Padraig Harrington Odds to Win 2009 US Masters Golf Tournament

What is so compelling about Padraig Harrington's odds to win the 2009 US Masters Golf Tournament is that he is coming off rare back-to-back wins in the British Open.  Gambling911.com found +1600 odds on Harrington at BetUS.com and - for nonUS customers - Sportingbet.com.  These were the best payout odds available as of press time Wednesday morning.

The Irish golfer also won the PGA Championship last year.

"No doubt he is hot," says Don Shapiro of Gambling911.com.  "The US$1400 potential payout on every US$100 bet is one of the best values out there to be sure."

With wins at the British Open and PGA Championship last year, the Irishman could join Tiger Woods and Ben Hogan as the only players ever to win three different majors in a row this week.

"Now I realize actually I can win majors within my own control," Harrington said. "I know if I prepare right and play right and go out and play my golf, it's possible for me to win and to be in control of me winning.

"So that's the pressure and I know I can do it. I have to be able to bring it to the table every time - well, not every time, but sometimes.

"Regardless of what's going on outside with you guys, and whether it's three in a row or another major, it's just the fact that I know I can do it."

Padraig Harrington once compared preparing for golf's Major Championships to completing a jigsaw puzzle with 5000 pieces and a picture on both sides, the Belfast Telegraph points out.

Ireland's bookmakers, and those in all the United Kingdom for that matter, will be hoping Harrington cannot do it again.  Over the last two years, these bookies have been dismantled by the betting action being placed on their native son.

Adding salt to the wound, the British Open is traditionally the UK's most bet on event of the year. 

"More people are likely to bet on this year's US Open in the UK because of Harrington," Shapiro acknowledged. 

Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com