From the first tee shot to the final round, these are the best bets for the return of the Big Cat at the Hero World Challenge.
To hit the fairway on the first hole – {ODDS:212854189:6/4}
Tiger found the rough with his first tee shot last year, but no one wants to bet on a poor drive to kick off his comeback.
With nerves less likely to be an issue on his second comeback at this course, he’s good value to make a good start on the first.
To birdie the first hole – {ODDS:215408694:5/1}
Despite his wayward drive, Woods opened with a par last year after hitting a lovely wedge in to the green from the rough.
With a better tee shot this year, he’ll have a good chance of a birdie on a hole that favours the longer hitters.
To shoot under par in round one – {ODDS:215408697:5/2}
Of the 17 starters at last year’s event, 11 finished the first round under par and only two shot worse than 72.
With perfect weather conditions forecasted this week, Tiger’s worth backing to be in good shape heading into Friday.
To record longest drive of the week – {ODDS:215408655:8/1}
Rickie Fowler says he’s been regularly outdriven by Tiger on the range, while Brad Faxon claims the former world No. 1 was matching Dustin Johnson off the tee in a round with Donald Trump on Friday.
Those rumours are enough to justify a punt on this at a generous price.
To make an eagle in the event – {ODDS:212861362:6/4}
If the Big Cat’s really firing with the big stick, he’ll have plenty of chances to make an eagle at a course that features five par-fives.
Nine players made at least one eagle at this course last year, and Tiger should manage one if he’s in decent enough nick.
To shoot 64 or better in a round – {ODDS:212861089:4/1}
Tiger got close with a second-round 65 in a 2016, and a 64 is possible given that both Bubba Watson and Brandt Snedeker shot that score or better last time around.
To start but not finish the event – {ODDS:212861234:8/1}
The last competitive event Woods participated in was February’s Dubai Desert Classic, where he withdrew injured after just one round.
He’s reportedly playing without pain for the first time in years, but his history of back problems means there’s plenty of value in backing him to withdraw, as mean-spirited as that seems.
To finish under par after four rounds – {ODDS:212860158:4/9}
Only Emiliano Grillo and Justin Rose finished over par in last year’s event, the latter of whom withdrew after the first round.
Tiger managed to finish four under, even after shooting a 76 – the worst round of the entire event – on Sunday.
To finish in solo last place – {ODDS:212854187:5/2}
Woods will likely finish under par this weekend, but he won’t be the only one.
Maintaining focus and fitness for four rounds is going to be tricky for the American, and he’s much more likely to come last than he is to win.
To announce retirement in 2018 – {ODDS:201030804:4/1}
If this comeback goes poorly, there would be little surprise if Woods announced his retirement soon afterwards.
Having struggled to even walk after his back surgery, he’ll probably call it quits if he can’t get back to being fit enough to compete.
To win another major in his career – {ODDS:215408513:10/1}
Jack Nicklaus won the 1986 Masters at the age of 46.
Lee Trevino won the 1984 PGA Championship at the age of 44.
Phil Mickelson won the 2013 Open at the age of 43.
Tiger Woods is 41.
There’s still time.
