Masters Odds 2012: How Favorites Will Fair at Augusta

Fans don't watch the Masters for the Charl Schwartzels of the world.

Though stories like the one the South African crafted in 2011 are noteworthy, most of us tune in for Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson.

Those three gentleman are considered three of the favorites for this year's title, and understandably so.

Tiger is Tiger, and he's finally playing well again. Coming off a blistering victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, he seems in position to claim his fifth Green Jacket.

McIlroy should have earned his first Masters title last year, but his implosion that began on the 10th hole on the final day in 2011 ended those hopes.

Still, he is the game's brightest young star, and the 22-year-old could easily take this year's event.

Lefty has already won three Masters, most recently in 2010. He hasn't played great golf so far in 2012, but there is no doubt he has the ability to win at Augusta.

How will these three juggernauts fare?

(Odds from Oddshark.)

Phil Mickelson: 11/1 to win the Masters

Lefty is recovering from a slow start this year, which saw him miss the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. However, I believe he will be competitive.

The fact that Tiger is at the beginning of his resurgence should inspire him, and will bring out a fine effort.

Mickelson will be mentioned amongst the leaders for the first three days, but he'll fade on day four. However, even with a mediocre final day, I still expect a top-10 finish.

He has struggled of late with his putting. Some of that issue seemed to be resolved at the AT&T Pro-Am, but it's hard to ignore 29 percent accuracy on putts between 10 to 15 feet.

Rory McIlroy: 11/2 to win the Masters

McIlroy can obviously dominate on this course, which he showed last year for over three days. However, while I don't believe he'll implode as he did in 2011, it will be tough to duplicate the 65 and 69 he shot on the first two days last year.

Expect McIlroy to be solid, but not dominant. He'll gain confidence on the final two days and he'll be in the final group come Sunday.

I predict a third-place finish.

Tiger Woods: 4/1 to win the Masters

This is the best position Tiger has been in to win a major since he returned from injury and personal issues. He is playing well in just about every facet of the game.

That said, golf is rarely that automatic, and rarely does the thing that makes sense happen on Sunday.

That is, except for when a sharp Tiger is involved.

When Tiger was right, he was the most automatic and safe bet I've ever seen in the sport.

Tiger is right again; physically and mentally, and he's my pick to win the 2012 Masters.