Tiger favourite for Masters

Punters believe that world No.1 Tiger Woods can make a winning return to golf in next month's US Masters at Augusta with the 14-time major winner installed favourite with bookmakers after announcing his comeback on Wednesday.

Woods has sat out of the sport since a car accident in late November led to a momentous fall from grace when it was revealed he had multiple affairs.

He has spent much of the past three months undergoing counselling, while trying to rescue his marriage with his wife Elin.

He confirmed this week that the first major of the year at Augusta, which he has won five times but not since 2005, will be his first tournament since the Australian Masters at Kingston Heath.

Woods' recent drought at the famous course or the turbulence in his personal life does not concern punters, with bookmakers installing him as short as $4.

Tab Sportsbet, Sportsbet.com.au and Luxbet have him at that mark, while Sportingbet has him at $4.50 and $5 is available on Betfair.

Woods usually starts $3 and shorter in majors but has only won once in the past eight major tournaments.

World No.3 Phil Mickelson is second favourite at around $9 while No.2 Steve Stricker, who is looking to break his major drought, is around $20, along with Padraig Harrington.

2009 US Masters winner Angel Cabrera is $51, while Geoff Ogilvy, whose best finish at Augusta was last year when he was 15th, is the shortest-price Australian at $26.