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As the beginning of the 75th Masters Tournament arrives, the golf world is in disarray. Former World # 1 currently # 7 and 4-times Masters champion find himself an questionable favorite to win this years, first major. Even after a 4th place finish in last year’s Masters, Woods is still surrounded by doubters and naysayers. Tiger Woods has publicly struggled in 2011 to try and regain the form he once mastered and almost imposed on the rest of the field at will.

In 2011 Woods best finish is a tie for 10th at the WGC Cadillac Championship. His play has been erratic at best. Woods has struggled to hit fairways and greens, while attempting to rely on his spotty short game and streaky putting to save much needed pars. It just doesn’t look like Woods has his golf feet under him at this point in the season. Working with swing coach Sean Foley, Woods simply says “ I am close” and seems content to let that phrase speak for his inconsistent play up until this point.

Defending Champion Phil Mickelson is coming the Masters fresh off a victory at the 2011 Shell Houston Open last week. Lefty is in the perfect position to repeat as Masters Champion and ultimately take control of the golf universe. With a win at Augusta National this year Mickelson will eliminate any discussion as to who the best player in the world should be.

My pick to win the 2011 Masters is (drumroll) Martin Kaymer with Nick Watney a close second. Of course I would be remised to not mention defending champion Phil Mickelson or that old guy Tiger Woods. Remember him? Maybe he can get out of his slump and win Major # 15 this week. Who Knows?

Ed Wanambwa

Senior Editor

African American Golfers Digest

www.thegolfwriter.com