With three of the top five golfers, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Jason Day, possibly missing The Master next week, who becomes the favorite in the field? The new top golfers in the field have to be feeling good about their chances in Augusta, but who benefits the most from the absence of the tour’s best?
Rory McIlroy: McIlroy was the favorite even before Woods announced he would not be able to compete Tuesday. The worlds no. 7 ranked golfer McIlroy sits a 7-1 to win The Masters and that is bound to get better considering the weakened field. Rory needs to have a strong Master to prove he belongs in the conversation for the worlds best golfer. McIlroy’s final round 80 in 2011 has crushed his Masters confidence and it looks to have carried over to the last two years. A strong first round is key and he could reestablish himself in golf with a strong tournament
Vegas Odds: 7-1
Sergio Garcia: This is the time for Garcia to grab his first major as the number eight golfer in the world. The enormous personality that is Tiger Woods won’t be there and Garcia will benefit from the reduced media coverage. Garcia has finished 12th and 8th the last two years in Augusta and this could be the year he makes that leap to holding up that trophy. Garcia will benefit from the dramatic improvement to his short game that has come on in 2014. It should be Masters or bust for Sergio Garcia in 2014
Vegas Odds: 33-1
Adam Scott: How can the number two golfer not benefit from the loss of the number one in the world? Scott can most likely move into first place in the world rankings with a great showing in The Masters and won’t have to worry about the shadow that Tiger would cast over him. Even if he doesn't come out on top of the pack come the final round Scott can find a silver lining in being the worlds top ranked golfer.
Vegas Odds: 10-1
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