Masters Leaderboard 2012: Contenders and Pretenders Sitting at the Top

There have been some great performances in the early rounds of the Masters, but some men will fall out of contention by the end of the weekend.

Which golfers have a legitimate chance at competing for the green jacket?

Jason Dufner (five under): Pretender

He was close to winning his first major a year ago at the PGA Championship, but Dufner is simply outclassed by the rest of the leaderboard.

Fred Couples (five under): Contender

It would be an unlikely story, but his Masters experience keeps the veteran in contention to win his second green jacket.

Louis Oosthuizen (four under): Pretender

The 2010 Open Championship winner has been too inconsistent to win the tournament. He has 11 birdies so far, but five bogeys and a double will hurt his chances.

Lee Westwood (four under): Contender

Westwood is the most consistent player around, but he has never won a major. With a tough course in difficult weather conditions, simply avoiding bogeys might be what it takes to win.

Sergio Garcia (four under): Pretender

Once known as the best golfer without a major, Garcia has struggled in Augusta in recent years. He has not finished above 35th since 2004, and is likely to fall off the leaderboard soon.

Rory McIlroy (four under): Contender

There are few golfers on a hotter streak than McIlory, and he needs to overcome his collapse from last year. A win in Augusta would solidify him as the best young golfer on tour.

Bubba Watson (four under): Contender

The lefty had a great finish to the second round and he just keeps getting better. He has enough strength to get through ball through tough conditions if that continues this weekend.