Las Vegas Hilton golf specialist and oddsmaker Jeff Sherman had one important duty to tackle Sunday before he could focus on Super Bowl chores: Adjusting Masters odds on Tiger Woods after golf's 29-year-old superstar boosted his record for the year to two-for-two by winning the Dubai Desert Classic. "It's a smooth start of the year for him," Sherman said. Located in the United Emirates Republic half-a-world away and many time zones ahead of Las Vegas, Dubai annually draws golf's top players -- at a price.
Some sports books had Woods linked up to Super Bowl XL in betting propositions. Woods received a $3 million appearance fee, far more than he earned for winning the $5.4 million tournament. "I lowered him to 9/4," said Sherman, who had Woods at 5/2 at the start of 2006. Phil Mickelson remained the 7/1 second choice and Vijay Singh was still the 10/1 fourth selection.
Ernie Els dipped to 8/1 from 9/1. Retief Goosen remained 15/1, Sergio Garcia dropped from 25/1 to 20/1; Jim Furyk and Chris DiMarco are 25/1. Longest shot on the board is 1991 champ Ian Woosnam at 1000/1; two-time green jacket winner Tom Watson is 500/1, along with Craig Stadler. Woods, recent purchaser of a $38 million Florida oceanfront mansion with his wife, Elin, will be seeking his fifth victory at Augusta, where he is defending champ.
Sherman has posted a prop that asks how many majors Woods will win in 2006. Zero is 3/2, one is 5/4, two is 3/1, three is 15/1 and four (grand slam) is 40/1. Woods has indicated he plans to play six times leading up to the Masters, including this week in Los Angeles. The Masters is slated April 6 through 9. .
By: Lynda Collins
