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Tiger Woods' odds plummet ahead of Honda Classic

February 20, 2018
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Paul Mounce - Corbis

Are gamblers losing faith in Tiger Woods' latest comeback? That seems to be the message with Westgate Las Vegas Superbook's odds for this week's Honda Classic. Woods is listed at 60/1 to win at PGA National, making him a much bigger long shot, according to Vegas, than he was for his first two PGA Tour starts of 2018.

Woods was 25/1 at the Farmers Insurance Open, where he finished T-23 after making the cut on the number. Thanks to a less-than-stellar course history at Riviera, the 14-time major champ dropped to 40/1 ahead of this past week's Genesis Open, and his missed cut didn't do much to inspire confidence in bettors. Once again, Woods struggled with his driver, and he wound up hitting only 16 of 36 greens in regulation during his two rounds.

According to Golf Channel's Justin Ray, Woods would rank second-worst on the entire PGA Tour in driving accuracy and greens in regulation, if he had enough rounds to qualify. And at PGA National, where plenty of water -- and yes, "The Bear Trap" -- lurk, Woods' wildness off the tee is a recipe for disaster. Add it all up, and Woods has the same odds this week as a group of golfers that includes Scott Piercy, Bud Cauley, and Dylan Frittelli.

On the flip side, defending champ Rickie Fowler, 2012 champ Rory McIlroy, and reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year Justin Thomas are tri-favorites at 10-to-1 odds. Reigning Masters champ Sergio Garcia is next at 15/1.

Woods' last start at the Honda ended in a withdrawal during the final round in 2014. The following month, Woods underwent his first of four back surgeries. His best finish at the event in three starts as a pro came in 2012 when he shot a final-round 62 to nearly track down McIlroy. Woods' Masters odds also increased slightly to 25/1.