USA.- April 11, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com [1] Tiger Woods might be a long shot to claim his sixth green jacket at The Masters this Sunday, but that’s not putting a damper on the wave of wagers crashing in for the golf icon.
Facing an uphill climb:
- Father Time’s Grip: At 48, Woods’ body just doesn’t recover as swiftly as it did before multiple back surgeries and a brutal 2021 car wreck. Throw in potential scheduling woes from the predicted downpours, and things get even trickier.
- Young Guns on Fire: Guys like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm are tearing up the course.
But the Tiger Love Roars On:
None of this discourages the hardcore golf fans (and hopeful bettors) from dropping their cash on the legendary golfer. DraftKings reports a mountain of bets on Woods, even though his odds of capturing a 16th major championship sit at a sky-high +14000.
“A Shot on Tiger” Mentality:
“There were times when Tiger was in his prime and practically a guaranteed win, easy money,” explained Johnny Avello, DraftKings director of race and sportsbook. “People haven’t forgotten that. So when they see those crazy long odds, they take a flier, hoping to catch a lightning bolt in a bottle.”
The Tiger Prop Bet Windfall:
Sensing the betting frenzy, sportsbooks are bombarding fans with Tiger-themed prop bets. Avello says DraftKings offers everything from “Will he card any bogey-free rounds?” to the outrageous “Will he shatter the course record?” at a staggering 200-1.
Numbers Don’t Lie – Tiger’s the Main Attraction:
As of Wednesday, Woods accounted for a whopping 5% of the total wagers and 6% of the bets at DraftKings, easily eclipsing even the tournament favorite, Scottie Scheffler (15% and 12%). This Tigermania isn’t exactly breaking news.
A Tiger Triumph, a Sportsbook Tumble:
Even the pre-tournament favorite Scheffler (+400) has a Tiger connection. Avello says Scheffler’s short odds reflect his dominant form, but also a result of the “prime Tiger era” effect. “We haven’t seen a favorite this strong in a while, and he’s earned it.”
However, a Woods victory would be a major financial gut punch for sportsbooks. He, along with other long shots like Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, all pose a significant threat.
Betting on the Green Wave:
The popularity of golf betting has skyrocketed in recent years, partly fueled by its availability during the COVID shutdowns. The extended format of tournaments allows for both pre-tournament and in-play wagers, keeping the action hot throughout.
The Final Tee Off:
Tiger Woods might not be the bookies’ favorite, but his legendary status and passionate fan base ensure he remains a top betting draw at The Masters. Will it be a storybook comeback or another valiant effort? Only time (and some well-placed bets) will tell.
Edited by: @MaiaDigital [2] www.zonadeazar.com [1]