Masters 2012: Smartest Picks to Win the Green Jacket

The Masters is almost upon us, meaning that the most prestigious item of clothing in the world—the green jacket—is up for grabs once again.

All the big names of the PGA Tour will enter, but only one can walk away with the title.

So whether you're an avid golf follower or someone just out to make your pockets a little heavier, here are the smartest picks to win themselves a green jacket.

Charl Schwartzel

Nationality: South Africa

Official Golf World Ranking: 8th

Current odds: 40/1

2012 so far: Schwartzel has had a disappointing start by his standards to the 2012 PGA Tour, failing to make the cut on two occasions. Of the three cuts that he has made, the 2011 Masters winner has finished fourth, fifth and 17th, and hasn't shot a round above 71 in those tournaments.

What makes him a smart pick: Ranking second across the entire PGA in third- and final-round scoring averages, Schwartzel can storm home despite a slow finish, as shown with his victory last year. His scoring average still sits in the top 20, and his consistency will certainly help him in his quest to repeat as champion.

Lee Westwood

Nationality: England

Official Golf World Ranking: 3rd

Current Odds: 15/1

2012 so far: Westwood has had a strong start, despite some sluggish performances of late. After beginning with two fourth-place finishes at the World Golf Match Play Championships and the Honda Classic, Lee has finished outside the top 20 in his two most recent tournaments.

What makes him a smart pick: One of the Brit's greatest strengths is his driving game. He is ranked  25th in driving accuracy and second in overall driving. He also is in the top 10 for greens in regulation (second) and scoring average (ninth).

Westwood's ability on the shorter holes makes him one of the smartest picks to win the tournament. He ranks third and ninth on par-three or par-four for birdies or better. With his high greens-in-regulation percentage, he should be able to also play well on the longer holes, making him a great pick to walk away with the green jacket.

Luke Donald

Nationality: England

Official World Golf Ranking: 1st

Current odds: 15/1

2012 so far: After starting with a 7-over par effort at the Northern Trust Open, Donald has rapidly become one of the form players on tour. He hasn't had a round higher than 70 in his last two tournaments; finishing in the top 10 in both. His recent win at the Transitions Championships with a 13-under score highlights again just how strong Donald has been in 2012.

What makes him a smart pick: Donald's ability from long range will benefit him at the Masters. He ranks fifth fifth in approaches from 250-275 yards and first in approaches from 275-plus yards. Even when in trouble, the Brit can find ways to get himself out of danger. He's hitting more than 80 percent when scrambling from the rough and 62.90 percent for greens in regulation from the rough.

His ability to take early leads in tournaments always makes him a player to watch. He ranks 10th in scoring average before the cut and second in front-nine scoring average. Should he take an early lead, Donald could well be a tough player to run down.

Adam Scott

Nationality: Australian

Official World Golf Ranking: 13th

Current Odds: 25/1

2012 so far: The Australian has had a quiet start, chalking up two top-25 finishes. That is the way of Adam Scott, who continues to be one of the top golfers on tour to finish without a major win.

What makes him a smart pick: Despite a slow start, Scott's numbers have been solid. His ability to score seemingly at will makes him a definite threat to the green-jacket hopes of many. Scott ranks 11th in scoring average and leads the PGA Tour for birdies or better on par-four holes.

There's something about Scott that makes him difficult to rule out. His performance at last year's Masters shows that he is capable of performing on the big stage. At his best, he can mix it up with the top golfers in the world.

Tiger Woods

Nationality: United States

Official World Golf Ranking: 7th

Current Odds: 5/1 (and shortening fast!)

2012 so far: It was bound to happen, but Tiger has bounced back to start the season, chalking up a win and a second in the five tournaments he's entered. Woods shot a phenomenal 62 in the final round of the Honda Classic to almost take the win, but was forced to settle for second place. His breakthrough win came at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week, where his 13-under par performance earned him the trophy.

What makes him a smart pick: To be honest, I hesitated about putting Woods on this list, because I don't think he's consistent enough to win himself another green jacket at the Masters this year. Having said that, I also don't think that Scott and Schwartzel will win, but they made the list also.

The reason why Woods is a smart pick is that we know he can win. He's unlikely to suffer Rory McIlroy-esque nerves in the final round, and he has proven already this year that he knows how to win a tournament.  He leads the PGA in total driving, scoring average and approaches from long range.

Tiger is averaging less than 34 on the front nine this year, and ranks third in scoring average before the cut. If he can be close to the leaders heading into the final few rounds, Woods can do what everyone secretly wants him to do—take home the green jacket.

Woods could do what he's done before—simply dominate. That's what makes him a smart pick.

Hunter Mahan

Nationality: United States

Official World Golf Ranking: 4th

Current Odds: 25/1

2012 so far: Nobody has started better on tour than Mahan, who leads the money list as well as FedEx Cup Points. Mahan has wins at the World Golf Match-Play Championships and the Shell Houston Open, as well as a sixth at the Farmers Insurance Open. With six top-25 performances out of seven tournaments, he is the epitome of an in-form player.

What makes him a smart pick: Mahan's play make him a genuine candidate for the green jacket, with the accuracy of his shots sure to hold him in good stead at the Masters. The American ranks in the top 10 in driving accuracy and greens in regulation. Even when he's not on the fairway, Mahan's greens-in- regulation percentage is third on the tour.

The real key for Mahan will be finishing the tournament strong. He has only one final-round score below 70 this season. He will be in the mix early, and his accurate and consistent play will surely see him remain there. The only question remaining is whether he can perform in the final round.

For form and accuracy, though, it's hard to look past Mahan, who is definitely a smart pick for the green jacket in 2012.

Phil Mickelson

Nationality: United States

Official World Golf Ranking: 14th

Current Odds: 7/1

2012 so far: Phil already has a win in 2012, taking the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am with a strong 17-under performance. He also has a second- and fourth-place finish, the latter coming in his most recent outing at the Shell Houston Open.

What makes him a smart pick: It's hard to look at picks for the Masters and leave out "Lefty" simply because of his rich history with the sport and this tournament. Once again, Mickelson enters the Masters in great touch. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with throughout the week.

His birdie-or-better conversion percentage is excellent, ranking seventh on the tour, and will once again allow him to take full advantage of any chances he creates at the Masters. He simply is one of those players that you can never count out of the prestigious event, especially when his form is as strong as it is.

All of which makes Mickelson a strong pick for the green jacket.

If I had to pick just one, though?

I do like Hunter Mahan at 25/1, particularly watching him play this year,. But for me, it's Luke Donald. At 15/1, I think he is the smartest pick to take home the green jacket and etch his name in the history books forever.

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