6 Questions Heading Into The 2009 Masters

6. Who could be a darkhorse contender?

Relatively obscure Trevor Immellman, took last year's Masters, and previous to that fine, although not well known, players like Mike Weir and Zach Johnson got to put on the Green Jacket.

Which similar player could do the same? I like Hunter Mahan. Mahan has been a solid player for several years, and was on last year's Ryder Cup team. He hasn't missed a cut this year, and is coming off a T-6 at Houston. Keep an eye on him.

5. Are Rory Mcilory and Anthony Kim ready to establish themselves as major contenders?

The two hottest young names in golf have yet to contend in a major championship. My money is on Mcilory to make a splash in this years Masters. In four tournaments this year, he hasn't finished outside the top 20.

4.  Will a 50-something player make the cut?

Apparently this is Gary Player's last Masters, and at age 73 if he breaks 80, that would be remarkable, if he makes the cut it would be astounding. I wouldn't count on it, but others, like former champions Tom Watson and Mark O'Meara could put a couple of decent rounds together and play on the weekend.

The best shot of not only making the cut, but of contending for the senior crew is Greg Norman. There wasn't only the third-place finish at last year's British Open, but last week Norman fired three rounds of 71 or better before Sunday's brutal conditions in Houston when he shot 81.

3. Which international player has the best chance of winning of the Masters?

I think Vijay Singh's and Ernie El's best days might be behind them, but I wouldn't count them out from seriously contending. Already mentioned is Rory Mcilory from Ireland, and Sergio Garcia is still looking for that first major win, but I like Padraig Harrington.

Harrington is coming off two straight majors, and he might be the most clutch putter in all of golf outside of Tiger woods. I'd be really suprised if he finishes outside the top 20.

2. What's Phil Mickelson going to do?

Oh he'll probably shoot 77-65-69-78 with 20 birdies and 15 bogeys and a couple of others. Honestly who can figure out how Phil will play? I thought he was ready to score well in Houston and he goes and misses the cut. You don't have to win the week before, and missing the cut doesn't mean you won't contend the next week, but it's definitely better to come off a top five finish than a missed cut.

1. Will Tiger Woods win his fifth Green Jacket, and march closer to Jack Nicklaus's major championship record?

Is there anyone out there willing to bet against this guy? I'm not. He won his last stroke play tournament at Bay Hill, and if he putts well he could win by five or shot shots.

Tiger is the prohibitive favorite, but I get the feeling he won't run run away with this tournament, but he'll be right there with the leaders on Sunday.