The Masters

Just when you were thinking about not taking Phil seriously at Augusta...

In my lifetime, I've learned a few things about what it takes to win at Augusta.  You need to putt well and have a superb short game.  You need to be able to shape your ball off the tee and length helps plenty.  That'll pretty much do it.  If you have three of four, you have a shot, two of four, not likely.  One or zero, you're going to need to make eagles from the pine straw.

Ok, hold the thought about what it takes to win at Augusta.

About a month ago I identified five guys who I thought had a good chance to win this week.  Let's break them down.

1.  Phil Mickelson -- Obviously has all four of the characteristics of a winnner here, including the binus of being able to make eagles out of the straw.  Was totally off his game until this week, when he went 63-65 over the weekend to crush the competition in Houston.  I bet Phil thinks he'll be wearing green to the Krispy Kreme drive thru Monday morning.  He just may be right.

2.  Tiger Woods -- His best finish since his hiatus?  His first tourney back, 4th at Augusta last here.  Obviously can play the course, the swing is the only question.  Showed flashes at Bay Hill.

3.  Luke Donald -- Not a bomber, but his weakness -- driving accuracy -- is the same as the two guys already mentioned.  Read: that can be overcome amongst the azaleas.  Donald can putt and has a world class short game.  He is also playing very well.

4.  Matt Kuchar -- If his dad was on the bag I'd like him more, but you have to like his consistency -- he shows every week -- his putter and his short game.  Let's be honest, I have no idea who can shape shots and who can't.  I just know Kuchar has major game and he's going to breakthrough soon.

5.  Nick Watney -- Watney has been the hottest player in the world so far in 2011, and he's got so much going for him at Augusta.  He can play the course, he is a great putter, and he can drive the ball well.  He's my pick to win, and I have 250 reasons why I hope it happens.

Other than my five favorties, there are others with great history at the Masters who certainly can win.  Mahan, Els, Westwood and Poulter have all had varying degrees of success here and all should play well this week.  I do like Ernie coming in a bit under the radar...he has a slew of top 10s in his history here.

Sergio may be a darkhorse.  His history here isn't great, but the pressure is completely off and he has shown some decent form so far in 2011.  He's a nice flier to take.

Most Talent
Woods
Mickelson
Kaymer
Westwood
McIlroy?

Course History
Woods
Mickelson
Singh
Els
Love

Who's Hot?
Mickelson
Watney
Kuchar
Donald
Mahan

Who's Not?
Poulter
Clark
Weir
Glover
O'Hair

My Picks
Watney
Woods
Kuchar
Mickelson
Donald
Mahan
Els
Garcia
Baddeley
Fowler

Cheers,
TFAM