Green Jacket Required: 2011 Augusta Masters Is Wide Open

The first golf major of 2011, the US Masters, is the only tournament of the four golf 'Grand Slam' events to be held at the same course each year. Whilst the US Open, USPGA and the Open Golf Championship move from venue to venue every 12 months, the Augusta National in Georgia remains the spiritual home of the Masters.

Phil Mickelson on his way to the 2010 Masters title

The tournament has been played since 1934 with Jack Nicklaus (6) leading the way in terms of outright wins followed by Arnold Palmer (4) and Tiger Woods (4). That's a total of 14 wins between a trio of golfers viewed by many as being the best who ever walked the fairways.

Once again this year the world's best golfers will compete in the 75th US Masters. And again it's players from the USA who are expected to do well.

Let's not forget 56 of the 74 previous Augusta winners have come from the USA - followed by South Africa (4) and Spain (4), England (3 ... all Nick Faldo!), Germany (2) and then a number of countries who have provided just the one champion - Wales (Ian Woosnam), Scotland (Sandy Lyle), Fiji, Canada and Argentina.

And so with this year's event just a few short weeks away ... which player is most likely to get his hands on the trophy and the legendary 'green jacket' - the traditional prize given to each year's winner ... plus a huge cheque of course!

Tiger Woods (8/1) despite a hugely creditable 4th place last year in the midst of his on/off course problems heads the market but defending champion Phil Mickelson (10/1), a three time winner himself at Augusta, has solid claims.

The European Challenge

Nick Faldo: The last European to win the Masters back in 1996

What has been in evidence in recent years in the increased threat from European golfers. Having seen Graeme McDowell (US Open) and Martin Kaymer (USPGA) both win majors in 2010 the next target is to land a first European winner at Augusta since Nick Faldo way back in 1996! Currently Lee Westwood (16/1), Martin Kaymer (18/1) and Rory McIlroy (28/1) feature very prominently in the market.

"It'll be another hugely competitive event... but one where the right analysis and information can still return a very tidy profit," said our No.1 golf tipster Keith Elliott.

"I've enjoyed many notable successes in the US Masters, along with my members," added Keith, "and after a fantastic start to 2011 with our golf betting I'd expect to add even more success this year."

And Keith's not wrong. After a stream of winners to start this year (Laird W50/1, Watney W22/1, Schwartzel W9/2, Oosthuizen W10/1, Kaymer W8/1, Casey W10/1 plus Haas e/w 22/1, Quiros e/w 16/1) it's all set up perfectly for the first golf major of the calendar.

To be on Keith's US Masters bets (and all his weekly golf betting advice) simply click on the link below or call 01625 583300.

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