Masters 2012: Under the Radar Golfers Who Will Contend

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald and Phil Mickelson are all big names that you can expect to be in the hunt for the 2012 Masters, but there are a few names that could be coming in under the radar.

The hype around the green jacket is enormous, and the aforementioned should be considered the favorites.

That being said, we've seen players come out of nowhere and make a name for themselves before.

Who will the next big thing?

Here are two names that I would keep an eye on at the Masters:

K.J. Choi

Saying that Choi is a great golfer is somewhat of an understatement. He's got a booming swing and is fantastic on the greens, but he lacks a bit of the consistency that would put his name up their with the big-time competitors.

That being said, he's talented enough to compete with the best of the best in the golf world.

He's currently ranked No. 23 in the world and has eight PGA tour wins under his belt, including the 2011 Players Championship.

I like his focus on the green and his experience. Choi may not be a favorite, but as long as he's out there he's going to be an under the radar competitor.

Graeme McDowell

We know that McDowell knows how to win and he's one of the most talented golfers in the world (ranked No. 13), so it just comes down to playing his best in the big moments of the Masters.

McDowell has all the physical tools that it takes to win the Masters and he's consistently a high finisher.

He's got a flair for the dramatic which is sometimes positive and sometimes negative, but I have a feeling he'll be on his game this time around.

He had a great year in 2010 highlighted by a U.S. Open win, but then followed that up with an average 2011.

This is a guy that has all the intangibles to walk away with the green jacket, so keep your eye on him.