Thursday, April 7, 2011

After ceremonial tee shots by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, the Masters is under way.

Jonathan Byrd, Ross Fisher and Sean O'Hair are in the first group Thursday, though most eyes are sure to be on two guys who start later: defending champ Phil Mickelson and struggling Tiger Woods.

Together, they've combined to win seven green jackets, including six of the last 10. That might be about their only similarity at the moment.

Mickelson is coming off a three-stroke win at Houston, a sign that his game is peaking at just the right time. Woods hasn't won since an ugly sex scandal ended his marriage and tarnished his image.

For the first time since 1999, Woods is NOT the Augusta favorite. Mickelson is the bookies' choice at 13-2.