Experts unsure about Tiger Woods

Posted on | April 7, 2010

Just three of 57 golf writers polled by the Augusta Chronicle newspaper have picked Tiger Woods – the clear favourite in the betting – to win The Masters.

Ireland’s Padraig Harrington earned most votes with 13, followed by South African Ernie Els with 10, England’s Lee Westwood with seven and American Steve Stricker, the world number two, with five.

Second favourite Phil Mickelson received only three votes as well, as did Jim Furyk and Retief Goosen.

The writers were also asked to predict whether Woods would win, finish in the top 10, make the cut or miss the cut.

Including the trio who tipped him to win 26 went for top 10, 25 to make the cut and six to crash out after two rounds.

European writers’ predictions:

John Hopkins (Times): Westwood (has the short game to go with magnificent driving and boundless confidence). Woods to make cut.

Lawrence Donegan (Guardian): Dustin Johnson (he’s long, he’s strong, he’s got it all goin’ on). Woods to make cut.

Derek Lawrenson (Daily Mail): Mickelson (time for the real Lefty to show up). Woods to make cut.

James Corrigan (Independent): Els (it’s just the sort of “selfish” thing he’d do). Woods to make cut.

James Lawton (Independent): Woods (he may have a sense that he has come through the worst of it).

Andy Farrell (Independent): Harrington (a golf tournament will break out eventually this week and Harrington will be ready). Woods top 10.

Mark Reason (Telegraph): Goosen (his back is all right and he would love to diss Tiger). Woods to make cut.

Mark Garrod (Press Association Sport): Westwood (so badly wants to make up for three-putting the last at Turnberry). Woods to make cut.

Bill Elliott (Observer): Harrington (he may be barking mad, but he’s good). Woods to make cut.

Karl MacGinty (Irish Independent): Harrington (he’s one of the chosen people). Woods to make cut.

Renton Laidlaw (Golf Channel): Harrington (he has won three majors and needs a Masters green jacket to continue bid to win all four). Woods to make cut.

James Mossop (News of the World): Westwood (he’s playing better than ever before, mentally and physically approaching his peak). Woods to miss cut.

Neil McLeman (Mirror): Westwood (has been close in the last two majors and has never been more confident). Woods to make cut.

Isabel Trillo Amores (Unidad Editorial, Spain): Harrington (since Olazabal in 1999 no European winner. Paddy is the most prepared to change that). Woods top 10.

Brian Keogh (Irish Sun): Stricker (he’s due. If the course is hard and fast, his short game will give him an advantage). Woods to make cut.

Dermot Gilleece (Irish Sunday Independent): Harrington (Augusta National might have been designed for Harrington’s superb short game). Woods to make cut.

Source: Ladbrokes.com