NFLNBAMLBNHLWNBASoccerGolf
Featured Video
🚨 Mitchell Headed to 1st Conference Finals

2011 Masters Odds: The 25 Players Who Can Win the 2011 Masters

John ZieglerApr 3, 2011

I can't remember a year when there were more players with a reasonable shot at winning The Masters. Even the favorite is suspect because he would be fighting against age and history.

But, bizarrely, as I have already written in "The Top Ten Reasons Tiger Woods Won't Win the 2011 Masters," the four-time Masters champ and former world No. 1 is not among the 25 most likely to be wearing a green jacket come Sunday afternoon.

Here are the 25 most likely to win it along with the odds of that happening. For entertainment purposes only. Please no actual betting. Or at least keep it to yourself if you do.

Masters Odds: Ernie Els...50-1

1 of 25
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24:  Ernie Els of South Africa plays his second shot at the 1st hole during the first round of the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at the Bay Hill Lodge and Country Club on March 24, 2011 in Orlando, Florida.  (
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Ernie Els of South Africa plays his second shot at the 1st hole during the first round of the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at the Bay Hill Lodge and Country Club on March 24, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (

The three-time major winner is running out of chances to win his first green jacket. His current game doesn't appear to be up for four rounds under the pressure of The Masters.

Odds of winning: 50-1

Masters Odds: Rickie Fowler...50-1

2 of 25
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27:  Rickie Fowler 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.  (Pho
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27: Rickie Fowler 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. (Pho

He has never won, but he does have the putter for Augusta National.

However, there must be something in the club's bylaws that bans anyone wearing all orange from being presented the green jacket.

Odds of winning: 50-1

Masters Odds: Adam Scott...50-1

3 of 25
DORAL, FL - MARCH 13:  Adam Scott of Australia hits a putt during the final round of the 2011 WGC- Cadillac Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 13, 2011 in Doral, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
DORAL, FL - MARCH 13: Adam Scott of Australia hits a putt during the final round of the 2011 WGC- Cadillac Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 13, 2011 in Doral, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Scott has never really contended at a major, though his game has been solid as of late.

However, that long putter will cause problems if he is still in contention on the back nine on Sunday.

Odds of winning: 50-1

TOP NEWS

Colts Jaguars Football
With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Celtics' fourth-quarter comeback falls short in Game 7 loss to 76ers

Masters Odds: Geoff Ogilvy...50-1

4 of 25
MARANA, AZ - FEBRUARY 25:  Geoff Ogilvy of Australia hits his second shot on the second hole during the third round of the Accenture Match Play Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on February 25, 2011 in Marana, Arizona.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty
MARANA, AZ - FEBRUARY 25: Geoff Ogilvy of Australia hits his second shot on the second hole during the third round of the Accenture Match Play Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on February 25, 2011 in Marana, Arizona. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty

The former U.S. Open Champion has a solid but unspectacular record at Augusta, which is much like his play as of late.

Odds of winning: 50-1

Masters Odds: Ian Poulter...50-1

5 of 25
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24:  Ian Poulter of England plays his second shot at the 1st hole during the first round of the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at the Bay Hill Lodge and Country Club on March 24, 2011 in Orlando, Florida.  (Pho
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Ian Poulter of England plays his second shot at the 1st hole during the first round of the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at the Bay Hill Lodge and Country Club on March 24, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Pho

Poulter almost won a British Open and isn't afraid of the big stage, but he likely lacks the ball-striking ability to win at Augusta.

Odds of winning: 50-1

Masters Odds: Jim Furyk...50-1

6 of 25
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 25:  Jim Furyk watches his tee shot at the 16th hole during the second round of the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at the Bay Hill Lodge and Country Club on March 25, 2011 in Orlando, Florida.  (Photo by David
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 25: Jim Furyk watches his tee shot at the 16th hole during the second round of the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at the Bay Hill Lodge and Country Club on March 25, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by David

Furyk is a former U.S. Open Champion and the current Fed Ex Cup holder, but his game has never been that well suited for Augusta, and the years may be taking their toll on him.

Odds of winning: 50-1

Masters Odds: Louis Oosthuizen...45-1

7 of 25
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - FEBRUARY 19:  Luis Oosthuizen of South Africa hits a tee shot on the second hole during the third round of the Northern Trust Open at the Riviera Contry Club on February 19, 2011 in Pacific Palisades, California.  (Photo by Harry H
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - FEBRUARY 19: Luis Oosthuizen of South Africa hits a tee shot on the second hole during the third round of the Northern Trust Open at the Riviera Contry Club on February 19, 2011 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Harry H

It is hard to count out the current British Open Champion, especially when he won at St. Andrews.

So many golfers have played well there and at Augusta National, but he hasn't done much since then.

Odds of winning: 45-1

Masters Odds: Aaron Baddeley...40-1

8 of 25
HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 03:  Aaron Baddeley of Australia hits his drive on the 11th hole on during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club on April 3, 2011 in Humble, Texas.  (Photo by Michael Cohen/Getty Images)
HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 03: Aaron Baddeley of Australia hits his drive on the 11th hole on during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club on April 3, 2011 in Humble, Texas. (Photo by Michael Cohen/Getty Images)

He spit the bit at Oakmont in his biggest major moment, but his game is among the best in the world right now.

Odds of winning: 40-1

Masters Odds: Graeme McDowell...35-1

9 of 25
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 11:  Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland watches his tee shot on the fifth hole during the second round of the 2011 WGC- Cadillac Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 11, 2011 in Doral, Florida.
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 11: Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland watches his tee shot on the fifth hole during the second round of the 2011 WGC- Cadillac Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 11, 2011 in Doral, Florida.

The current U.S. Open titleholder certainly has the stones to win a Masters, but his recent form has not been good.

Odds of winning: 35-1

Masters Odds: Anthony Kim...35-1

10 of 25
HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 02:  Anthony Kim hits his drive on the fourth hole 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)
HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 02: Anthony Kim hits his drive on the fourth hole 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)

He looks like a new man after his recent weight loss, and if he putts like he has in the past at Augusta, he could easily contend.

Odds of winning: 35-1

Masters Odds: Hunter Mahan...35-1

11 of 25
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27:  Hunter Mahan 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
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27: Hunter Mahan 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

Mahan certainly can make enough birdies to make a serious run, but it is hard to imagine the guy who choked at the Ryder Cup six months ago winning his first major at this Masters.

Odds of winning: 35-1

Masters Odds: Justin Rose...35-1

12 of 25
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27:  Justin Rose of England 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.  (Photo
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27: Justin Rose of England 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. (Photo

The streaky Rose could finally bloom at Augusta, but the odds are fairly long.

Odds of winning: 35-1

Masters Odds: Steve Stricker...35-1

13 of 25
HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 03:  Steve Stricker hits his drive on the fourth hole during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club on April 3, 2011 in Humble, Texas.  (Photo by Michael Cohen/Getty Images)
HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 03: Steve Stricker hits his drive on the fourth hole during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club on April 3, 2011 in Humble, Texas. (Photo by Michael Cohen/Getty Images)

A win by Stricker would end one of the greatest comeback stories in golf history. It could happen, but it is unlikely.

Odds of winning: 35-1

Masters Odds: Paul Casey...35-1

14 of 25
PALM HARBOR, FL - MARCH 17:  Paul Casey of England plays a shot on the 17th hole during the first round of the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 17, 2011 in Palm Harbor, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
PALM HARBOR, FL - MARCH 17: Paul Casey of England plays a shot on the 17th hole during the first round of the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 17, 2011 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Casey's game has always been solid, but he has never come to the final hole with a major on the line.

Odds of winning: 35-1

Masters Odds: Luke Donald...30-1

15 of 25
DORAL, FL - MARCH 11:  Luke Donald of England watches his tee shot on the 15th hole during the completion of the first round of the 2011 WGC- Cadillac Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 11, 2011 in Doral, Florid
DORAL, FL - MARCH 11: Luke Donald of England watches his tee shot on the 15th hole during the completion of the first round of the 2011 WGC- Cadillac Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 11, 2011 in Doral, Florid

He played great at the match play, but has never really met expectations at the majors. If the scores are high, his steady play could easily contend.

Odds of winning: 30-1

Masters Odds: Padraig Harrington...30-1

16 of 25
HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 02:  Padraig Harrington of the United Kingdom hits his tee shot on the seventh hole 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)
HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 02: Padraig Harrington of the United Kingdom hits his tee shot on the seventh hole 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)

The three-time major winner has shown signs of shaking his recent slump, though he probably isn't quite green-jacket ready yet.

Odds of winning: 30-1

Masters Odds: Matt Kucher...30-1

17 of 25
DORAL, FL - MARCH 13:  Matt Kuchar hits a bunker shot on the 13th hole during the final round of the 2011 WGC- Cadillac Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 13, 2011 in Doral, Florida.  (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Gett
DORAL, FL - MARCH 13: Matt Kuchar hits a bunker shot on the 13th hole during the final round of the 2011 WGC- Cadillac Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 13, 2011 in Doral, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Gett

Kucher's biggest moments at the majors may have come as an amateur, but as a pro, his game may finally be good enough to win a green jacket.

Odds of winning: 30-1

Masters Odds: Rory McIlroy...30-1

18 of 25
DORAL, FL - MARCH 13:  Rory McIlroy hits a shot during the final round of the 2011 WGC- Cadillac Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 13, 2011 in Doral, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
DORAL, FL - MARCH 13: Rory McIlroy hits a shot during the final round of the 2011 WGC- Cadillac Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 13, 2011 in Doral, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

His talent his obvious, but he has yet to seriously contend in a major.

Odds of winning: 30-1

Masters Odds: Bubba Watson...25-1

19 of 25
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27:  Bubba Watson plays a shot on the 8th hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 27, 2011 in Orlando, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27: Bubba Watson plays a shot on the 8th hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 27, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

He may have more pure talent than anyone in the game right now, but that super-loose swing may not be able to hold up on a Sunday afternoon at Augusta.

Odds of winning: 25-1

Masters Odds: Dustin Johnson...20-1

20 of 25
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24:  Dustin Johnson plays a shot on the 16th hole during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 24, 2011 in Orlando, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Ima
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Dustin Johnson plays a shot on the 16th hole during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 24, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Ima

On paper, Johnson may be the favorite, given his recent records in majors and his length off the tee. But his final round at Pebble Beach last year still leaves questions unanswered.

Odds of winning: 20-1

Masters Odds: Trevor Immelman...20-1

21 of 25
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27:  Trevor Immelman of South Africa 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
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27: Trevor Immelman of South Africa 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

Immelman is my dark-horse pick. The former Masters champion has recovered from injury and his swing looks great. If scores are high, look out for him.

Odds of winning: 20-1

Masters Odds: Nick Watney...15-1

22 of 25
DORAL, FL - MARCH 13:  Nick Watney hits a bunker shot on the 13th hole during the final round of the 2011 WGC- Cadillac Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 13, 2011 in Doral, Florida.  (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Gett
DORAL, FL - MARCH 13: Nick Watney hits a bunker shot on the 13th hole during the final round of the 2011 WGC- Cadillac Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 13, 2011 in Doral, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Gett

Watney is a popular pick thanks to his recent victory and his all-around game. I'm not sure I'm buying, but given his form, it is hard to rank him lower.

Odds of winning: 15-1

Masters Odds: Lee Westwood...15-1

23 of 25
HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 02:  Lee Westwood of England hits his drive on the third hole 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)
HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 02: Lee Westwood of England hits his drive on the third hole 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)

These odds feels like "cover your ass" material. Based on his world ranking and majors record, you have to give him a chance, but I think he is on the decline.

Odds of winning; 15-1

Masters Odds: Martin Kaymer...15-1

24 of 25
PALM HARBOR, FL - MARCH 18:  Martin Kaymer of Germany plays a shot on the 9th hole during the second round of the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 18, 2011 in Palm Harbor, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
PALM HARBOR, FL - MARCH 18: Martin Kaymer of Germany plays a shot on the 9th hole during the second round of the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 18, 2011 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Kaymer is the No. 1 player in the world and deservedly so. Winning two majors in a row and winning your first Masters without ever having contended before is a tall order, but this German could do it.

Odds of winning: 15-1

Masters Odds: Phil Mickelson...10-1

25 of 25
HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 03:  Phil Mickelson holds the trophy after winning the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club on April 3, 2011 in Humble, Texas.  (Photo by Michael Cohen/Getty Images)
HUMBLE, TX - APRIL 03: Phil Mickelson holds the trophy after winning the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club on April 3, 2011 in Humble, Texas. (Photo by Michael Cohen/Getty Images)

It is awfully hard to argue against Mickelson's play in Houston, and he is the defending Masters champion.

He has already won a Masters after winning the week before, but only three players have ever won back-to-back Masters.

It could be four by the end of the week, though at his age, nothing is ever going to be a lock.

Odds of winning: 10-1

🚨 Mitchell Headed to 1st Conference Finals

TOP NEWS

Colts Jaguars Football
With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Celtics' fourth-quarter comeback falls short in Game 7 loss to 76ers
DENVER NUGGETS VS GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS, NBA
Fox's "Special Forces" Red Carpet

TRENDING ON B/R