While many are bemoaning the lack of quality in US golf at present, the leading favourites in this week’s US Masters are still American. Phil Mickelson (7/1) is the favourite, and rightfully so, coming into the event with a good win last weekend. Tiger Woods (12/1) is second favourite, and with four Master titles to his name, you can never underrate him at Augusta. His form has been a little up and down and he is winless for almost two years now – but then, this is the Masters – his happy hunting ground in the past.

Of the Europeans, Lee Westwards (16/1) is third favourite just ahead of Nick Watney (18/1) and Martin Kaymer (20/1). The golfer to watch is perhaps Graeme McDowell. He defeated Woods in play off in December last year (the closest Woods as gone to winning for a long time) and is the current US Open champion. He is at the surprising odds of 33/1 and well worth an each way bet.

The Masters is an event where anyone can win if they are on song over the four days. There are several golfers who have shown a little form coming into this event and one to watch over the first two days is Aaron Baddeley. He was up there near the leaders and challenging Mickelson last weekend only to fade in the run home. If he can maintain his concentration, then he could be worth following – especially at 50/1.

This is one event that is possibly worth sitting back and watching for the first two days just to see who makes the cut, and who is handling the course and the conditions. Can Woods win? He is certainly in with a chance. It’s rare for a golfer to win two tournaments in a row and that makes it hard to back Mickelson, even though he is favourite. We prefer to sit on the fence at present, but if pushed we would back Justin Rose – he’s consistent, he’s always thereabout, and he is the kind of golfer that can sneak up the leader board. At 25/1, he is well thought of by punters and online bookmakers, and priced well for an each way bet.