Masters 2012: Phil Mickelson and More Former Champions Ready to Make Noise

The 2012 Masters begins at Augusta National later today and numerous past champions are competing in the event.

This prestigious list includes golfers such as Phil Mickelson, Angel Cabrera, Fred Couples, Vijay Singh, Charl Schwartzel, Trevor Immelman, Zach Johnson and, of course, Tiger Woods.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these green-jacket holders and their chances to win another again this weekend.

Phil Mickelson (2004, 2006, 2010 champion) – 11/1

Lefty is a fan favorite and it reflects in the Vegas odds for him to win this tournament.

He’s shown past dominance at Augusta and looks just as good as ever at the age of 41.

Phil is playing well, making good decisions and even better shots. Don’t count him out until the final hole has been played.

Tiger Woods (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005 champion) – 9/2

Back in ’97, Woods obliterated the competition with an incredible 18-under-par performance that set a Masters record.

It’s highly doubtful the golfer, who has fallen from grace over the past few years, repeats the performance. But do not sleep on him, because Tiger is the favorite for a reason.

He is coming off a victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and has momentum and a chip on his shoulder.

Charl Schwartzel (2011 champion) – 45/1

Last year’s champion seemingly came out of nowhere to capture his first and only green jacket.

The 27-year-old South African isn’t likely to repeat, but he also wasn’t expected to hit four birdies in a row on the last four holes on the last day of the 2011 Masters.

If anyone could defy the odds and pull out an improbable victory at Augusta, it’s Schwartzel.