2011 Masters: Top Five Young Golfers Looking for Their First Major Title Win

With The Masters Tournament just around the corner, talks of Tiger Woods and whether he will finally snap back into champion form are no longer present. That died off about three majors ago, it seems.

With the infusion of young and powerful new golfers, the PGA is not only okay without Woods, it is even more fun to watch.

With Woods and other golfers who ruled the '90's and 2000's getting older and on their way to the Champions Tour, here are the top five prospective young stars in the PGA looking for their first major tournament victory.

5. Gary Woodland

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PALM HARBOR, FL - MARCH 20: Gary Woodland plays a shot on the 14th hole during the final round of the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 20, 2011 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Who?

Yeah. Okay, give me a second to explain. Gary Woodland, 27, turned pro in 2007 and played in the Nationwide Tour until he decided to test the PGA waters in 2009.

He didn't achieve much success that year, but has been hitting very well recently and won his first PGA tournament, the Transitions championship, on March 20, 2011.

He's far from being a favorite, but he has proven abilities and recent success.

4. Jhonattan Vegas

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LA JOLLA, CA - JANUARY 30: Jhonattan Vegas of Venzuela hits his tee shot on the 14th hole during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South Course on January 30, 2011 in La Jolla, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Another golfer you may not be familiar with, Jhonattan Vegas. 

This kid is playing really well and has already won a tournament this year at the Bob Hope Classic.

He's made the cut in 7 of his 10 tournaments in 2011, more than quadrupled his earnings from last year on the Nationwide Tour, and he'll be looking to make his mark on this field.

3. Anthony Kim

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PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - FEBRUARY 18: Anthony Kim plays his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club on February 18, 2011 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

I give Anthony Kim the No. 3 spot for his consistency through the last three years. Kim has won three tournaments in his four-year career, including the AT&T National and and Wachovia Championship.

Kim is perennially in the top 25 players on the tour, however, he has yet to notch a major victory on his huge white belt.

As far as the young guns go, he can get it done.

2. Dustin Johnson

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ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 25: Dustin Johnson plays a shot on the 13th hole during the second round of the Bay Hill Invitational presented by MasterCard at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 25, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

I really, really wanted to put Johnson No. 1, but I just couldn't do it.

Johnson, arguably, has the best chance to win the Masters of all the young "yet-to-win-ers," but he has had a dark cloud over him when it comes to PGA Major Tournaments.

Last season, he had the opportunity to win three majors. Johnson led the US Open field by three strokes heading into the Sunday round. Two blow-up holes early Sunday, Graeme McDowell wins.

At the PGA Championship, Johnson had a chance to win on the 18th hole but ended up tying to join a three-way tie with Bubba Watson and champion Martin Kaymer...at least that's what he thought.

Johnson was told later that he grounded his club in an off-fairway bunker, costing Johnson a shot at the title.

Let's see if he can break the curse in 2011. 

1. Rickie Fowler

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ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Rickie Fowler plays a shot on the 5th hole during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 24, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Image

I believe this kid is the next star.

The torque he puts into his swing is incredible. His approach game is smooth and he can read putts well too.

Fowler was a rookie just last year. Now that he has a year under his belt, expect Fowler to make a run in some big tournaments.

The issue with Fowler is that a few blow-up holes sneak into his late rounds. Again, I think a lot of that was first-year shakes.