Tiger Woods' off-course problems have prompted bookmakers to price up the US Money List without him, and Phil Mickelson looks a cracking bet at 7/4 with Victor Chandler.
At first glance, that might not look a value price, especially as we've got to wait until September for a payout. However, the truth is, Mickelson is the second best golfer on the planet by some distance - at least until Rory McIlroy's generation come of age - and with Tiger Woods out of action for the foreseeable future, it's hard to see him not having a stellar year.
In the past, he has had to live in the shadow of Woods and it's common knowledge that they are not the best of friends. With the way now clear and with the moral high ground to his advantage, Mickelson will be keen to rub some salt in Tiger's wounds and what better way than to take over the No.1 spot.
Even his personal life is becoming more settled with the prognosis on his wife and mother - both diagnosed with cancer in 2009 - more encouraging and he is likely to play a full schedule this year. He might have won this category last season but for taking six weeks off to be with his sick wife. In the end, he did well to finish third almost $1m behind Steve Stricker.
What's more, backers could be in a strong position quite early in the season as he's normally quick out of the blocks and plays some of his best golf on the West Coast Swing, which takes in two of his favourite tournaments, the San Diego Open at Torrey Pines and the Northern Trust Open at Riviera. In fact, I'll be very surprised if he doesn't post at least one win before February is out, in which case the 7/4 will be history.
Much has been made about how this year's Major roster suits Woods, but Mickelson will be looking forward to 2010's assignments too. OK, St Andrews might not play to his strengths but he must be licking his lips at the prospect of taking on Augusta again as it's one of his favourite tracks. As well as winning twice there, he has finished third four times, fifth twice, and been in the top-10 on four other occasions.
He then gets to play another of his favourite courses in the US Open, Pebble Beach. He turns 40 the day before it starts and what price he gives himself a fantastic birthday present by landing the one major that he really wants? He's no slouch either at Whistling Straits, the venue for the USPGA, as he finished sixth in the 2004 renewal there. Ker-ching!
A career-best season beckons and as I've already said he's miles better than anyone else. His nearest rival in the betting, Stricker (8/1 Stan James), won three times last season as well as notching eight other top-10 finishes, and should again make the frame. That said, he's 42 and is not going to get any better. The same can be said of third-favourite, Jim Furyk (14/1 Ladbrokes), who is 40 in May and whose putting looked to be in decline last season.
Perhaps the biggest threat to Mickelson will come from the younger brigade. I tipped up Anthony Kim in this category 12 months but he failed to deliver and for the time being he has a question mark over both his method and temperament. Not so Sean O'Hair, who looks a far safer conveyance for our each-way money at 22/1 (Paddy Power).
The 27-year-old won his third US Tour title in May (one of six times he made the frame in 2009), and ended the season with more than $4m in prize money (finished sixth to Woods). I fancy Mickelson strongly but O'Hair is one of the few improvers in the field and his majestic long game gives him a better chance of Major success than some of his peers. I'm sure he will give us a good run for our money and only has to make the frame to ensure a profit.
Recommended Bets:
Phil Mickelson 8pts @ 7/4 Victor Chandler
Sean O'Hair 1pt each-way @ 22/1 Paddy Power (1/4 odds, 1.2.3)