The golf world has waited for two things to happen over the last half decade: for Tiger Woods to regain his other-worldly form and continue his assault on Jack Nicklaus' record 18 majors and for Rory McIlroy to finally take his spot as the sport's next transcendent player and begin his own assault on the all-time greats. For Woods, that hope may have already been lost, as most reasonable expectations for the golf legend center around him winning one more major and getting to 15 before is career is complete.

McIlroy, however, still has a chance at becoming a Tiger-like figure for a sport that is yearning for a star to carry it toward the future. Winning the 2015 Masters at Augusta National would instantly catapult the Irish-born player into a stratosphere only a few golfers have ever managed to see. Let's take a closer look at Rory McIlroy's odds to win the 2015 Masters with predictions and analysis.

Rory McIlroy Odds to Win the 2015 Masters Storyline

McIlroy may not have had a great lead up toward the Masters, where during the first third of the season he missed the cut at the Honda Classic, threw a club into a lake at the Cadillac Championship, and finished eight shots behind the leader at Bay Hill. However, those troubles will be forgotten the second McIlroy steps foot on Augusta National as history will be hanging in the balance. The golfer has a chance to become only the third player to ever win three straight majors and join an exclusive club that includes Woods and Ben Hogan.

McIlroy will also have a shot at completing a career grand slam before the age of 26 while erasing the demons of multiple poor performances at Augusta National. In short, the pressure will be enormous for the four-time major winner over the next few weeks until the Masters begins on April 9. McIlroy, however, has told the media that he is prepared and is working hard on his body as well as his golf game.

Rory McIlroy 2015 Masters Odds and Stats

McIlroy, of course, is the favorite to win the event at +800, while Bubba Watson, who is always a threat at the Masters and is receiving +1000 odds at Sportsbook.ag. McIlroy is also getting even money to simply win any major this season, while Watson is again second at +300. McIlroy has played in three events during 2015 and has failed to make the cut once and earned one Top-10 finish while averaging a 71.1 round in that span.

Rory McIlroy Odds to Win the 2015 Masters with Predictions and Analysis

History is on the line for the 26-year-old pro, and he will either rise to the occasion with a classic performance or crumble under the pressure. Expecting any player to win any specific major is a long shot and probably a bit unfair. Golf is a difficult game with a multitude of factors that can become the difference between a quality shot and a bad one. McIlroy is receiving enticing odds at +800, and a bet on him feels like a no brainer. The truly legendary players, whether it's Woods, Nicklaus or any elite athlete from another sport, thrive during those moments. The only question on the table is whether or not you believe McIlroy is truly an all-time player? Because if he is, the Irishman will figure out a way to come through at The Masters.

Want free sports betting picks? Doc's Sports has you covered - get $60 worth of picks free from any of Doc's Sports expert handicappers. Click here for free picks (new clients only).

Read more articles by George Monroy