2011 Masters: The Top 10 Early Favorites To Win

The 2011 PGA golf season is in full force.

Who are the top 10 early favorites to win this year's event? In past years, you would take Tiger Woods versus the field. Not so anymore, as Tiger is falling faster than ripe Georgia peach on a hot August day.

Now, a new legion of young guns, and a few golden oldies will make this a Masters to remember.

Read on for my top 10 picks, with a few surprises! 

No 10: Davis Love III

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ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - JULY 17: Davis Love III of the USA hits his tee shot on the 18th hole during the completion of the second round of the 139th Open Championship on the Old Course, St Andrews on July 17, 2010 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Stuar

Davis can still crank it out there with the best of them. He will have to win a tournament to qualify probably, but I would not bet against the next Ryder Cup Captain.

He has really been playing well of late, and he has stated he would like to be the first playing captain in a while if he earns his way onto the team.

Winning the 2011 Masters would be a great start!

No. 9: Rory McIlroy

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 23: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland in action during the final round of The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on January 23, 2011 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Andrew Redin

Anybody want to bet against this guy? He absolutely blew away an incredible field at Quial Hollow in 2010.

McIlroy is a star, and the number eighth-rated player in the world right now, and he is only 21 years-old.

He has the skills—and head to win his first major at Augusta.

No. 8: Graeme McDowell

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KAPALUA, HI - JANUARY 09: Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland reacts to a birdie on the 14th hole during the final round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at the Plantation course on January 9, 2011 in Kapalua, Hawaii. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty

Dream season in 2010: Winning the United States Open at Pebble Beach, starring in the Ryder Cup in his homeland, and staring down Tiger Woods in the Chevron World Challenge.

Used to playing golf in the South (he went to college at Alabama-Birmingham), and the fifth-ranked player in the world, McDowell has the grit to beat anyone in a tight match.

No. 7: Fred Couples

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 02: Fred Couples of the USA plays a fairway shot during day one of the Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club on December 2, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Would this make a great story or what?

Don't discount Freddie who now makes his home in Charlotte, North Carolina, a two-hour drive to Augusta.

Fred always plays well in his favorite tournament, and the confidence in winning on the senior tour cannot be discounted.

If he gets in the hunt on Saturday, the "patrons" will go nuts!

No. 6: Martin Kaymer

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 23: Martin Kaymer of Germany celebrates on the 18th green after winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on January 23, 2011 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ross Kinn

Martin Kaymer has missed the the cut the last three years at The Masters—does that sound like the No. 2 player in the world?

Winner of 17 professional tournaments, and the reigning PGA Champion, Kaymer will want to right his woeful record at the biggest tournament in the world.

The 26-year-old from West Germany might just be the hottest golfer on the planet right now.

No. 5: Ernie Els

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HONOLULU, HI - JANUARY 14: Ernie Els of South Africa plays a shot during the first round of the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club on January 14, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Watch out for the "Big Easy."

Els always plays well at The Masters and might have a couple of green jackets if not for a guy named Woods and a guy named Mickelson.

Still the 11th-ranked player in the world, Ernie seeks another major win.

Putting has been his issue, but if he gets hot, he is another fan favorite that could ride the momentum wave. 

No 4: Dustin Johnson

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LA JOLLA, CA - JANUARY 29: Dustin Johnson hits his tee shot on the fifth hole during round three of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South Course on January 29, 2011 in La Jolla, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The Myrtle Beach resident has a short drive to Augusta. The long bomber does not have to worry about rough at Augusta, and can let it fly.

Johnson has the temperament and talent to contend in majors for a long time. Currently the 14th-ranked player in the world, he is playing like a top three.

Johnson would be another fan favorite, and would command huge galleries at Amen corner if in contention. His putting has improved, but has to be spot on with the speed of the greens at The Masters.

No. 3: Lee Westwood

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 23: Lee Westwood of England in action during the final round of The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on January 23, 2011 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Gett

Can you really be the No. 1 ranked player in the world, and never have won a major?

I don't think so, but Westwood has been oh so close including runner up at last year's Masters. He also tied for second at the US Open last year, and has knocked on the door so many times his hand has to be hurting.

Westwood has played well since becoming No. 1 in the world, but has to prove it at a major, here is his first opportunity!

No. 2: Tiger Woods

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 11: Tiger Woods of the USA eats a sandwich during day one of the Australian Masters at The Victoria Golf Club on November 11, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Still the No. 3 player in the world, Tiger is hungry for another major!

He has not won a major in so long that you wonder if he can do it again. I don't.

With all his personal issues out of the headlines, he can get back to what he became famous for: Winning golf tournaments.

He will be sucking down the famous Masters green wrapper pimento cheese sandwiches with some champagne if he could pull this off and win his record fifth green jacket and 15th major by age 35!

No. 1: Phil Mickelson

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NEWPORT, WALES - SEPTEMBER 30: Amy and Phil Mickelson walk together during the Opening Ceremony prior to the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort on September 30, 2010 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Was there a better story in golf than Phil Mickelson winning the Masters while his beautiful wife Amy and mother battled breast cancer treatments?

Winner of three Masters, and one PGA, this future Hall of Famer has got his body, mind and game in the right place to win back to back this year.

A hugely popular figure at Augusta, this would take some sting away from not being ranked No. 1(he is currently No. 4) last year after several chances.

Mickelson has won 38 professional tournaments (12th all-time) but lives for the majors. Can he do it again?