An Inside Look at Masters Field

TIGER WOODS 7-2

Off wins at Torrey Pines, Doral and Bay Hill, Tiger heads to another course where he has excelled with six top-six finishes in the past seven years. … Putting as well as he has in his career. … If you choose to oppose Tiger, the price is minus-360 for him not to win this week.

RORY McILROY 9-1

Finally found some form last week at the Texas Open after switching to Nike clubs at the start of the season — usually a sign to look elsewhere. … His early-season struggles showed the effects of the switch.

PHIL MICKELSON 10-1

Always a threat at Augusta no matter his current form. … Going for his fourth Masters title. … Current leader in ticket count support.

JUSTIN ROSE 20-1

All the ingredients of a serious contender exist with Rose, having shown fine Augusta form and off to a tremendous start this season with numerous top-10 finishes.

KEEGAN BRADLEY 25-1

On many handicappers’ short lists this week. … Showing consistently strong form with four straight top-10 finishes. … Finished 27th in his lone Augusta appearance.

DUSTIN JOHNSON 25-1

Heavily supported in the majors the past few years. … His game is rounding into shape with a fourth-place finish at Houston and 12th-place finish at Doral. … Augusta form is nothing to write home about, but he’s a long-ball hitter who could contend if his putting can hold its end of the bargain.

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN 25-1

Former British Open champion has some positives going for him this week, coming off a tie for 10th in Houston along with a second-place finish at Augusta last year.

CHARL SCHWARTZEL 25-1

Masters champion in 2011 has put together one of the better starts on the tour with multiple top-10 finishes. … Solid all-around golfer who figures to contend on Sunday. … Opening odds of 40-1 look to be good value at this point.

ADAM SCOTT 25-1

Former UNLV standout has the game to warrant support, but his epic collapse at the 2012 British Open still could be haunting him and prevent victory.

LEE WESTWOOD 25-1

A threat in majors in recent years but hasn’t put the finishing touches on it. … Recent Augusta finishes of third, 11th and second are promising if he can get past his putting woes.

LUKE DONALD 30-1

Former world No. 1 and 2011 dual money list winner has been falling out of favor with bookmakers and bettors alike. … Odds have drifted to 30-1, and support still has been minimal. … Look for sharps to oppose in matchups as he’s a short hitter up against Augusta’s length.

MATT KUCHAR 30-1

Currently second in ticket count behind Mickelson and ahead of Woods. … Since his win at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, has seen a steady stream of support at the betting window. … Third-place finish at Augusta last year has helped his cause.

BRANDT SNEDEKER 30-1

He had the hottest start in golf this season — a win at Pebble Beach included in four out of five top-three finishes — until a rib injury detracted from his Augusta hopes of glory. … Since coming back from injury, has missed cuts at Bay Hill and Houston. … Has seen the largest swing in odds, starting at 80-1 in August and reaching a low of 15-1 after his Pebble Beach win.

BUBBA WATSON 35-1

Defending champion is garnering less and less support to repeat this week. … Odds have drifted from an opening of 25-1.

SERGIO GARCIA 40-1

Question his mental approach, as he publicly has stated he doubts his chances in majors. … Better to support him in matchups if he is on your short list.

HUNTER MAHAN 40-1

Has erratic course form with three top 12s and two missed cuts in the past five years. … Seems to have peaked about a month ago with his form fading away from the winner’s circle.

IAN POULTER 40-1

Has shown some relatively good current and course form. … Worth a look as an outsider at 50-1 or higher.

STEVE STRICKER 40-1

Woods’ “putting coach” after giving him tips at Doral. … Recognized as one of the top putters on the tour. … Relatively short hitter, so that neutralizes his putting ability.

JASON DAY 50-1

Coming off an injury-plagued season. … Finished second in his first Masters appearance in 2010. … Recent form has been average.

JASON DUFNER 50-1

One of the most heavily supported golfers in the majors last year. … This year seems like he’s more into “Dufnering” than his play on the course.

RICKIE FOWLER 50-1

Has the aggressive approach needed at Augusta. … Surprising there hasn’t been more support for him after opening at 30-1.

GRAEME McDOWELL 50-1

Inconsistent both in current and course form, thus not a surprise to see him perform well or miss the cut.

JIM FURYK 60-1

Off a third-place finish at last week’s Texas Open. … Proves most difficult to support in outright market as he finds reasons to not close the deal lately. … Better to support in matchups.

BILL HAAS 60-1

Has had a good start to the season, with five top-10 finishes. … Augusta form reveals a best of 26th place in 2010. … Was supported at 80-1.

WEBB SIMPSON 60-1

The 2012 U.S. Open winner has one Masters appearance, finishing 44th last year. … Lack of support has moved his odds from 50-1.

NICK WATNEY 60-1

Most notable contender of Vegas valley residents. … Strength is course form, with three straight top 20s from 2008 to 2010. … Current form is what has increased his odds, having not finished inside the top 25 in the past couple of months.

PETER HANSON 80-1

PGA Tour rookie has had success in Europe before making the switch to America. … Has a third-place finish last year to go with three straight recent top 25s.

BO VAN PELT 80-1

After a solid campaign last season, and two excellent finishes in two starts at Augusta, has had a rough start to the season. … Those supporting him hope he can pick up where he left off last year with a final-round 64.

RYAN MOORE 125-1

Another former UNLV standout. … Has been struggling lately. … Course form of 35th in 2011 and 14th in 2010 are only positive signs at the moment.

SCOTT PIERCY 150-1

Local golfer making his debut at Augusta. … Maiden win last year at the RBC Canadian Open punched his ticket this week. … Has struggled with recent form.

FIELD (all others) 20-1

Notables in our “field” include George Coetzee, Russell Henley and 14-year-old amateur Guan Tianlang of China. … An additional 20 golfers comprise the field.