The Match: Five most interesting prop bets for Tiger vs. Phil

This one is for the true degenerates among us. But then again, we’re also sitting here reading (and writing) a column about prop bets for a one-on-one match between two 40-something legends of golf, with no live gallery and a paywall to watch online. Let’s not kid ourselves about where we fall on that particular spectrum.

A hole-in-one would make for an instant highlight on this match. Three separate props give every fan the Powerball-esque type of gambling rush that they may be looking for.

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The “easy” choice is the “Any” wager, coming in at +5000 on the money line. This means that a $100 bet would return $5100, for a $5000 profit. Or, more realistically, a single dollar bet would return $51. That’s a decent cross between harmless fun and reckless gambling that is fun for all.

But that’s not what we’re here for. No, we’re here for the trash-talking, fist-pumping, stick-it-in-my-veins thrill that only a true longshot can provide. That’s where the individual player callouts come in. Both Tiger and Phil are individual +8000 underdogs for an ace on Friday, meaning a $100 bet turns into $8100. For the true fiends out there, a $1000 bet turns into $81000.

Sure, this bet is only for the strong of heart, stomach and wallet. But for those who are willing, able, or foolhardy enough to slap down their hard-earned cash, the potential for a payday is out there. And the entertainment value, again, would be astronomical. I’m here for this bet.

The best chance for this one to come through would likely be at hole No. 8, a 183-yard par-3 with a 35-yard deep green. Still, it’s the longest of shots for a reason. Tiger’s last competitive ace came all the way back in 1998 at the Sprint International. Mickelson’s last as over 13 years ago at the 2005 64 Lumber Classic.

If you can find anybody putting odds on there not being an ace (and they’re out there), then hammer the money line here and set as much as you can put on there without a family member severing all ties with you. It won’t win a lot, but it’s as close to free money as you’ll ever find.