Bodog Beat

Aaron Baddeley’s PGA odds place him as the favorite in Hawaii. (AI Wire photo)

You’re not going to see this too often in 2008.

A notable PGA Tour event is taking place this weekend with neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson in sight. The two most famous golfers in the world are skipping the PGA opener in Hawaii, which actually leaves plenty of money to be made for golf bettors who prefer to play favorites.

Woods figures to be heavily favored in any event he enters and betting against him isn’t the wisest option for most gamblers. That brings us to the wide-open Mercedes-Benz Championship taking place on the Plantation Course in Kapahula.

The odds-on favorite is Aaron Baddeley, who had a strong showing in last year’s Masters, but the leader is venerable pro Mike Weir. With golf odds of 11/1, Weir is looking to get the year off with a strong start to put the troubles he had in 2007 behind him.

Weir stands at 8-under-par 138 through two rounds after he shot a 6-under 67 on Friday to take a one-shot lead in the tournament. Fellow Canadian Stephen Ames (18/1) is a stroke behind, along with Jonathan Byrd (12/1).

Australia's Baddeley (11/2) is tied for fifth and three strokes back heading into Saturday’s third round.

For golf odds throughout 2008, tee off in the Bodog Sportsbook.