Masters 2012: Why Phil Mickelson Won't Take Home the Green Jacket

Phil Mickelson figures to be in the race to win the Masters this year, but he's won't win his fourth career Green Jacket when all is said and done.

In true Phil Mickelson fashion, the 41-year-old out of San Diego has once again raised his level of play heading into the Masters. He tied for fourth place at the Houston Open, with a 12-under-par 276.

However, Mickelson hasn't been consistent enough this year to realistically win the Masters. He shot a 65 in the first round at the Houston Open, only to finish with two 70s and a 71 in his final three rounds. He placed 24th and 43rd at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Cadillac Championship, respectively.

It's not that Mickelson has played particularly poor golf this season—he won at Pebble Beach and placed second at the Northern Trust Open. But to say he will come away victorious at Augusta this year is only wishful thinking.

Beyond his overall level of play, there are two main reasons Mickelson doesn't have a shot this year and their names are Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. McIlroy has come out blazing since his landmark year in 2011 and Woods just won the Arnold Palmer Invitational, his first PGA Tour victory since September 2009. McIlroy's play dictates he will win his first career Green Jacket, while Woods' renewed confidence gives him a shot at his fifth.

But there are also two Americans who have surged into contention.

Hunter Mahan, who just won the Houston Open with a 16-under-par 272, certainly has a chance. He finished in the top 10 at the 2009 and 2010 Masters.

Everyone should also be on the lookout for young up-and-comer Keegan Bradley, who won the 2011 PGA Championship on his first try en route to capturing the 2011 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award. At 25 years of age, Bradley is playing some great golf this year. He's placed 22nd or better in every one of his nine events this season. He also has three top-10 finishes after tying for fourth place at the Houston Open.

The Masters always brings out the best in Phil Mickelson. Unfortunately for him, even his best this year won't be good enough amongst a slew of prime contenders.

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