Masters 2012: Rory McIlroy and More Top Contenders to Watch

Rory McIlroy has become the new poster child for the world of golf. With the absence of Tiger Woods over the past few years, the PGA needed a young star to emerge, and it happened. McIlroy is likely confident heading into the Masters, but there are a number of top contenders to watch.

According to the World Golf Ranking, McIlroy lands at the No. 2 position. He finds himself surrounded by world class golfers Luke Donald and Lee Westwood. Tiger Woods is currently in the No. 7 position, hoping to ride the Masters to an increased ranking and to complete his comeback.

With so much talent in the top 10, it will be a toss-up heading into the qualifying rounds as to which golfer may land as the favorite. Right now, it is Woods, but that could change virtually overnight. Looking at the field for the Masters, here are five contenders to watch heading into the best week of golf. 

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy is the new name of golf, despite his lack of a multi-million dollar video game series. McIlroy will take to the Masters with the second-best odds to win the tournament at 9/2 according to oddsshark.com.

McIlroy has all the intangibles to be a major player in the Masters, and all signs are pointing in that direction. McIlroy would have likely been the favorite to win the tournament, if not for Tiger Woods' win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

It will be a battle through the week, but McIlroy is my pick for the victory.

Lee Westwood

Lee Westwood heads into the Masters with the fourth best odds to win the tournament with oodsmakers giving him a 14/1 line. Westwood currently sits at the No. 3 position in the World Golf Ranking and has had a great year.

Westwood is not a front runner for the Masters, but his consistent play will get him to the top of the field and will keep him competitive. If a stroke or two goes awry for McIlroy or Woods, Westwood will be in great position to push to the head of the pack. 

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods finds himself as the clear-cut favorite to win the Masters this week. He battled to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational this past weekend, which pushed him into this conversation in the minds of many in the golf world.

As it stands, Woods is a 7/2 favorite to win the Masters. To be honest, I am a bit surprised by the weight being placed on his tournament play and assumed comeback. I would temper my expectations of Woods, but the experts have him looking at a great tournament.

Luke Donald

Luke Donald is currently ranked as the No. 1 golfer in the world heading into the Masters. Donald is a 14/1 favorite to win the tournament, landing him as fifth best in the odds predictions.

Donald has started the year relatively well, having two Top 10 finishes and a tour win so far. Donald has a shot at pushing for a big tournament, but with the talent elsewhere in the field, he appears to be on the outside looking in.

Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson is a steady player in the Masters. Mickelson is a 10/1 favorite to take home the green jacket, but he has a tough road ahead. He is currently ranked as the No. 14 golfer in the World Golf Rankings.

Mickelson has won one tour event this season and has three Top 10 finishes. He consistently plays the Masters well, and will need some of the lefty magic in order to pull out a win at the Masters. As the third most favored golfer in the tournament, Mickelson will surely keep this week interesting.