Tiger too tempting to resist

Tiger Woods cut a relaxed figure at the Tavistock Cup © PA

An appearance in a glorified club competition does not prove beyond reasonable doubt that Tiger Woods can stand up to the rigours of four tough rounds at a major, but he looked in fine fettle at the Tavistock Cup – suggesting his Masters bid is back on track.

Woods’ price for the opening major of the year has fluctuated in recent weeks. He was cut after his fine start to the season, but his retirement due to an Achilles injury at the WGC-Cadillac Championship cast doubt on his participation.

He returned barely a week after limping away from Doral and looked in excellent shape, walking without a limp and bombing the ball miles down the fairway at times. The bigger test will come at the Arnold Palmer Invitational this weekend, but if he shows up well then his price will drop from the current 13/2 on offer by bet365.

The makeup of the Bay Hill track lends itself to a positive display from Woods. We feel it could be worth taking the chance that he will come through unscathed. It is virtually nailed-on that Woods, if he turns up at Augusta for the Masters, will play well and be in contention deep on Sunday. As such, we’re prepared to dip our toe into the ante-post market and hoover up the 13/2.

Masters odds at bet365:

Rory McIlroy 4/1

Tiger Woods 13/2

Phil Mickelson 15/2

Luke Donald 12/1

Lee Westwood 14/1

25/1 bar