Ever since returning to the sport at the Hero World Challenge last year excitement has been slowly building on what Woods could achieve once again.
A runners-up finish at the Valspar Championship before ending up tied for fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational has only helped increase ‘Tiger Mania’.
That has led to punters backing Woods for a sensational first win at Augusta since 2005.
The American hasn’t won on Tour since the 2013 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
And Haney claims that from all the players on tour he has spoken too, they say it is a “joke” Woods is even being spoken about as a possible Masters winner.
“I haven’t found a touring pro that doesn’t think Tiger will win tournaments again, everyone thinks he will win tournaments again,” Haney said on SiriusXM PGA Tour radio programme.
“I have not found one touring pro that thinks he’s going to win Augusta.
“Matter of fact, they think it’s a joke that he’s the favourite.”
Woods’ performances have been hampered by his inaccuracy off the tee with his driver, highlighted at the Farmers Insurance Open at which he only hit 17 fairways.
And Haney explains that Woods’ rivals believe that is the main reason why the 42-year-old will not win Augusta this year.
“Why [do his peers scoff at Woods’ chance this week]?” Haney asked rhetorically.
“Because you can’t hit irons at Augusta.”
