The 2011 Masters Tournament is almost upon us with just over a month left to go. This article aims to explore the contenders to help you choose who to bet on for this year’s tournament. Essentially, the two to bet on are Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson after last year’s play off at the Masters.

First of all, as you might have guessed, Tiger Woods is still the bookie’s favourite, and is still ranked the number 1 player in the golf Official World Rankings in spite of a career break in recent years due to issues in his personal life. It’s clear that he’s working his way back up to fill his rather large boots again, as he made it to the finals at last year’s Masters Tournament, but took place as runner up to Phil Mickelson. The odds for Tiger Woods to win this year are 5-1.

Tiger Woods has suffered a lot since 2008 when claims were made against him for having an extramarital affair followed by a car accident where he hit a tree and several other objects in his SUV. He was admitted to hospital with injuries to his face. The following year several women came forward claiming that he had also had affairs with them, and he therefore decided to take a career break. Since then he has come back onto the golfing scene and has made progress, which is clear from coming so close to winning the Masters in 2010.

Phil Mickelson is also at the top of the bookie’s list, with odds of 7-1 to win. And after last year’s final it’s very likely that these two may be head to head again, but the theory is that Tiger may be more determined after coming so close last year. Mickelson has been 2nd in the Official World Rankings in several years throughout his career where he currently sits now. Mickelson may fight hard this year though, as he has a title to defend and he knows that Tiger Woods is hungry to get back to the top where he sat for so long, so it is likely to be a very interesting tournament.

Mickelson has no less than 46 professional wins under his belt throughout his 19 year career. He has talent and experience on his side, as does Tiger Woods. But Mickelson has the upper hand in that he has been playing all the way through the time that Tiger had his career break, so he hasn’t lost his touch. But as previously mentioned, Tiger is now showing that spark that many thought he had lost so it will be a close one.

Another contender to look out for though, is Rory McIlroy who is very new to professional golf but is showing signs of a long career filled with wins ahead of him. He won the Quail Hollow Championship in 2010 (part of the PGATour) by 4 strokes against Phil Mickelson, so he is also very promising and might be worth a bet.