The Masters 2012: 5 Golfers Poised to Win the Green Jacket

It's almost the beginning of April. Spring is finally here.

The azaleas are starting to bloom, and as usual, the top players in the world will descend upon Augusta National.

Yes, it's the first major on the PGA Tour, The Masters, and it's already looming around the corner.

In fact, the world's best make their showing only next week. So, without further ado, let's take a look at five players with a good shot at taking the green jacket this year.

Luke Donald

Luke Donald's consistency with his golf game is undeniable.

After winning the Transitions Championship just a few weeks ago, Donald regained his World No. 1 ranking and is certainly headed in the right direction.

His win should give him the confidence he needs to perform well at the Masters this upcoming week. Donald also had a T-6 finish at the WGC Cadillac Championship to go along with that victory.

So, with a victory in hand, and his confidence running high, Donald has a chance to capture that major title that has been eluding him for years.

Rory McIlroy

This is a no-brainer.

Rory McIlroy has been playing outstanding golf this 2012 season. He's already captured a title at the Honda Classic, where he dethroned Luke Donald and claimed the World No. 1 ranking.

To make his current season even more impressive he's finished in the top five in every single event he has played this year—on both the PGA and the European Tour.

McIlroy will head into next week's Masters as the No. 2-ranked player in the world and perhaps capture the green jacket that he let slip from his hands last year.

Phil Mickelson

When it comes to the Masters and Phil Mickelson, you can never count Lefty out.

Mickelson was struggling early in the season, but it's safe to say now that he's refound his game. With his win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am over Tiger Woods, Mickelson is right on track heading into next week's Masters Tournament.

Lefty also had a shot at victory at the Northern Trust Open, where he lost to Bill Haas in a playoff, but all in all, it as been a good couple of months for Mickelson that he can build off of.

This year, Lefty will be searching for his fourth green jacket, and if he can play vintage golf, then Mickelson definitely has a chance to get the job done.

Justin Rose

Justin Rose is at the apex of his golfing career.

He won the Memorial Tournament and the AT&T National venue in 2010 before falling into a slight slump.

However, Rose pulled off another victory at the 2011 BMW Championship to regain his old form.

Now the Englishman is headed off to Augusta National after being crowned victor of the WGC Cadillac Championship a few weeks ago.

With his game on track and his ability to be atop the leaderboard nearly every week, Rose sets his sights on his first major victory. Of course, he'll have to compete among the best players in the world, but if Rose brings his A game, then expect him to win.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is back.

Coming fresh off his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Woods is showing signs of regaining his old form. The putter is working and his ball striking is as pure as ever. Woods seems to have put all the puzzle pieces together, and in perfect timing as well.

Woods will head into next week's Masters as the sixth-ranked player in the world, and he is looking to claim his fifth green jacket.

He should be feeling good about the Masters, because he's had strong T-4 finishes the past two years. And that was when he was in his slump.

So, with his recent victory, and great history at Augusta National Woods should have plenty of confidence heading into next week.

If the Tiger Woods of old is really back at the Masters, then the rest of the field better watch out.