By Kevin Mullaney

Despite a terrible run of form and a hail of controversy, Tiger Woods is the odds on favourite to claim his first major since 2009, and is closely followed by Phil Mickelson. 

However, even with a poor recent record at the Masters, many European and British players are considered to be in serious contention after the sensational Ryder Cup victory last year. 

The world rankings are now dominated by Europeans as the American favourites fall well behind their Ryder Cup counterparts. Could this be the year where we see the first European wear the prestigious Green Jacket since Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999? 

Here are the top ten European picks for the US Masters 2011:

		Lee Westwood (ENG) Westwood has never been better placed to win the Masters, having finished in the top 3 in five major appearances out of the last 10. After dropping out of the top 200 in 2003, Westwood has come back to take the rankings by storm. After a superb run of form he only just lost golf's top spot to Martin Kaymer earlier this year. Westwood, like many of his fellow competitors, had a chance to warm up at the Shell Houston Open last weekend. His year has been a slow burner so far - but there is no better way for him to turn up the heat by producing a victory at the US Masters. Odds: 16/1 World Ranking: 2
		Martin Kaymer (GER) A fantastic 2010 season saw the young German crowned PGA champion and a Ryder Cup winner. There are high hopes for Kaymer this year; however his three previous Augusta performances have seen him fall short of every cut while only breaking par once. Although his game might not be suited to Augusta you can expect a strong performance from the world number one. Odds: 18/1 World Ranking: 1
		Luke Donald (ENG) Luke Donald is another European that is causing quite a stir leading up to the Masters. The Englishman has been playing some excellent golf in the run up to the biggest competition of the year. His rise through the world rankings saw him take an impressive victory to win the World Match Play in Arizona recently. Compounded by his Ryder Cup win over Jim Furyk, Donald will be entering the Masters with plenty of confidence.  Odds: 25/1 World Ranking: 3
		Graeme McDowell (NIR) After being awarded an MBE for his steadfast Ryder Cup performance McDowell has quickly ascended into golf's elite group. Having only made the cut once to finish in the top 20 at Augusta, McDowell now has his best chance to compete at Augusta. After beating Tiger at his own tournament last year McDowell has pushed the Masters favourite into 5th place in the world rankings, proving he can hold his own when the odds are stacked against him. Odds: 28/1 World Ranking: 4
		Rory McIlroy (NIR) This promising young Ulsterman has taken the golf world by storm with his raw talent and indomitable character. His tied 20th debut at Augusta was an indicator of his skill and progress. His long drives and exquisite iron play seem well suited to the the unforgiving Masters course. With victories on the European Tour, a record breaking 63 first round at St. Andrews, a solid Ryder Cup contribution and top 20 finishes in all of the majors there is still a lot more to come from the 21 year old prodigy. Odds: 25/1 World Ranking: 8
		Paul Casey (ENG) Casey had a great Augusta debut in 2004 with a stunning 6th place finish. He has the best record of any of the young Europeans, featuring in the top 20 on three other occasions. Despite a recent injury to his rib Casey was on top of the podium to claim the 2011 Volvo Golf Championship which was his first victory since returning from injury. Casey's monster drives and putting prowess makes him a real contender and one to watch out for come Thursday. Odds: 28/1 World Ranking: 7
		Ian Poulter (ENG) Has always been a consistent yet flamboyant player with unrivalled self-belief that has seen him win 10 European titles, the Accenture World Match Play in 2010 and the Ryder Cup. Poulter has never missed a cut at Augusta and a sterling performance last year saw him finish 10th after leading at the half way point. He may not be the biggest hitter but his determination and genius around the greens always makes him a force to be reckoned with. Odds: 50/1 World Ranking: 16
		Justin Rose (ENG) Rose has an interesting record at Augusta; he has led the field three times in one day and in every other day at least once. Unfortunately he has only once genuinely been in contention come the final round. In 2007 he wasn't able to hold on and double bogeyed the 17th to fall behind the leaders. Rose has had a varied career and after an impressive Open amateur performance, he struggled to find his feet as a professional until 2002. However after changing coaches and achieving a number of European and International victories he is finally looking to fulfil his potential after a successful run of recent form. Odds: 28/1 World Ranking: 26
		Miguel Angel Jiminez (ESP) Jimenez was a crucial member of the unforgettable 2010 Ryder Cup victory and won 3 European tour titles in 2010. Jimenez has only missed the Augusta cut once and holds an impressive 5 top 12 finishes, his best being 8th. Throughout the years he has proved to be a consistent golfer and one that can challenge the Americans with his composure and quality. Odds: 125/1 World Ranking: 24
		Ross Fisher (ENG) As a wild card pick for the list, Fisher is an incredibly talented golfer who has unfortunately always been on the periphery in big tournaments like the Open. However he has plugged away and has claimed tour victories in each year he has played. Fisher is a local favourite in Surrey and a former junior golf scholar at Wentworth. After an opening round 69 at Augusta in the past, Fisher has proved that he can compete with the big boys and this may be his first opportunity to genuinely challenge for a major.  Odds: 100/1 World Ranking: 43