Masters Favorites 2013: Projecting Daily Score Totals for Golf's Biggest Stars

Picking the winner of golf tournaments is just too easy. I need a bigger challenge. So, I'm going to project the score in each round for the three biggest names in this tournament. 

One of the things that has me jacked for this Masters is that Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson all enter this tournament with a strong chance to contend, and that could set up for an unforgettable Sunday. 

The betting public likes the chances of these three golfers so much that Bovada has them listed as the three favorites. 

So, without further ado, here is how the tournament will play out for these three stars. 

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is in prime position to end his major drought that has spanned nearly five years. He is dialed in with his distance control, and he is putting better than ever. 

While his driving accuracy is a little off, Augusta does not put a premium on accuracy off the tee, and Tiger's distance is consistent with the rest of his career. 

Tiger finished in 40th here last year, but other than that, it's almost a guarantee he will play well here. 

When Tiger is at his best, he moves into the lead on Friday or Saturday and shuts the door on Sunday. I expect him to do just that this year. 

Round 1: 70 Round 2: 67 Round 3: 67 Round 4: 69

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has had his share of struggles this year. However, he looked vastly improved and far more confident last week while finishing second at the Texas Open. 

Rory definitely has the game to win at Augusta, and he would have were it not for a terrible collapse on the back nine in the final round in 2011. 

Rory appeared to have gotten past that collapse last year as he started off strong, but he fired 77 and 76 to close out the tournament. And the fact of the matter is, Rory has struggled at Augusta. 

I see McIlroy having a similar tournament to last year. He will start off strong with the confidence gained last week, but that will fade in the face of his demons at this course. 

Round 1: 68 Round 2: 69 Round 3: 75 Round 4: 73

Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson is a blast to watch at Augusta. He's won three green jackets, and he is almost always at his best here, and the course is well suited to his strengths. 

Mickelson can get derailed with his putting, but he's been solid on the greens this year. I expect him to be right in the mix for contention. 

Also, as Farrell Evans of ESPN points out, Lefty will be using a new driver/3-wood hybrid that is supposed to increase his accuracy without limiting his distance (uh, sign me up for this club). 

If that works, it should save Lefty from a few strokes, as he almost always manages to find the pine needles a few times off the tee. 

I expect Mickelson to be close to contention, but he will have one round keep him from victory. 

Round 1: 66 Round 2: 68 Round 3: 73 Round 4: 68