Masters Predictions 2012: Phil Mickelson Will Dominate Field at Augusta

Let me introduce you to Phil Mickelson. Some people refer to him as Lefty because he is left-handed. In fact, I am sure you've heard of him. 

Lost amid the shuffle of a Tiger Woods comeback and the budding career of Rory McIlroy is a golfer whose talent is as immense as his love for this course. 

It's a beautiful time of year, when many flock to baseball stadiums filled with hope that this year will be special. Hope springs just as eternal at Augusta. 

It's hard not to think the next four days will be an amazing collections of success and joy, because you can't be jaded around these parts. The Masters tees off and the accompanying beauty of Augusta comes with it. 

That leaves a top-five favorite to win the tournament as a rare dark horse, and it's perfect. 

Lefty tees off at 1:53 p.m. ET, alongside Hunter Mahan and Peter Hanson, making a trio of underrated golfers that could delight in the close of business on Day 1. 

Mickelson has made it very clear that he is here to savor it, and let the rest work itself out. ESPN writer Bob Harig illustrates just how giddy this grown man is to tee off.

"

Phil Mickelson showed up early to watch the Big 3 tee off. His starting time isn't until 1:53. He can go back to sleep, but. .. pretty cool.

— Bob Harig (@BobHarig) April 5, 2012"

Lefty then went off and hit the range, making it very clear that he is a little kid ready to open the wealth of Christmas presents before him. 

He has the form to do it too. Despite a rough start to the year, Lefty has shown remarkable success with putting and is driving the ball better. 

He comes in far more solid than he was at the start of 2012 and that makes him dangerous, but it's all about starts with him here at Augusta. 

If he is strong on day one, there is every reason to think that will translate to Sunday glory. You can talk about Woods and McIlroy all you want, but my eye is on Lefty who seems anxious to get something special started. 

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