Masters 2011: Is This Phil Mickelson's Chance to Surge to Top of World Rankings?

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The 2011 Master's Could Finally Send Lefty To The Top

After taking the Houston Shell Open win last week, Phil Mickelson is closer than ever to the top of the world rankings.

For the first time since 1997, Mickelson, ranked No. 3, is ahead of a man named Tiger Woods in the world standings, now No. 7.

Lefty just needs to lock up the Master's trophy and he'll finally take the title of being the world's best golfer—a title that has eluded him his entire career.

According to the Miami Herald:

"So what if Lefty’s playing like he’s using a righty’s clubs every other hole. Augusta is his recharging Juice Machine. In his past five Masters, Mickelson’s got two green jackets, winning going away in 2010 by three shots, and two fifth-places."

There are infinite storylines going into this even, but for us drawn to the long rivalry between Mickelson and Woods—Augusta just makes it even more interesting.

With Mickelson making a surge to the top, it's almost unlikely to believe that Tiger hasn't been paying close attention.

We're surely in for an entertaining Master's. Mickelson is back, Woods can't be counted out and there are several youngsters that could make a play for the green jacket.

Mickelson has all of the momentum, after recently taking the Houston Shell Open—a tournament he uses to warm up for Master's.

Judging from Tiger's most recent outings, he's still nowhere close to regaining his game. But seeing his rival Mickelson finally shaking off his own slump could also light up Tiger's competitive fire.

We should all be treated to a great tournament this year with first-place ripe for the taking.

But this is Mickelson's time to shine, with No. 1 at stake and Tiger still battling inconsistent play, all the ingredients are there for us to see Phil finally take his spot at the top.

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