Tiger's return makes Augusta Masters a whole new ball game

This time last year, the world No.1 was trading at 2/1. A year on, Woods is a 10/1 chance (Seahorses) and, while he made a successful comeback from a longer absence from the game due to injury, the general feeling is that this is a much bigger ask and one that is beyond him — perhaps?

Finding who will beat him is no easy task, though, as it is safe to say this is the most open Masters for years.

The course at Augusta has been lengthened and tweaked in recent years but this year’s version is little different to 2009, although there has been some tinkering to the second, fifth, seventh and 13th holes.

As always, those players who are long off the tee and find their short game will prosper.

Paul’s Three Off The Tee

Paul Casey 33/1

Balls of steel are required to win at Augusta and the Englishman is better equipped than most to cope with the inevitable pressure that brings.

Granted, has yet to add a Major to his resume but has always said the Masters represents his best chance and that is backed up by a solid bank of course form.

Since finishing sixth on his debut in 2004, he has posted finishes of sixth, 10th, 11th and 20th, and has hinted at better still in 2010 with top 10 finishes in four stateside starts, including a runners-up spot in the WGC Accenture Matchplay.

And don’t let last week’s ‘muscle problem’, which prevented him from defending his Houston Open title, put you off.

Think of that ‘injury’ what you like but the bottom line is that has had another full week to prepare and was one of the first on the practice ground this week.

A stroke of tactical genius, perhaps? Fresh, in-form, and with the game to tame Augusta, he looks a serious contender this week.

Charl Schwartzel 80/1 

No debutant has won at Augusta since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 but not many have turned up with the credentials of the young South African, who has been producing the goods in top-class stateside events in recent weeks.

His runner-up finish in stellar company at Doral was impressive enough but to follow it up with a share of third at Houston on a course not dissimilar to Augusta marks him down as world class and makes him one of the form horses coming into this week.

Twice a winner on the European Tour this season, he won’t shirk the challenge should he get into contention and with doubts over some of the bigger names, quotes of 80/1 about him wearing the Green Jacket on Sunday are more than fair.

Justin Rose

His T5th at the Transitions Championship was some of the best ball striking I have ever seen.

Through three rounds he led driving accuracy and greens in regulation and was hitting it nine feet closer on average than the next guy.

Then Sunday came along. He got off to the perfect start hitting good shots and was – 1 through six holes and looking good.

Then he seemed to hit a wall. Four bogies in a row came from doing very little wrong.

A little bad luck, then a couple poor chips and then a mental error chasing a pin that deserved respect.

 The first few days were a battle at Bay Hill for Arnold Palmer’s tournament.

Staying patient was not coming easily and again he was playing really well and not getting much out of it.

But just like at Transi-tions, if you commit to doing the right things, generally you’ll get rewarded and this happened on the last nine on Sunday.

Possibly one of the best nines he has ever played. The pin placements were as tough as I have ever seen and the greens hard and fast.

Steve Marino birdied 18 to finish second and bump him into T3rd.

A great result from the start of the day and a little redemption from the previous Sunday.

So I know by the time this is out, it may be late to get the best prices on these three, but all three should offer great value.

So get down to Seahorses’ and win some money.

Talking of which a big thanks go to Seahorses which is sponsoring the Jack Daniel’s Tour.