Masters 2012: Unlikely Front-Runners Overflowing with Intrigue

The 2012 Masters was projected by many to be a classic because of the likes of Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson playing at a high level.

But a wealth of unlikely contenders have emerged at Augusta through the first two rounds, with 18 golfers within three strokes of the lead, and that is why the 2012 Masters will indeed be one for the ages.

While Woods has resorted to punting clubs and dealing with mid-life crises, Fred Couples and Jason Dufner have emerged as the leaders at five under par. Couples, at 52 years of age, won the Masters in 1992. Dufner has only appeared in the Masters once before this, and he finished 30th.

But beyond Couples and Dufner, there is Sergio Garcia, who has yet to win a major championship in his career despite placing second at the PGA Championship way back in 1999. There's also Louis Oosthuizen, who won the British Open last year but had missed the cut the past three years at Augusta.

Even Bubba Watson, who is known more for his driving than his putting game, has somehow excelled through the first two rounds at the Masters. He finished 42nd and 38th in 2009 and 2011 respectively, but is four under par heading into the weekend at Augusta.

And don't forget Lee Westwood, the No. 3 golfer in the world who is still searching for his first major championship at 38 years of age. He placed second at Augusta in 2010.

Of course, McIlroy and Mickelson are still in position to capture the green jacket, even if Woods is not. McIlroy is one stroke off the lead after a three under par in the second round, and Mickelson is three strokes off the lead after a four under par on Friday.

It's a great mix of youth, age, experience, inexperience, rising players and question marks. What more could you want?

Forget a three-way race between McIlroy, Woods and Mickelson. This is fun to watch.

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