Masters Picks 2012: Predictions for Augusta Classic

Augusta welcomes the best golfers in the world, all hungry to put on that coveted green jacket. We have an idea of what will transpire in the next few days at what will be an amazing Masters. 

Unfortunately, the quaint Par 3 tournament was cut short because of weather, and so we hope that the same doesn't happen as the morning unfolds. 

This may be the most anticipated Masters in decades, and there is a very good reason. We have a Tiger Woods comeback, a budding young Rory McIlroy and the legendary poise of Phil Mickelson to keep us interested. 

Here is how the most famous in the field will fare after four grueling, albeit beautiful, Augusta Days. 

Phil Mickelson

Lefty comes in with little to no pressure, which has to make him a favorite going in. Instead, that goes to Tiger Woods, whose one win has inflated him to the man Vegas loves right now. 

It's all about starting strong for Lefty, and I see him getting off to a sound Day 1. If he can place in the top five, history tells us that he will be on the leaderboard on the fourth day. 

He got off to a rough start in 2012 but has been better as of late.

Prediction: Top-five finish

I'm not ready to put him in another green jacket, but I wouldn't be surprised. 

Tiger Woods

He showed us at Bay Hill that four solid days will no longer elude him. Yes, he is putting well, but hardly dropping them like he used to. 

Augusta is a demanding set of greens that need a masterful touch, which I am not yet convinced Woods has. I am ready to have him on the leaderboard, but I have another favorite to win. 

Prediction: Top-five finish

Rory McIlroy

Sure, Tiger Woods is the most talked about comeback, but we can't forget McIlroy, who is entering the lion's den. 

His fourth day flameout last year will fuel a far more experienced and hungry golfer. Forget the fact that he is playing remarkably well. He is brash enough to dismiss a classic Tiger surge late in the tournament, and that will be the difference.

Prediction: Winner  

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