The first major of the golf season gets underway at the Augusta National in Georgia on Thursdayas 64 of the world’s best playerspete for the US Masters. Defending champion Phil Mickelson is hot 13/2 favourite in the betting with Paddy Power after running intoform last week, while four-time champion Tiger Woods can be backed at 12/1 to reclaim the famous green jacket.

Mickelson has won the Masters three times before, in 2004, 2006 and 2010, and the world number three moved ominously into form last week. ‘Lefty’ won the Houston Open by closing with rounds of 63 and 65 and laid down a marker for the rest this week. Mickelson has been clipped right in following that win and he is looking to continue a formidable record of 11 top ten finishes in 12 at Augusta, although even at an industry best of 13/2 it might be better to look for value elsewhere.

Paddy Power also go industry best on Tiger Woods’ chances as the four time champion looks to secure the title for the first time since 2005 and win his first tournament since the Australian Masters in November 2009. The former world number one has remodelled his swing of late and hasn’t looked consistentlyfortable with his game, although the Augusta National often brings out the best in this second favourite.

Another American also provides interest as WGC Cadillac winner Nick Watney can be backed at an industry best of 18/1 in the betting. He has built a reputation as an excellent putter and driver, and Masters finishes of 11th, 19th and 7th suggest a first major title isn’t far away.

Away from the American contingent, there is a strong British showing as they attempt to end the sorry statistic of no European player winning the Masters since Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999. Furthermore, no British player has won the Masters since Nick Faldo famously chased down Greg Norman in 1996.

Lee Westwood is the shortest priced Brit to end that sequence as he is priced 16/1 by Paddy Power after finishing runner up last year. That was Westwood’s first top ten in five attempts at Augusta, although his form this season has been below par with just two top 25 finishes in 2011.

Accenture Matchplay winner Luke Donald catches the eye at 28/1 with PaddyPowerthough and despitelacking a massive longgame, he boasts an exceptional short game and could provide great value here. He was the top money earner of 2010 and we fancy, despite playing only four tournament this year, he could well be ready for a crack at the title after claiming three top tens this year.

Elsewhere, Justin Rose, third in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, is available at 35/1 in the betting, and Martin Kaymer can be backed at 22/1, although the German has missed the cut at Augusta four times.

Meanwhile, Paddy Power go 1/4 the odds on the first six places on each way bets this week and US Open winner Graeme McDowell could provide interest at 40/1, particularly as there have been plenty of surprise winners in recent years – not least Zach Johnson and Trevor Immelman. Bubba Watson is another that looks very tempting at 40/1 after a good start to the season and if his short game can match his massive hitting then he is definitely in with a chance.

US Masters Tips

Tip #1: Luke Donald to win outright @ 28/1 with PaddyPower
Tip #2: Bubba Watson each way @ 40/1 with PaddyPower

Latest US Masters 2011 Betting

13/2 Phil Mickelson*
12/1 Tiger Woods*
16/1 Lee Westwood*
18/1 Nick Watney*
22/1 Martin Kaymer*
25/1 Dustin Johnson
25/1 Hunter Mahan
28/1 Luke Donald
28/1 Rory McIlroy
33/1 Matt Kuchar
35/1 Justin Rose*
35/1 Paul Casey*
40/1 Bubba Watson
40/1 Graeme McDowell
40/1 Anthony Kim
40/1 Padraig Harrington
45/1 Steve Stricker
50/1 BAR

*Denotes Industry Best Price. Odds supplied by PaddyPower,bookmakers, who go 1/4 the odds the first six places on each way bets at the US Masters -which getsunderway on Thursday 7th April.