TPC 2012: Big Names Who Will Sputter at 2012 Players Championship

After a breather from the Masters, we are edging ever closer to the U.S. Open.

But, first, the top golfers in the world have another strong test in the 2012 Players Championship, set to tee off today at TPC Sawgrass.

There will be several big names on the green today, all eying a victory that could potentially catapult them through the rest of the field at the U.S. Open in June.

Here's a look at some top golfers I see faltering at the Players Championship this year.

3. Rickie Fowler

This may surprise you, given Fowler just won the Wells Fargo Championship, but, the fact of the matter is he's missed the cut at the Players Championship the past two years. He's playing solid golf, but I truly believe TPC Sawgrass is just one of those courses that has his number. I don't see him missing the cut this year, but I'd be surprised if he was in contention come Sunday.

2. Phil Mickelson

Mickelson always has the potential to catch lightning in a bottle, as he showed with top-five finishes at the Houston Open and Masters this year, but his 26th-place finish at the Wells Fargo Championship was discouraging. Mickelson always has the tools to win a tournament, but his inconsistency worries me. At this age, he shouldn't be dropping so much in one tournament's time.

1. Tiger Woods

Sorry, Tiger apologists, but Woods is not on top of his game these days. In fact, he hasn't been on top of his game for a while now. Yes, his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in late March was encouraging, but he's completely bombed since then. He finished 40th at the Masters (his lowest career finish at Augusta) and missed the cut at the Wells Fargo Championship. The fact is, Woods is one of the regulars these days.

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