Masters Picks 2013: Projecting Biggest Winners and Losers at Augusta

It seems like yesterday when I was watching the final round of the 2012 Masters. After Louis Oosthuizen gave us one of the greatest shots Augusta National has ever seen, Bubba Watson stormed back to force a playoff hole and proceeded to one-up Oosthuizen with the best shot in the Masters since Tiger Woods' chip shot in 2005.

Now the 2013 Masters is upon us, and I'm hoping that what ensues is at least a tenth of what transpired last year. Although Tiger Woods is the odds-on favorite, the field remains wide open, leaving it for any golfer, young or old, well-known or not to steal the spotlight.

Whatever happens, I'll be watching and enjoying every minute of it.

Here are my predictions for the biggest winners and losers that will come from the Masters.

Winner: ESPN and CBS

After the misfortune of having its final round played on Easter, CBS and the Masters have nowhere to go but up this year.

Last year, the final round had the worst overnight final round rating since 2004. The 2012 tournament was not only plagued with being forced to play on Easter Sunday, but the final round saw Bubba Watson claim his green jacket as the sun was setting after a phenomenal two playoff hole finish.

This year is different. 2013 offers way more storylines and a field that sees its young competitors ready to step to the plate and claim their first green jacket.

With Tiger back at No. 1, Rory McIlroy’s unpredictability, and an eccentric Bubba looking to repeat after his epic final round last year, CBS and ESPN seeing their ratings skyrocket is the closest thing to a lock this tournament.

Loser: Voiceboxes

I don’t know about you, but I get just as pumped up as Tiger Woods does when he makes a great putt.

Those that show up to watch the Masters this weekend will be amped and ready to go when Tiger Woods gets ready in the first tee box on Thursday.

As soon as the first “Mashed Potatoes!!” goes roaring through the gallery, all bets are off as far as cheering is concerned (as long as it’s done after the golfer makes contact with the ball, of course).

Golf is better when the fans become passionate about the sport and show great appreciation for spectacular play.

No matter how bad my larynx is going to hurt come Monday morning, I know it will all be for naught after a great Masters tournament.

Winner: Youth

 I don’t know if you’ve heard, but there is a 14-year-old playing in this Masters. Let me repeat: a 14-year-old is competing in the Masters.

Tianlang Guan of China will become the youngest Masters participant in the tournament's history. He won’t win, but this has become one of the biggest storylines going into Augusta National. If all goes well, this moment could open up the doors for the PGA Tour to become younger and younger.

The rest of the youth on the tournament's card will look to make some deep runs well into Sunday.

The 23-year-old Rory McIlroy will ride the momentum of his latest top-5 finish and contend for his first Masters championship, while 26-year-old Keegan Bradley is red hot as of late and has many thinking he can win his first green jacket in only his second try.

Look at where the twenty-somethings end up on Sunday’s final leaderboard and you’ll see golf is as much of a young man’s game as it is a wily veteran’s.

Loser: Augusta National (Possibly)

Mother Nature looks to wreak havoc and ruin a great field at Augusta National.

The tee boxes have been moved, the holes have been lengthened, heck, the grounds crew at Augusta National added trees in certain areas to the course. In all of their attempts to toughen the 18 holes, the incoming weather will probably do the most damage, particularly on Thursday and Friday.

According to weather.com, the forecast for the early rounds of the Masters are abysmal. Thunderstorms are scheduled to run though the course all day, while even more showers will dampen Augusta on Friday morning.

If this does happen, not only will the course be soaked in rain, but it changes the players’ game plans and will more than likely postpone pre-cut play.

If the tournament does happen to continue into Monday, I know I won’t be the only one not being able to watch what should be a great final round.

Mother Nature ruins everything.

Loser: Repeats

Sorry Bubba, lightning won’t strike twice when you attempt to defend your Masters title this week.

Even being in the top-10 in driving distance (301.7) and greens in regulation (71.24 percent), it’s the driving accuracy of the reigning Masters champion that has me worried for him.

Bubba is 157th in the world in driving accuracy, only hitting the fairway 53.94 percent of the time. In a tournament that is known for being unforgiving after a mistake in the tee box, Watson will have to hope for a second miracle in order to contend for another green jacket.

Don’t get me wrong, Bubba has the best shot in recent years to defend, but when his hovercar can’t navigate through Augusta’s wooded area, the “Golf Boys” will have a tough time navigating himself up the leaderboard as well.

Winner: Tiger Woods

No matter if the Masters finishes on Sunday or Monday, Tiger Woods will walk away as Masters champion. Even though I wrote about it more in detail a just last week, I’ll keep it short and sweet.

When playing at Augusta National, there is one club that will save you time and time again: the putter. Nobody is putting better on the tour than Tiger is right now, and if it comes time to make clutch putts throughout the weekend, I think the world No. 1 will get it done.

After the now infamous Nike ad took the Internet by storm, the world now knows that he is back focusing solely on golf and not worrying about an unstable relationship.

Tiger’s back, and there’s no reason for you to bet against him at the 2013 Masters.