Retief Goosen. His game seems TaylorMade for Augusta National. The key with the Grey Goose is to keep the putter stroke fluid. But to do that, you first have to own spectacular distance control with iron play and also put yourself in position off the tee. For Goosen to add to his major championship collection, he'd have to have his "A" game all week long.

Ernie Els. I think Els is done. He doesn't seem to have that fire anymore. He has no spark. He has his majors, he's contended, he's won around the world, what is left? It could be that his win earlier this season at the PODS Championship was the worst thing that could have happened as it seemed to have doused the desire.

Others who could make noise this week? Out of last year's major championship winners, defending Masters champ Zach Johnson could repeat, but don't bet on it. Padraig Harrington was opportunistic in claiming the Claret Jug, but at Augusta National you have to try and create your own opportunities and in doing so, you also have to suffer the consequences much as Paddy Boy did on his 72nd hole at Carnoustie last year taking a double-bogey six.

I've always like Angel Cabrera and the way he goes after a golf course. However, the defending US Open Champ is a streaky putter and Augusta National's greens are no place to get on a bad streak. Aaron Baddeley or Adam Scott could contend. Both have the physical game necessary to win but do they have the mental game? Still for some, you have to keep putting yourself in position to win a major before finally breaking through.

Here are two dark horses picks for you: Justin Rose and Vaughn Taylor. Rose could be iffy due to past final rounds in tournaments where he couldn't finish the deal. A Rose in bloom at Augusta National has a sense of "spring is in the air" timing to it. Vaughn Taylor could just win it all. Not only does he have the game, he putts well using a SeeMore flat stick (the same kind Zach Johnson used to win his major last season) and has a good head on his shoulders.

My pick is Tiger. While that may not be earth shattering or mind blowing, keep in mind he's had two weeks to prepare for the season's first major at a golf course that suits his game like few others and he's got a chip on his shoulder. After all, he's already lost once this season.

Other Masters Notes:

The Par-3 contest, is sometimes better than the tournament itself. It's another thing that makes the first major of the year special.

So much of what happens at Augusta is dependent upon the weather. If it is dry and Augusta National can play fast and firm, it will bring more players into the mix due to the fact that the long hitters will have to go with something other than the driver from the tee box, while shorter hitters can play risk/reward with the big stick. The early forecast is calling for possible moisture on Thursday and Friday, with some sun on the weekend. Temperatures should average around 80 degrees for the tournament.

As the season's first major is upon us, you might also want to know that the US Open is June 12-15 at Torrey Pines, The British Open is July 17-20 at Royal Birkdale and the PGA Championship is Aug. 7-10 at Oakland Hills. That's where Tiger will be chasing the Grand Slam after his victory Sunday.