World #2 Mickelson is a more enticing bet since #1 Woods has failed to win any major events this year. Mickelson, on the other hand, has one win and five top 10 finishes this year and is currently fourth in the Fed Ex standings. Before him stand Ernie Els at the top, Steve Stricker in second and Jim Furyk in third. The newest divorcee on the PGA Tour, Woods, is 112^th in the Fed Ex standings and will need a great finish to get into the top 100. Woods has never won the Barclays.

Rory McIlory is third in the odds and is an interesting betting prospect. The young Irishman is 21^st in the Fed Ex standing and is ranked seventh in the world. He has four top 10 finishes in his last five events, including a tie for third at the British Open and PGA Championship. He is a solid selection to win this week. The defending Barclays champion is Heath Slocum. He was 124^th in the Fed Ex standings last year, but the win qualified him through to the final. He’s had a down season this year and has shown glimpses of hope, but not enough to repeat. Offering better each-way value is Paul Casey, who was knocked out from an automatic selection for the European Ryder Cup team. A good performance would put him through as well as Padraig Harrington for a captain’s pick.

The Barclays Championship Winner Odds (provided by William Hill)

Tiger Woods: 12/1

Phil Mickelson: 12/1

Rory McIlroy: 14/1

Steve Stricker: 16/1

Jim Furyk: 22/1

Paul Casey: 28/1

Dustin Johnson: 28/1

Ernie Els: 33/1

Padraig Harrington: 33/1

Matt Kuchar: 33/1

Hunter Mahan: 33/1

Retief Goosen: 40/1

Nick Watney: 40/1

Bubba Watson: 40/1