Masters Picks - The Year of the Repeat?

Last year I picked 5 players that I thought would win the Masters and one of them was Phil Mickelson. We all know how that turned out, one of the best Masters tournaments of all-time. So how does the sequel go? Are we thinking Back to the Future II type sequel (Mickelson repeats)? Or are we thinking Step Up 2 - The Streets Sequel (Phil fires his first tee shot off the concession tent and then his caddy Bones knocks a 3 wood on from 260 ala Tin Cup style)? One thing is for certain is that Phil has a great chance of repeating this week, almost as certain as Lindsay Lohan dialing up another felony. What about the other guys? The Tommy Gunn's of the world, the guys that are overlooked that want their respect. So let's take a look at the top 5 guys I think have the greatest chance to win the Masters.

1. Phil Mickelson - He's the odds on favorite to win it. And why shouldn't he be? The man just won last week, shot ridiculous low rounds the final two days, and he does crazy things like carry two drivers in his bag. He's peaking at the right time. Even though it's tough to repeat, Phil is one of the guys that can do it. Besides, he's won the Masters 3 times in the last 7 years. He loves Augusta.

2. Steve Stricker - You are right, Steve Stricker isn't the flashiest golfer in the world and he's not very outspoken. I just keep thinking one of these days he will put together a great weekend and shock us all, only it won't be a shock because everyone knows how good he is. I really do think he'll be in contention this week and if he wins, it'll be one for the good guys.

3. Dustin Johnson - Think about this, Dustin Johnson could have very well won two majors last year. If he doesn't go out and Snooki the final round at the US Open last year or "ground" his club in a so called bunker at the PGA Championship, we could very well be looking at the #1 player in the world. He's got crazy distance, I mean we are talking ManBearPig distance, meaning unreal deep. The only thing with Johnson is how long before he pulls a Jalen Rose and veers off the road only to then refuse a breathalyser? Ok, we know Johnson isn't drinking and driving but he always has those head scratching shots in the final round. If he figures out how to put 4 rounds together, no one can keep up with him length wise and at Augusta that's a huge advantage.

4. Luke Donald - Although I don't condone any European winning an American tournament, I think Donald has a great chance. Just kidding, I'm actually a fan of Donald, just not around Ryder Cup time, that's the time I find myself shouting expletives at the entire continent of Europe. Luke is probably the best iron player in the world, I don't think I've ever seen him hit a bad iron shot. Kind of like I've never seen "The Situation" with his shirt on. By the way, did you guys see his roast on Comedy Central for Donal Trump? I can't think of a more awkward time watching television, he was that bad. Anyways, Donald vaulted up to #4 in the world rankings by basically dismantling everyone at the Accenture Matchplay Championships in February and has played well ever since. If he keeps the ball the fairway, he'll be lights out from any distance with his iron game.

5. Sergio Garcia - Just playing with you, put down the flask.

5. Bubba Watson - Either he's having a seizure or that's his golf swing, one thing I do know is that Bubba has a chance to win this weekend. He's one that's at the bottom of my list though. He's won this year and has actually been in contention at a few tournaments this year. Like Johnson, I question his mental game though. Nothing makes me happier than watching him snap at photographers. I'll be honest, if I was on tour, I'd be one of those guys that just rips a camera guy if he snaps a shot in my back swing. "Hey Jackass, go pound sand and take it to another hole!" Then I'd toss my ball to a little kid walking to the next hole. If Bubba can keep his emotions in check, he's got a good chance, but he's one of my shot in the dark picks.