Tiger Woods fall from grace clearer than ever as Masters chances nonexistent after return confirmed
Title: Tiger Woods’ Masters Odds Lengthen Amidst Speculation of Limited Competitiveness
Tiger Woods, the golf legend, has secured his place in the upcoming Masters tournament, marking his first Major appearance of the season. However, pundits are skeptical about his ability to contend, as his odds for clinching a record-equalling sixth Green Jacket have surged to unprecedented levels since his inclusion in the tournament’s entry list.
At 48 years old, Woods, a 15-time Major winner, will embark on his 26th Masters journey with the goal of surpassing previous records for cuts made at Augusta. Nevertheless, his prolonged absence from competitive play, coupled with recent health setbacks, has cast doubt on his chances of making a significant impact on the leaderboard.
Having withdrawn from the Genesis Invitational in February due to illness after a 13-month hiatus from completing a PGA Tour event, Woods’ preparation for the Masters remains minimal. His last active involvement in the PGA Tour involved discussions with the Saudi Public Investment Fund and Newcastle chairman Yasser Al-Rumayyan, signaling a shift from the greens to off-course engagements.
Despite his remarkable victory at Augusta in 2019, where he clinched his fifth Green Jacket, bookmakers and analysts are less optimistic about his prospects this time around. Lee Phelps, a spokesperson for William Hill, highlighted Woods’ lack of competitive rounds this year as a significant concern, leading to a drift in his odds for securing another Masters title.
Dan Kilbridge, Senior Handicapper for Bookies.com, emphasized Woods’ dwindling odds, attributing them to concerns over his limited preparation. While Woods’ odds stood at 120/1 just weeks ago, they have since plummeted to 160/1, positioning him as one of the least favored contenders in the field.
Despite the skepticism surrounding Woods’ chances, Paddy Power spokesperson Rachael Kane hinted at the unpredictability of Augusta, suggesting that discounting Woods entirely would be unwise. As Woods gears up for the Masters, speculation abounds regarding his ability to defy the odds and make a memorable resurgence on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National.