Tiger Woods News, Betting Odds: With Masters 2017 Underway, Attention Still On Golf Legend

Despite poor results in recent years, Tiger Woods remains the most high-profile golfer on the PGA Tour. With the Masters underway Thursday, how Woods has performed in 2017 and his future in upcoming majors remains a hot topic.

Woods, 41, who has won the Masters four times, announced last week that a back injury would keep him out of Augusta for the second year in a row. In recent months, there had been a great deal of speculation as to not only whether he would compete in the Masters but also win it. In February, Woods had 20-1 odds by most betting sites to win the famed major.

According to ESPN, of "the 108 golfers offered at sportsbook operator CG Technology, Woods attracted the 19th-most Masters bets."

It didn't seem to matter to many that Woods has battled back spasms and has not looked good in recent months. In late January, he shot a 72 to miss the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. In early February, he shot an opening-round 77 at the Dubai Desert Classic before withdrawing and there hasn't been a timetable for his return.

There seems to be some optimism that Woods could be back in action sooner rather than later. On March 20, Woods told USA Today that he had a chance to play in the Masters and that he was practicing.

“It’s building, but I still have a little ways to go,” Woods said.

Up next are the U.S. Open in Erin Hills in June and the British Open in Royal Birkdale in July. Skybet lists Woods odds at 80-1 to win the U.S. Open and 66-1 odds to win the British Open.

Woods, who has won 14 majors, has not won a major since capturing the 2008 U.S. Open.