2011 Masters: The Top Five Dark Horses at Augusta

The 2011 Masters tees off on Thursday with a resurgent Shell Houston Open champion Phil Mickelson and a faltering Tiger listed as favorites to win the title. However, Augusta has the ability to produce a surprise champion, even with the small field which is regarded as one of the most exclusive golf tournaments played in the world.

While Mickelson’s Houston victory gives him the inside track to being favored at Augusta, there are many dark horses in the field who could walk away on Sunday with a green jacket or at least turn some heads. Let’s examine five of those underdogs who are playing this weekend.

Gary Woodland

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 25: Gary Woodland 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)

After a few early-season near-misses, Woodland qualified for his first Masters appearance with a victory in the Transitions Championship. Woodland comes into Augusta finishing T23 at Houston last week earning him his sixth Top 25 already this season.

A looming question will be if Woodland can continue his exceptional play against a world-class field in major championship conditions? If he can, Woodland should make some noise on the leader board and could translate that into a great finish.

Paul Casey

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

PALM HARBOR, FL - MARCH 18: Paul Casey of England plays a shot on the 9th hole during the second round of the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 18, 2011 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Casey had been on the radar quite a bit, but has fallen off the map considerably since winning the Volvo Golf Championships late January in Bahrain—so it is safe to say we still might be looking for him.

He was eliminated in the round of 32 in the Match Play Championships and snuck into the Top 20 at Doral. However, Casey has a strong record in major championships, and if the heavy favorites struggle this weekend, Casey could be the one to try on a green jacket.

Steve Marino

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 27: Steve Marino plays a shot on the 13th hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 27, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Image

While Marino has yet to win as a professional, he has had a fine start to the 2011 season, capturing three top fives and a runner-up finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

It is clearly evident Marino has yet to figure out how to win on tour. However, he has played well at Augusta in the past, finishing high enough last year to qualify for this season’s edition, and that will warrant some looks as a high finisher this year. 

Gregory Havrét

Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

RAGUSA, ITALY - MARCH 21: Gregory Havret of FRance in action during the final round of the Sicilian Open at the Donnafugata golf resort and spa on March 21, 2011 in Ragusa, Italy. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Havrét famously outplayed Tiger last year on the final day of the US Open, finishing solely in second place and therefore earning a spot in the Masters.

While Graeme McDowell’s solid play was the headline at Pebble Beach last June, Havrét’s unyielding demeanor while playing with the world’s No. 1 (at that time) was quite remarkable.

Havrét comes to Augusta lukewarm at best, but if he is in position to be there on Sunday, he has already shown he can get the job done on the big stage.

Miguel Ángel Jiménez

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 05: Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain waits in a fairway during a practice round prior to the 2011 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 5, 2011 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Jimenéz hasn't won since September of last year at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland. However, he played well in the Match Play and was runner-up at the Volvo Golf Championships earlier in the year.

While it looks like he may have lost form recently, Jiménez always is able to pull in attention in a big tournament. He also has a handful of top 10 finishes at Augusta, and at age 47, time is running out to win a major.

Outlook

Harry How/Getty Images

AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 05: A caddie crosses Magnolia Lane prior to the 2009 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 5, 2009 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

While this looks like yet another year for chalk at the Masters, Augusta has always been able to produce a first-time major winner who very little expected to contend (Mike Weir as the last Masters champion comes to mind).

While Phil, Kaymer and Westwood are favorites and easy picks, don't count out some others to take home a green jacket on Sunday evening. Every player in this field has shown he can play great golf at a high level, and that is why it is called the Masters.