Way Too Early Masters Predictions: Why Dustin Johnson Will Win at Augusta

Dustin Johnson has knocked on the door of winning more than a girl scout and Charlie Sheen combined. The story this entire week has been focused on Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. Is there a rivalry? Is Roaring Rory the next Tiger? But, the 8^th ranked golfer in the world, Dustin Johnson, has something to say.

He will speak loudly and unfiltered at The Masters.

I think the course at Augusta will be his coming out party. He’s not afraid of golf’s biggest stage. He seems to thrive on doubters' venom.

Johnson embodies the place he is from—South Carolina. He has a mental stamina much more marathon runner than sprinter. He never feels like he’s in too deep of a hole. He's able to make an impossible shot look a little less inconceivable.

He can rocket the ball deep down the fairway, having been third in the driving distance stats for three consecutive years between 09' and 11' on the PGA Tour. He’s the younger version of Phil Michelson, catching more bad breaks than Toyota. But this time around call it reverse Tiger Woods karma. He should have the golf god's in his corner.

I see him edging out perennial favorite Lee Westwood by three strokes for the crown and the green jacket.

What happened to Dustin last year when he received a two-hole penalty for grounding his club in a bunker, which moved him from tied for first to fifth place, would break the mental spirit of most golfers.

Johnson, however, didn't roll over and die. He rolled over, dusted himself off and got back up. He has this naivete about him. No matter how bad a round is going he keeps a positive mind and relaxed spirit.

His glass isn't half full, its overflowing with crystal.

The Johnson Recent Timeline

2010 PGA Championship: Fifth-place finish. Martin Kaymer eventually won the playoff.

March 2011: Johnson entered the final round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship with a two-stroke lead over the rest of the field. However, he shot a final round one under par 71, to finish as runner up, behind Nick Watney.

July 2011: He finished in a tie for second place, alongside fellow American Phil Mickelson. The pair were beaten to the title by Darren Clarke, who finished three strokes ahead of them.

The Barclays 2011: Johnson won his fifth PGA Tour title by beating Matt Kuchar by two strokes.

April 2012 Prediction

Dustin Johnson wins the 2012 Masters by three strokes over Lee Westwood.