Who can tame the Tiger? As the European Tour swings into action in faraway Phuket, Thailand, a certain Tiger Woods - whose mother hails from the Asian country - has been installed as a raging hot favourite, at odds of 4 to 1, to collect the Johnnie Walker Classic, the opening title of the season.
Given the quality of the field, however, such short odds about the Tiger don't seem overly generous. Indeed, the 12 to 1 about Lee Westwood is a far more tempting price, especially given the Englishman's liking for courses in the Far East (he's a regular winner in Malaysia) and also the manner in which he finished last season, when he was nearly invincible. If he has carried that form through the winter hibernation, Westwood could be a strong contender.
Another player who invariably gives value for money in this part of the world, and at this stage of the season, is Ian Woosnam, who is on offer at odds of 18 to 1. Paul McGinley is another who finished very strongly last season (winning the Irish PGA, Oki Pro-Am and World Cup) and odds of 50 to 1 represent a tempting each-way wager.
4-1: Tiger Woods (USA).
10-1: Ernie Els (SA), F Couples (USA).
12-1: Lee Westwood (Eng).
18-1: Nick Faldo (Eng), Ian Woosnam (Wal), Jose-Maria Olazabal (Spa).
25-1: Thomas Bjorn (Den), Robert Allenby (Aus).
33-1: Retief Goosen (SA), Padraig Harrington (Ire), Greg Turner (NZ).
40-1: Peter O'Malley (Aus), Patrick Sjoland (Swe).
50-1: Robert Karlsson (Swe), Paul McGinley (Ire), Raymond Russell (Scot), Andrew Coltart (Scot).
(Prices supplied courtesy of Ladbrokes).
Tiger Woods: favourite in Phuket.
