List of 2011 Masters Favorites Also Includes Tiger Woods and Martin Kaymer
As recently as a year ago, the question coming into the Masters was the same as it ever was: Tiger or the field?
Obviously, things have changed. Phil Mickelson came away with the Green Jacket for the third time in his career at the 2010 Masters, and the question now is whether or not it's Phil or the field.
Working against Mickelson is the fact that only three players have won the Masters in back-to-back years. Lefty nevertheless has all the momentum on his side after dominating the Shell Houston Open last weekend, and then there's the added incentive of being able to become the No. 1 golfer in the world for the first time in his career.
While Mickelson is the obvious favorite, you can't count on the longtime No. 1, Tiger Woods. It seems shocking to recall now, but Tiger somehow managed to finish tied for fourth at last year's Masters despite the fact it was his first action in months. He hasn't won a tournament since the fall of 2009, but his track record at Augusta suggests he'll be in the mix. He hasn't placed lower than sixth in six years.
Of course, it's obviously not a very good idea to count out Martin Kaymer, the current keeper of the No. 1 world ranking. He has one win under his belt so far this year (in the European Tour), and he's finished no lower than eighth in each of his past three majors, which of course includes a win at the PGA Championship.
As for the other top golfers in the world, I think you can count out Lee Westwood and Luke Donald. Winning majors is not Westwood's area of expertise, and Donald effectively jinxed himself by winning the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday. No Par 3 Contest winner has ever gone on to win the Masters in the same year.
Lastly, don't count out the kids. Rory McIlroy sounds like he's confident in his chances, and he'll be flanked by fellow youngsters Rickie Fowler and Jason Day, both of whom have plenty of talent in their own right.
Personally, I've always felt that golf is the one sport that seems to demand safe bets, so I have to go with Mickelson to come away with the Green Jacket.
Of course, now that I've said this, he probably won't.
Sorry, Phil.
For more on the Masters, check out our 2011 Masters Home Page.
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