Patrick Eakes

The Masters golf championship begins tomorrow morning in Augusta, GA. I had a chance to attend the practice round on Monday, and had to decline through gritted teeth. I missed a beautiful day there, before the storm blew through, and it looks like the weather will be perfect through the tournament. Phil Mickelson is the clear favorite to win. Dude has three Masters titles, along with ten more top ten finishes. He always brings it in Augusta, and he finally would be #1 in the world with a win. Even though he hasn't won since 2009, Tiger Woods cannot be ignored. Dude finished fourth last year with a band-aid swing and a chorus of cocktail waitresses talking about him to the tabloids. As bad as his game has been, he will contend this year. Among other Americans, I don't think Matt Kuchar has the length to win, and I don't think Dustin Johnson has the putter to win. Nick Watney could sneak in there with his length and confidence. Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan should both be in the hunt during the weekend, although neither feels like a winner to me this time around. Among Australians, Geoff Ogilvey seems like a guy who should win at Augusta National. He has length, a soft touch, and his patience continues to get better. No other Aussie appears to have the game and be in form for Augusta, although Stuart Appleby comes out of nowhere every so often. The Euros bring a strong group this year. Lee Westwood is always on the board at majors. World #1 Martin Kaymer has the game for August but has never made a cut there. Justin Rose and Paul Casey both feel like serious threats this year - I expect a top ten from or both this year. I don't think Luke Donald has the length in a year when the course is a littel more lush than usual. I think Phil catches Tiger with his fourth Masters and finally takes the #1 world ranking.