Matt Kuchar has always been one of my favorite golfers. He has been a strong contender since his swing change I put him in my top five.
Nick Watney has the game for Augusta. He's a player who hasn't gotten nearly enough credit even with his PGA wins. He's on my list.
Hunter Mahan is on my list because he's Hunter Mahan. I'm afraid his short game won't hold up for four days, but I like him anyway. I hope if he's in contention on the weekend he has the foresight to shave his chin in case he wins. It would be a shame to have that silly faux Van Dyke be his signature for the history books.
Ryan Moore is from my neighborhood and I have met some people who know him from his junior days. When he played as an amateur and finished 11th he was genuinely pissed. He went there expecting to win and he will feel the same this year.
Graeme McDowell has been on the edge since his Ryder Cup performance and strong finish last year. Don't count him out.
---others contenders---
Ernie Els belongs here because he is Ernie Els. He has all the right stuff (except a Green Jacket of his own).
Rory McIlroy hasn't quite lived up to his hype - this could be the time. He certainly has the game according to his pal Padraig Harrington who isn't one of my picks.
I give equal standing to Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson. They both have long ball distance, amazing shot making ability and when they are feeling the greens they can go low.
Anthony Kim has a bit to prove and he has the game for Augusta. If he's in contention after Friday, he could be a threat.
Kevin Na has been player I've liked since I first saw him play. He's moody, but very talented and can putt lights out.
Justin Rose and Adam Scott are perfect swing robots, but can perform.
Martin Kaymer gets a nod because he's #1 on the world.
Tom Watson is a sentimental favorite of mine who doesn't have four days in him, but I hope he makes it to the weekend for sentimental reasons.
...and then (like noted above) we have to include Tiger, because he's Tiger. But, I don't think he has the mental ability to deal with his swing changes, hi new coach, the media and the fact that he thinks this tournament is about him ...rather than him being a part of MASTERS history.
Phil just became my favorite. Not because of a hunch, but because of having a Spanish themed Champions dinner menu tonight in honor of Seve Ballersteros......
How classy is that?
I expect Freddie “Boom Boom” Couples to make the cut. I’d love to see him make a sentimental run at the jacket.
Never discount the Tiger but his game isn’t in tune to make the last group.
Who’s left..Phil. What’s the InTrade on PM?
Unfortunately, I think Ernie's window for winning The Master's - and majors in general - has closed. I would qualify that with this year's US Open at Congressional, where he won in 1997.