Masters 2012 Leaderboard: Tiger Woods Still Has Something to Salvage on Sunday

Tiger Woods cannot win the 2012 Masters, but that doesn't mean he has nothing to play for on Sunday. Tiger is still on his march to match Jack Nicklaus' mark for most majors won at 18.

The Players' Championship begins on May 7. It isn't technically a major, but it is a high-profile tournament. Judging by his performance at Augusta, he still has some kinks to work out with his driver and irons.

The US Open begins June 11, which will be here before you know it. Tiger doesn't need to head into the tune-ups for the TPC on a down note, thus taking no momentum into the US Open.

Finishing strong at Augusta is the best way to approach the next challenge. It seems many of us were premature in declaring Tiger back based on his performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.

Though a miracle comeback on Sunday is about as likely as Tiger happily accepting anything less than first, a solid day will increase his ranking. It puts him in a better position for player of the year consideration.

This is an honor I think many don't give enough credit, as it relates to Tiger. He has won it 10 times, but not since 2009.

Due to his recent surge, Tiger's ranking has risen to eighth on the tour. Shooting at least three-under on the final day will guarantee him an under-par score for the tournament.

It's obvious all of these secondary goals are not the usual motivation for Woods, but this is part of rebuilding his game.

Every golfer goes through the transformation from young golfer to middle-aged pro. Along with shaking off the effects of issues away from the game, he's in the midst of that transition as well.

That said—the rules must change. It can no longer only be about the majors; if it is, he won't be capable of winning them. He can't turn it on and off anymore.

He must sustain a prolonged period of quality play. He was playing well coming in, but two of the first three rounds at Augusta were a hiccup. Getting back on track starts on Sunday, hopefully finishing with a solid round at Augusta.