Bookies slash Adam Scott`s odds to defend Masters title at Augusta National

Sydney: Bookmakers have reportedly slashed defending champion Adam Scott`s odds to claim another Green Jacket at the Augusta National on Sunday to 8.50 dollars after four-time champion Tiger Woods was ruled out after undergoing back surgery for a pinched nerve.

The Australian is second favourite behind Rory McIlroy (7.50 dollars) with countryman Jason Day (15 dollars) equal third. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, however, if three-time champion and Woods compatriot Phil Mickelson, who is on odds of 15 dollars, also quits the tournament, then the odds of Scott, McIlroy and Day will drop even further. 14-time Major winner and world No.1 Woods will miss the Masters for the first time in 20 years after playing in every Masters since 1995, when he was an amateur, the report added.