Woods is Masters favourite

The world number one, who took a break from golf when his private life spectacularly unravelled at the end of last year amid allegations of extra-marital affairs, has been installed as 6-1 favourite by British bookmakers Ladbrokes.

Fellow American Phil Mickelson is rated at 14-1 with South African Ernie Els third best at 16-1.

"Tiger going off as a 6-1 chance prior to his problems would have been unheard of but we're prepared to take a chance following his self-imposed exile," Ladbrokes spokesperson Nick Weinberg said in a news release on Wednesday.

Ladbrokes also offered special odds for other Woods-related incidents.

The 14-times major winner, a four-times champion at Augusta National, is 100-1 to record an ace and 5-1 to launch his opening tee shot into the trees.

Woods is 5-4 to register at least five birdies in his first round.