Ladbrokes go top-price 16/1 on Phil Mickelson for the Masters

Ladbrokes are offering a top-price 16/1 on Phil Mickelson for the Masters.

The three-time winner of this tournament put in a solid first round, shooting 71 to leave him tied for 23rd after 18 holes.

Backers of Mickelson may have been concerned after seven holes, with the world-ranked number nine having already bogeyed three holes leaving him two over par. But the popular American found some excellent form turning into the 12th, registering birdies at four of the next five holes.

It was a typically sturdy first round from the American, bearing many similarities to his opening 18 holes in his victorious 2004 and 2006 efforts, where he shot 70 and 72 respectively.

However, in his last win in 2010, he opened with an exceptional 67 and the competition has arguably become stronger since his first two wins; each of the last five winners have shot a sub-70 opening round.

While this may be the case, he is well placed to catch Sergio Garcia and the leaders. Last year, after an opening 72, he shot 68 in round two to leave him tied for third, and having won already on the PGA Tour this year, it would seem naive to suggest he is not capable of producing something similar this time. It is 40/1 that he is top of the leaderboard after the second day’s action at Augusta.

If Mickelson is to reign victorious once more, he may be forced to rely on others slipping up. Garcia begun with an intimidating 66, giving him a share of the lead after round one.

The mercurial Spaniard, who claimed that he was not good enough to win a major last year, played remarkably well and did not drop a shot all day. He is 3/1 to still be at the top of the leader board after round two and 10/1 to don the Green Jacket on Sunday.

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