Masters 2012: Golfers Most Likely to Bring Home Their First Major

It may seem like the likes of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods will win the Masters, but these golfers will have something to say about that.

Since Phil Mickelson won the Masters in 2010, we've had seven new major winners. With the fields as deep as ever, this is a trend we're going to see more of. If that streak is going to hit eight at Augusta, look for one of these guys to do it. 

Dustin Johnson

This is the year for Johnson to break through and win a major. He has had enough close calls and heartbreaks, the time is now to get to that next level. 

Johnson is simply one of the best drivers of the ball in the world. There are plenty of long hitters on tour right now, but only a half-dozen or so can hit the ball as long as Johnson. He attacks long par-fives, leaving short irons and wedges for his second shot. 

The problem with Johnson has always been around the Green. He lacks the consistency there, but unlike players like Rickie Fowler, we know Johnson can win on the PGA Tour, and you don't do that without putting and chipping well. 

Johnson is from the South and should be used to the conditions that come along with Augusta, Ga. in April.

Lee Westwood

Unlike fellow highly-ranked Brit Luke Donald, Westwood has the game to win at Augusta. Westwood's driver is long enough to shrink the course, giving him a realistic run at ever one of the course's par-fives. 

Westwood also has a strong history on the course. He has made the cut there each of the last five times, highlighted by a second place finish in 2010. As a matter of fact, if it wasn't for this ridiculous Saturday barrage from Phil Mickelson two years ago, Westwood would likely have a Green Jacket right now. 

His game is meant for this course. The U.S. and British Opens are more geared for golfers like Donald, but Augusta will reward the bombers that get to attack the pins. That is Westwood. If his putter performs, this is easily a top-five finisher at the Masters. As we all know, anything can happen on the back nine on Sunday. It doesn't take much for a top five to turn into a win. 

Jason Day

Given how well he played last season in his first trip to Augusta, Day may be an obvious choice, but obvious works here. Unlike Johnson and Westwood who have been had to endure near misses and final-round collapses, Day's pretty new to the scene, which will work to his advantage. 

Watch this guy play and you'll see something that is also noticeable with Keegan Bradley and Rory McIlroy, who are both young major winners. Day is completely fearless and brash. It isn't an arrogance in any way, but he is playing to win and win now. That is something that has been missing from young players for a long time. 

Obviously, the physical tools are there. You don't show that well in your first Masters (and then U.S. Open two months later) without being incredibly talented. But down the stretch, other golfers like Johnson and Westwood will be fighting off demons, while Day's mind will be clear.

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