Masters Field 2012: Predicting Potential Sleepers at This Year's Tournament

Heading into the Masters, you've probably heard a whole lot about Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy, as the three are far and away the top contenders to win this tournament.

But which players haven't been talked about as having a legitimate shot to earn a green jacket? Which players might surprise everyone with a Masters win?

I've identified three players I think could surprise us all this year. Let's take a look.

Steve Stricker

The Golf Channel made some predictions, and the one for Stricker was a mixed bag:

"

Disappointing history in majors for a guy who factors so often. Hasn’t shot under par in first round at Masters since 2001. Third on Tour in GIR and par-5 birdies, not a bad combination this week. Has never hit it better.

"

I'm going to go ahead and focus on the last two sentences. Stricker comes into this tournament playing well in 2012, with three top-10 finishes this year. His game is certainly suited to this course.

Whether he breaks through at a major or not remains to be seen.

K.J. Choi

He just always seems to hang around in contention, doesn't he?

Plus, he has played well at the tournament the past two years, finishing eighth last year and tied for fourth the year before that.

His secret to success has been an opening-day 67 each year. If he can extend that type of play beyond just one day, he's fully capable of taking the Masters.

Adam Scott

Hey, we know he can have success on this course after he finished tied for second last year.

Scott certainly comes into the tournament fresh, partly because he had his tonsils removed earlier this year. But he has also consciously made the decision heading into the Masters to play less tournaments and spend more time practicing.

Whether it works or not remains to be seen, but know this much—Scott has a game plan coming in, one he's had plenty of time to practice. If nothing else, his preparation will be top-notch.

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