Masters 2012 Leaderboard: Tiger Woods' 72 Won't Doom Him

Tiger Woods isn't in the perfect spot, but it could definitely be worse. After one round, he's even par with a 72 for the day.

Going into the second day, Tiger will trail the leader by at least four shots. While even par doesn't kill his chances, it does mean he'll likely have to have at least one amazing day.

Last year, Tiger had two great days at Augusta. In round two, he shot a 66, which was what I predicted he'd shoot in round one this year.

Then in his final push, Woods shot a 67 on the final day in 2011. That inconsistent, up-and-down performance was a microcosm of the struggling times of Tiger's past two years in the sport.

If he's to turn the corner and get back to where he was, Tiger's play from here on out at Augusta must trend upward.

Realistically, Woods may not be able to afford another day shooting 70 or higher. He has to assume that it'll take an average of 69 to be in the hunt. That means, Tiger would need to average a 68 for the last three rounds to reach that mark.

That is certainly doable for Tiger. He was on pace for a 70 before he tallied bogeys on the final two holes. Over the past three years, Tiger has consistently shot sub 70 numbers on the final day. 

So we can expect a late surge. But will that be enough? It hasn't been over the past two years.

Tiger hasn't won at Augusta since 2005. That year, Tiger sandwiched a 66 and 65 between a 74 and 71 to enter a playoff with Chris DiMarco.

Of course, Tiger came out victorious, and he may have a similar path laid before him this year.

I have predicted for the past month Tiger would win the Masters, and I'm sticking with my prediction.

Woods will shake off the 72 to take the event.