Masters Predictions 2012: Phil Mickelson Is Tiger Woods' Only Threat at Augusta

Tiger Woods may feel like he's on top of the world right now after getting his first PGA Tour win since 2009. But before everyone proclaims him the favorite for the 2012 Masters, there's one guy he needs to fear at Augusta, and that's Phil Mickelson. 

Having won the Masters three times since 2004, Mickelson is fully capable of winning it all in 2012. He and Tiger are the co-favorites in my opinion, simply because I'm not ready to call Tiger the sole favorite after his recent victory. 

Do the other golfers need to be afraid now that Tiger's mindset is back to his winning ways? Absolutely, but in no way is he the clear-cut favorite.

That's largely due to the fact he has looked downright horrendous at times in recent tournaments, but also because Mickelson will be ready to shut him down. 

The best of the best forget about what happened weeks and even days ago before they begin to play at the biggest golf event of the year. 

One has to wonder if Tiger was able to do that at any tournament during his huge slump, but now that he's out of it thanks to his win at the 2012 Arnold Palmer Invitational, it shouldn't be too big of a problem for him. 

Others will struggle psychologically, but Tiger and Mickelson will be on their A-game, ready to put on another green jacket.

Tiger has never been intimidated by any of his competitors, but because Mickelson has risen to new heights while Tiger was on his downward spiral, he needs to be wary of the lefty. 

Mickelson won't be taking a back seat to Tiger any more, which will make for one heck of a Masters Tournament in Augusta this April.