Stan James on the Masters

The Masters seems to capture the imagination more than any other golf tournament, mainly because it never moves around. The Augusta National course is so imprinted on our minds that we all build up a strong bond with the event. Whether it's the Eighteenth, Amen Corner or just the rodedendrums we all identify with some part of the course. At Stan James we'll be with you all the way, with continuous In-Running betting throughout the four days. We'll have a host of betting opportunities including a price for every player to finish in the top ten, prices on players to make the cut and special innovative markets to reflect the tournament in all it's glory. Have a read of the leading contenders chances and then click through to see all the many Stan James betting opportunities available. We take our golf seriously at Stan James and you'll not be disappointed. The Big Four.....and the GooseThere is a staggering statistic about the Big Four in the Masters. In the last five years to Par the stats read like this...Mickelson (-37), Els (-31), Woods (-28) & Singh (-24). The next best is Jim Furyk on -6, and he is one of only seven players who are actually under par in the last five years. Their dominance is there for everyone to see and they are coming into the tournament in scintillating form as well. The only one who hasn't won a Masters yet is Ernie Els (8/1) but he's been runner up twice and surely it's only a matter of time before he seals a win here. Mickelson (11/2) won the BellSouth on Monday and is the reigning champion. He won't like putting the green jacket on any one of the other three in the cabin come Sunday so he'll be fighting tooth and nail to retain it. Woods (9/2) and Singh (9/1) are currently one and two in the World Rankings and they will want to show the others who's boss. Finally let's not forget the Goose, Retief Goosen (14/1). His mild mannered, quiet confidence and his ability to play well under pressure means that you cannot rule out the South African. He's been runner up here as well and if he wins here we'll be looking at the Big Five.... Harrington, Garcia and ScottNext in the betting is a trio of young guns all of whom have a wealth of experience despite their age. Their one problem is a lack of course form. This is vital in Augusta as it can be very demanding when the pressures on. They have the talent and they know how to win big events, but it remains to be seen as to whether they can move up a notch and into the elite. Harrington (28/1) is steady, scrambles well and has an Irish grit about him that makes him a contender whenever he plays. Garcia (33/1) is still relatively young and the maturing process has taken a little of the edge away from him. But the ability to win Majors is still there. He just needs a little luck. Adam Scott (33/1) is a man tipped for big things, but his form at Augusta isn't great although to be fair to him he has not had that many opportunities. The talent is undeniable and Majors should come in future, but is he ready just yet? Clarke, Donald, Love, Toms, Olazabal, Cink, Weir All of these have the potential to win. In fact two years ago Mike Weir (50/1) did just that and he is beginning to show a little more consistency of late. Luke Donald (40/1) is in great form and could be the Top European this week. Old Olly (40/1) is also in great form with three top tens this year, but he'll be smarting from throwing away the BellSouth this week after missing a five foot putt to win it. His course experience will stand him in good stead as well. Darren Clarke (40/1) enjoys a dogfight and if he gets into contention on the final day he'll be battling away and will be a real threat. Love (40/1), Toms (40/1) and Cink (50/1) all have what it takes to win these big events and it wouldn't be a surprise to see any one of them in contention on Sunday. The Rest Well you can rule out most of the old timers in the field, but there are a host of talented golfers on show who can win the event, given that element of luck and durability under pressure. Furyk, Chad Campbell, Choi, Jimenez, Casey, Leonard and Perry to name a few, all have chances. We all have our favourites so checkout the list and see if you can spot a potential winner at long odds. Good luck! Go to Stan James.com now!