Masters Predictions 2012: Sleeper Contenders Who Will Challenge Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods has finally found his game and should be in contention on Sunday at the Masters. Other big names like Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood will likely be in the mix as well, but there are always a couple of unexpected names high on the leaderboard.

Let's examine three sleepers who will make sure Woods isn't able to run away with the tournament like he did at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. With so many players capable of making a charge, anything is possible at Augusta.

Sergio Garcia

One of the best players on tour without a major title, Garcia has been showing a lot more consistency this year. He hasn't missed a cut and was in contention last week at Bay Hill before the course toughened up on the weekend.

He's hitting greens in regulation 76 percent of the time, which is an important stat for conquering Augusta. If he's able to give himself that many looks at birdie next weekend, the Spanish star will set himself up to end his poor run at marquee events.

Those struggles have to be weighing on his mind, however, so it's important he gets off to a quick start on Thursday for an instant confidence boost.

Dustin Johnson

Getting off to a quick start has never been the problem for Johnson. Instead, he usually bolts out to a lead before slowly letting it slip away on Sunday. You still get the feeling he's on the verge of a major breakthrough this season, though.

Since Pebble Beach in early February, Johnson has played three events at a combined 20-under par. He also made the final 16 at the match play event. It's clear his game is trending in the right direction, which sets him up for a Masters run.

The key for him will be hitting fairways off the tee. His driving accuracy sits just below 50 percent for the year. If he can push that up about 10 percent, he'll be a contender.

Webb Simpson

Simpson doesn't attract much attention because his performance at the majors has been lackluster, but it's only a matter of time before that changes. The 26-year-old American should be entering his prime and has the game to win multiple big titles.

He's made the cut at all seven events and has been at least four-under par at every stop other than last week, when a poor final round did him in. Since he ranks third on tour in birdies, he gives himself a little leeway to overcome poor holes.

It all adds up to make Simpson an under-the-radar contender. As long as doesn't let the spotlight get the better of him, he could quickly end any talk of another dominant run by Woods.