2011 Masters Golf Tournament Betting Odds & Predictions

Golf betting can be an unforgiving mistress. Yet in order to make things a little more interesting, many of us will be having a small wager on proceedings this weekend.

The next few days could well be spent pouring over statistics like form, driving accuracy and putting rates. But as Zach Johnson and Trevor Immelman taught us in successive years, sometimes you can be better off just sticking a pin in it.

For the first time in what seems like an eternity, Tiger Woods will not start as favourite for the Masters. His lack of form means he's had to concede that honor to Phil Mickelson, although many will still be ploughing into the 12/1 widely available.

Here's five golfers that could give you reason to be cheerful come Sunday evening.

5. Stuart Appleby 150/1

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ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 14: Stuart Appleby of Australia smiles during the first day of the Tavistock Cup at Isleworth Golf and Country Club on March 14, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

No betting preview is complete without tipping a rank outsider and our pick is the Australian, Stuart Appleby.

Not a fashionable choice, but Appleby possesses a crucial quality, course form.

As well as making a solid start to this season, he’s finished in the top 30 in the last four Masters tournaments he’s participated in, so you should at least get a good run for your money.

4. Miguel Angel Jimenez 125/1

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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - JANUARY 28: Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain putting with his wedge for birdie on the 15th hole after he had broken his putter on a previous hole during the second round of the 2011 Volvo Champions held at the Royal Golf Club on January 2

Miguel Angel Jimenez is often cited as one of the finest golfers of his generation never to win a major and at 47, his time may well have passed.

At 125/1 however, 'the mechanic' certainly represents a decent each way bet. He’s made the cut in the last five renewals at Augusta and is currently ninth in the Race to Dubai standings.

Those statistics earmark the possibility of a sustained run this weekend.

3. Bubba Watson 40/1

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ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27: Bubba Watson of the USA plays his tee shot on the 16th hole during the final round of the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at the Bay Hill Lodge and Country Club on March 27, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Phot

One of the key attributes required around Augusta National is power. With the par fives offering birdie opportunities that can be sparse elsewhere, the bigger hitters can be at a distinct advantage.

They don't come much bigger than Bubba.

He's not just brawn, though.

Watson possesses a decent all round game and has made a great start to the season.

Currently eighth in the Fed Ex Cup standings, Watson could be a dark horse to prevail on Sunday.

2. Nick Watney 18/1

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PALM HARBOR, FL - MARCH 20: Nick Watney hits a shot on the 2nd hole during the final round of the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 20, 2011 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Nick Watney enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2010 and looked set to capture the first major of his career in August's US PGA Championship.

Like his compatriot Dustin Johnson in the US Open, however, Watney capitulated in the final round.

Much the same way as Johnson was able to bounce back to get himself in contention at that PGA, Watney will be aiming to do likewise this weekend.

He recently showed nerves of steel in winning the WGC Cadillac Championship last month and will hope that mental fortitude prevails at Augusta.

In his three Masters so far, Watney has finished 11^th,19^th and seventh and represents a great bet to win this year’s tournament.  

1. Phil Mickelson 13/2

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HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 02: Phil Mickelson celebrates his birdie on the 13th green during the third round of the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club on April 2, 2011 in Humble, Texas. (Photo by Michael Cohen/Getty Images)

Not much introduction needed here. Phil Mickelson is the justifiable favourite for this year's US Masters.

'Lefty' boasts a spectacular record at Augusta and comes into the tournament off a stunning success at the Houston Open yesterday.

With last years victory fresh in his mind, the American will be looking to become only the second golfer in 20 years to retain the legendary green jacket.

Winner in 2004, 2007 and 2010, Mickelson has only finished outside the top ten once in the last ten renewals and it will be a brave man who bets against him winning at Augusta this weekend.