Masters 2012: Will Tiger Woods Finish Atop the Leaderboard Back-to-Back Weeks?

Tiger Woods recorded his first PGA Tour win since 2009 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week. Fans and analysts are claiming the "old" Woods is back, and even Las Vegas has declared him the favorite to win the Masters.

Simmer down. There is still a long ways to go for Woods to return to his old form, and that is why I don't see him winning the green jacket this year. 

The win at Bay Hill last week was a huge step for Woods, but it is also arguably his best course on tour. He has won the event seven times, more than any other tournament. That was the perfect chance for Woods to finally break through.

While Woods is historically comfortable at Augusta National, he has not won the event since 2005.

Woods is also only a few weeks removed from a withdrawal at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in Doral due to a sore left Achilles' tendon. That probably won't be a factor at the Masters, but it's worth considering due to Woods' past Achilles injury.

There are two other factors going against Woods this weekend—putting and his opponents.

Woods finally found a rhythm last week on the putting green. His speed was consistent all weekend, which led to him holing some deeper putts.

That consistent touch has simply not been there ever since his return and it is paramount at a course like Augusta National.

The pin placement will be tricky and the greens are always fast. Woods has made strides this season, but he is not consistent enough yet to be considered the favorite.

The deeper and more-talented field than in years past works against Woods as well.

Rory McIlroy, ranked No. 1 in the world, is coming off a win at the Honda Classic and a runner-up finish at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. McIlroy choked away the green jacket last year, but he has not hindered his play since, which should only help him deal with the pressure this year.

2010 winner Phil Mickelson has to be considered one of the favorites and already has a win at Pebble Beach, where he was paired with Woods.

Lee Westwood and Luke Donald are strong contenders, and don't count out Bubba Watson. The course's curves fit to Watson's shot-shaping abilities. If he can make some putts, he will be a factor.

It would be a great story to see Woods win the Masters a fifth time and it would be a huge shot in the arm for golf. Still, Woods is not the dominant player he once was, and he needs more time to rehab his game.

He may get there soon, but expect a solid top-10 finish from Woods at the Masters.