn't mean the year's first major is without intrigue and appeal.
There are several unestablished players looking to make a mark in the sport and stars in search of their next big win on the PGA Tour.
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Rory McIlroy
Despite never finishing any higher than 15th on the leaderboard at Augusta, per nearly every source on Odds Checker Rory McIlroy is the favorite to win his first green jacket this year.
CBS Sports' Eye on Golf acknowledges McIlroy's strong finish at the Houston Open and suggests it's an indication he's ready for the Masters.
Even McIlroy is pointing to his final-round 65 as a confidence booster heading into Augusta.
Golf is a crazy and sometimes cruel game. The player who is the logical pick doesn't always win. In fact, it seems as if the obvious selection usually doesn't, at least not since Woods became human.
McIlroy's final round in Houston was impressive, but it was his only sub-70 day of the tournament. Consistency will be key if he's going to win at Augusta. That's been perhaps the biggest issue of his career.
In October 2013, McIlroy talked to Michael Scully of the Irish Mirror about his inconsistency and correcting the problems. If he doesn't find a way to stay away from the dreadful round at the Masters, he won't make good on his status as a favorite.
Where are the other members of the field as it pertains to odds? Here are the top 11 players on Bovada's odds list.
| Rory McIlroy | 10-1 |
| Phil Mickelson | 10-1 |
| Adam Scott | 11-1 |
| Jason Day | 14-1 |
| Bubba Watson | 20-1 |
| Matt Kuchar | 22-1 |
| Sergio Garcia | 25-1 |
| Dustin Johnson | 25-1 |
| Henrik Stenson | 25-1 |
| Justin Rose | 25-1 |
| Zach Johnson | 25-1 |
Jordan Spieth Is a Sleeper
The 2013 Rookie of the Year isn't high on the odds list, but don't underestimate his ability to rise to the occasion.
This will be the 20-year-old's first time competing at the Masters, but he's a confident and clearly talented young player.
He's currently a 50-1 underdog. It's understandable given his overall inexperience and his lack of familiarity with Augusta National. But Spieth has proven to be a quick study.
He showed tremendous growth in 2013, and he could be a force at the Masters.
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