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The US masters is upon us once again and the golf betting world is relishing the prospect of as good a tournament as there ever has been. Records abound with Tiger Woods going for his fifth green jacket to overtake Arnold Palmer and match Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear. What’s more, Woods took the Masters in 2001 having won the last three majors of 2000 and this year he’s going for all four in the same year. It’s fifty years since Palmer first won here and fifty years since Amen Corner was christened by golf writer Herbert Warren Wind. Gary Player is competing in a record fifty one Masters thus breaking the record he shares with Palmer for the most consecutive appearances.

The Augusta National, sometimes called the ‘Holy Grail’, is not just THE most beautiful golf course it is also America’s best attempt at the perfect golf course. In American terms it has achieved its aims with a massively challenging test of each aspect of the golfer’s game from tee to final put. Its sheer distance demands the longest drive and approaches have to be pin-point accurate. Pin placement draws the maximum focus from the player who must use near divinely imaginative weight and direction to hole the ball.

Augusta’s excellence has been achieved through science and reason, mathematics and geometry. Very different from a British approach where St. Andrew’s Old Course and Turnberry Ailsa Course spring to mind. These courses were designed using intuitive mechanics based on wind and natural contour, rough and bunker. A canny eye would be brought to bear in favour of the slide rule.

Weather will be a big factor at Augusta. If it’s wet the long hitters, such as Woods and Mickelson, Els and Goosen will be to the fore. Long carry will be vital if the approach is to be accurate. Experience is an issue too with Justin Rose, Luke Donald and Ian Poulter having been here a few times and hitting well right now. Last years winner, Zach Johnson has shown the steely nerve to negotiate the infamous Amen Corner four times in four days and display the skill and timing to unseat Tiger Woods.

V.J. Singh, a previous winner is at an amazing 50/1 and Padraig Harrington, on good form, at 30/1 has to be a good bet. Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker will be on the leader board and a little rumour going around says place your bets on rank outsider, Trevor Immleman. But remember this, online sports betting fans, it’s not over until the fat lady sings and, at Augusta, the fat lady is the back nine on the final day.