Vijay Singh victorious at the 2006 Masters? Golf World's John Antonini seems to think so!

After much statistical analysis and calculating the odds of 75 PGA Tour players, sports betting site Pinnacle Sports lays 3/1 odds that Tiger Woods will win this year’s Masters Tournament. It’s no surprise to most as Woods has already claimed several victories this season as well as four green jackets which hang in his own personal locker at Augusta National.

The same site also considers Phil Mickelson to be a good bet after trouncing the golfers at last week’s BellSouth Classic. He got 13/2 odds but more than focusing on winning, Phil was looking forward to the Wednesday par-3 tournament in which his daughter was his caddy.

The public doesn’t necessarily bet solely on statistics. Some just go with their favorites, the ones they root for each week, that is, unless you’re plopping hundreds down on a bet. Since I’m just a softie it’s best I keep my savings in the bank!

As you know from my most recent GFB Podcast, I am a big Mickelson fan (being a lefty myself), I am selecting the 2004 winner (keeping my fingers crossed) and will cheer for him all weekend. Barry bets with the odds of Woods perservering on Masters Sunday.

Vijay Singh is an interesting choice and I don’t necessarily disagree. As John Antonini convincingly argued using GolfWorld’s Masters Performance Index, “The MPI likes Singh because of his strong start to the year, his power game (distance, par 5’s) and his past Masters performances. He won the tournament in 2000 and hasn’t finished worse than seventh at Augusta National the last four years.” The MPI also favors Mickelson because he’s been in the top-ten at Augusta National since 1998 and he’s a long hitter, so my pick has a good shot this year too!

Now that Augusta has been lengthened I believe that the winner will come from the selection of longer hitters, Phil, Vjjay, Tiger and maybe even Ernie Els.

Mike Weir’s confidence is a bit shaken by the changes in Augusta, “I know I can still do it. But does it (the longer course) make it harder? Yeah, no question.” Doubts which creep into Weir’s mind now will probably take him right out of it. That with the 40/1 odds placed on him, I think this lefty is doomed before he begins.

A group which probably doesn’t have a chance this year? Champions Tour players. It would take a miracle for guys like Craig Stadler, Mark O’Meara and Tom Watson to survive the weekend, and of course, no carts allowed!

– Stacy Solomon