Five Masters Favorites: The Early List

It's never too early to start picking favorites for the Masters, which is now less than three weeks away.

This is an early list, written in computer pencil rather than ink, and open to change many times between now and the first Tiger sighting at Augusta National. But we're close enough to the Masters to smell the pimento cheese so here's a first crack at five favorites;

1. Phil Mickelson. I know he hasn't played particularly well so far this year but he'll be ready for Augusta, even if he wears those new orange pants of his. He needs to see some putts falling in and tighten up his long game but he'll be in the mix at the Masters.

2. Tiger Woods. Of course he's on my list. I don't think competitive rust will be a big issue for him. I know it's a different thing but he missed two months before winning the 2008 U.S. Open on a broken leg. Two questions persist: How comfortable will he be getting back into the public eye and can he hole enough putts, something he hasn't done at Augusta in a while.

3. Ernie Els. He seems at peace again and his game is back. He's missed the cut at Augusta the last three years but there seems to be a good vibe around the Big Easy again. It would be a very popular win.

4. Lee Westwood. He doesn't get a lot of attention around here but he's one of the best players in the world and he's been in contention to win some majors recently. The next step is to actually win a major and that's an enormous step.

5. Ian Poulter. I considered Paul Casey and Padraig Harrington but I'm going with Poulter right now if for no other reason to think about what he might wear on Sunday at Augusta if he has a chance to win.