2008 Masters Preview

[Qbins Missile Crisis]

Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - The idea of a coronation is an odd concept for Americans to grasp.

See, we haven't had one since well before the Continental Congress.

Americans do like pageantry, though. Check out the ratings for the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Heck, look up the Nielsens for Luke and Laura's wedding on "General Hospital."

Yes, we do like theatre, but we don't tolerate it when something is handed to someone, no matter how deserving. In the United States, we supposedly work for everything, so we don't just give a person a title without earning it.

So, Tiger Woods, don't don that green jacket just yet.

When the Masters tees it up on Thursday, Woods is something more than a prohibitive favorite. Some gambling outlets have his odds at 11-10. That's roughly the equivalent of taking the North in the Civil War right now in April of 2008.

Woods has earned that status. Years ago, Jack Nicklaus joked that Woods might win 10 Masters. The joke's on us because that's clearly in the realm of possibility. Woods has four already.

His only flaw (?) is a suspect driver. He tends to spray the ball, but that is not a big factor at Augusta National. The rough is never overly penal and it truly has become a bomber's heaven.

Woods has the game to win anywhere. If there was a Neptune Invitational, Woods would play the gravitational pull and whatever the surface is to his advantage. A high ball flight, imaginative short game, unquestioned putter and length would make him the favorite at Augusta no matter what.

If that were the only thing in Tiger's favor.

When he lost the CA Championship to Geoff Ogilvy in his last start, it was Woods' first loss in a PGA Tour event since last September. He even won an unofficial tournament and a European Tour event in that stretch.

The aspect of Woods' game that is most impressive, not just at Augusta National, but at any major venue, is his mental approach. Every single person, competitors and Woods included, know Woods will ultimately make few mistakes. That leads to victory. Having a psyche job like that pays huge dividends.

So on with the coronation. The robe will be green, preferably in a 42 long.

Long live the King of Augusta, except we hate coronations.

Pop quiz: Who has won two of the last four Masters? Hint: His name is not Tiger Woods.

That would be Phil Mickelson. The man who came ever so close would play the role of prince in these ceremonies. Lefty's the guy everyone wants as the rival to Woods, and at Augusta he certainly would be.

Mickelson won both of his green jackets ('04 and '06) on the back nine Sunday. For a gentleman some said couldn't handle the pressures of a major championship, he certainly did on those occasions.

Everything detailed for Woods above as a prescribed formula for success at Augusta applies to Mickelson. Except for the putting. Mickelson will still miss some putts in the shortish range.

While not quite the stretch of golf Woods played earlier this year, Mickelson won the Northern Trust Open and lost a playoff at the FBR Open.

Vijay Singh is a former winner playing pretty well at the moment. He switched back to a conventional length putter which should help with the tricky greens at Augusta.

Ernie Els, Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Retief Goosen and Geoff Ogilvy lead a strong international contingent.

Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker and defending champion Zach Johnson handle the American chore after Woods and Mickelson, but all might be too short. (Credit Johnson last year for attacking the par fives the way he needed to. If these guys can wedge in and convert the putts, they are in the mix.)

As far as darkhorses to challenge the throne, how about the reigning U.S. Open champion, Angel Cabrera? He's scary long, yet possesses a deft touch. He also has a decent record at Augusta.

Sean O'Hair, Bubba Watson and J.B. Holmes have the length, but may not be ready for a Masters final-round duel.

So the crown is awaiting Woods. We hate coronations, but this week may just serve as the countdown to the crown for Masters win No. 5 for Woods.

Halfway to Jack's joke. Good one.

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