In its brief history, the Greenbrier Classic has provided plenty of excitement. From Stuart Appleby’s 59, to a pair of playoff victories (by Scott Stallings, and Ted Potter Jr., respectively) the Old White TPC has been the host of great intrigue. Heck, Tiger Woods (absent from this year’s field) even missed the cut at last year’s tournament.

The Old White ranked as the second-easiest par-70 course on tour when Stuart Appleby signed for his 59 three years back. Two years ago, the 7,274-yard track was the 13th most difficult track on tour. So, depending on weather and course conditions, there’s a great deal of variability in scoring at the White Sulphur Springs gem.

Phil Mickelson returns to golf for the first time since his near miss at the U.S. Open. With the absence of the likes of Woods, Rose, and McIlory, “Leftywatch” will be in full effect.

Webb Simpson, Keegan Bradley, and Bubba Watson will all be teeing it up at Chales Blair Macdonald’s masterpiece this week, and “Golf Professional Emeritus” at the Greenbrier, Tom Watson, will be competing as well.

Phil Mickelson: 12-1 odds

Lefty has had a lot of time to lick his wounds. Assuming he’s made peace with another runner-up finish at the U.S. Open, Mickelson should be returning to golf refreshed and hungry for a win. If he can drive the ball reasonably straight, his chances are good against this field.

Webb Simpson: 14-1 odds

A lot of experts are picking Simpson this week, hoping for the happy coincidence of an anchor-er winning the tournament immediately following the Tour’s decision to adopt the USGA’s anchoring ban. Simpson finished tied for fifth last week and has two top 10s in this event.

Bill Haas: 18-1 odds

Last week’s winner, Bill Haas, was rock solid in his win at the AT&T National. He’ll be looking for a second win in a row this week at the Old White, where’s he played well in the past. Haas notched a T2 finish here in 2011.

Bubba Watson: 18-1 odds

Although he’s never played the event before, Watson is in good form as of late. He played well enough to win in his last start, Travelers Championship, with the exception of one bad hole. If he can maintain his focus and continue his improved putting, Bubba could win this week.

Graham DeLaet: 22-1 odds

The Canadian finished tied for 12th at the Greenbrier last year. He’s on a hot streak as of late, too, finishing inside the top 10 in his last two starts.

Billy Horschel: 25-1 odds

Billy Ho didn’t play well last week. However, he’s notched more top 10s than anyone on tour this year and has made the cut in both attempts at TPC Old White.

Louis Oosthuizen: 28-1 odds

Louis hasn’t played since withdrawing from the U.S. Open with a hip injury. That injury followed his withdrawal from the Memorial Tournament with neck issues. If Oosthuizen is able to give it a go this week, he could surprise, as he’s not likely to return until he’s able to legitimately compete.

Jordan Speith: 33-1 odds

Much has been made of Jordan Spieth’s progress from card-less and status-less, to virtually assured a Tour card next year. He’s notched five top 10s this year, and given his accuracy off the tee, could be poised for a sixth this week.

Jimmy Walker: 55-1 odds 

A model of consistency to begin the year, Walker has cooled off as of late, missing consecutive cuts. Regardless, he has finished inside the top 10 in two of the three tournaments at the Greenbrier and is poised for a rebound this week.

Jeff Overton: 70-1 odds

Ovie is a longshot this week, with the oddsmakers giving him about a 1 percent change of winning in White Sulphur Springs. However, he’s fourth in all-time earnings in the short history of the event and and has only carded one round over par at TPC Old White.