posted April 10, 2008 at 17:07 in Golf Articles

I’m honestly running out of ways to make Tiger Woods articles interesting because the drama speaks for itself. And I’m sure you’re tired of reading “Tiger on the Prowl Again!” and “Tiger Stalking Leader board” type headlines. So, with The Masters getting underway tonight, I present to you a preview of the 2008 Masters that will be absolutely free of analogies that drill you with “Tiger is also a carnivore in the jungle” attempts at humor. You’re welcome.

Woods is the obvious heavy favorite in a tournament where he has only won once in five years. He wants that Grand Slam, and another Green Jacket to hang in his closet. Woods is playing on a far higher level than the field. And when the arena is at its grandest, Woods always shines. And you can bet that he hasn’t forgotten the stinging “defeat” he had the last time he hit the fairways. If there’s a fiercer competitor in any sport, I haven’t seen it yet.

Probably the most absurd (and also my favorite) betting trend is that Lefty will win his third jacket this year. Why? He won in 2004 and 2006. And guess what? It’s 2008! That’s right – Lefty OWNS Masters Tournaments in even numbered calendar years. It’s a proven fact. Bet against it if you want. Go ahead. I dare you.

Ok, before my editor fires me, I have to tell you that last bit was sarcasm. But I still love Phil Mickelson in this tournament because of how well he’s been striking the ball lately. Obviously, the betting faithful that always stand by the charming Mickelson and that’s because Phil can flick the switch at any given time. And with his reputation fading after failing to finish higher than 17th at the past four events, Phil needs to step up his game and prove to the sports betting community he’s still worth the gamble.

I’m not going to lambaste you with another praising bit about Justin Rose. He’s killing me. Rose finished in the top-12 of every single major last year and is gunning for creditability as a lock to finish in the top-5. Unfortunately, he hasn’t shown the gusto yet, and the pressure is mounting with every tournament he places out of the top-10. So instead of praising him, I’m hoping for some reverse luck on this by saying he stinks and will never win. I’ll let you know if this paragraph’s butterfly effect works by Sunday evening.

Jim Furyk and Vijay Singh are still amongst the best in the world, but both are chocking in tournaments. Did you see Singh’s bogey-filled Saturday in his last outing? It was atrocious. Meanwhile, Furyk’s results are finally becoming as ugly as his swing. Furyk’s best finish at the Masters was fourth, but that seems like a stretch this year.

Ernie Els is perhaps the most intriguing bet in the entire field. Now working with Butch Harmon on his stroke, Els has catapulted up the charts as a likely contender. His problem, however, hasn’t been producing. It’s been closing. He’s finished second in this tournament five times and in the top-6 the three other times. He’s like the Buffalo Bills at the Masters.

The following are players that you might want to like but shouldn’t for various reasons (this may come off as lazy, but do you really want to read my dicing up the game of your favorite players?): Sergio Garcia, Steve Stricker, Mike Weir, Rory Sabbatini and Angel Cabrera, Geoff Ogilvy, Paul Casey (considering the conditions) and Steward Cink. Sorry guys. This just ain’t your year.

The fact remains, that all eyes will be on Tiger Woods. Who can rise up to challenge him and slip their arms in to the green jacket at the end? My bets are on Lee Westwood and Aaron Baddeley. Putting wins in this tournament, and Baddeley is nasty with the flat stick. Westwood’s improved conditioning, combined with his raw golf talent, may be enough to keep up with Tiger as he marches towards destiny.

The 2008 Masters is where Tiger has to make his mark on the season. If he falls short, then every writer in America will be ready to question is he back up his words that winning all the Majors in one calendar year was “easily within reason”. As of right now, I’m not prepared to doubt him. Are you?

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