With his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Tiger Woods has finally won another PGA Tour event. Back in February, Phil Mickelson noted that Tiger Woods was almost back to his previous form. Shortly before the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Arnold Palmer confirmed Phil Mickelson’s remarks: Tiger Woods was read to win.
Now he has won. Naysayers have been proven wrong. Yet, is Tiger Woods here to stay? The field of the 2012 PGA Tour is deeper and more competitive than it was a few years ago, when Tiger Woods dominated the PGA. There have already been nearly 20 winners at 2012 PGA Tour events. Can Tiger Woods stay off all his competition at the Masters? Here are three golfers Tiger Woods must watch for at the Masters, which will be played April 5, 2012 to April 8, 2012.
Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson is Tiger Woods’ most well-known opponent. Phil Mickelson has already won a 2012 PGA Tour tournament, Pebble Beach. He has taken some time off to be with his family, and will be rested when the Masters come around. ESPN and CBS, which will air the Masters from April 5, 2012 to April 8, 2012, would love nothing better than to see Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in first and second place going into play on April 8, 2012. If this is the case, both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson can handle the pressure.
Johnson Wagner
According to the FedEx Cup Standings, Johnson Wagner is Tiger Wood’s best competition as the Masters approach. Johnson Wagner is first in the FedEx Cup Standings, and has won the Sony Open. He has entered most of the tournaments so far in the 2012 PGA Tour, and has continually shown that he can place well.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy is currently second in the FedEx Cup Standings, but he has only played in three events. He is just two points behind Johnson Wagner, but has competed in six fewer events. At the Honda Classic, which Tiger Woods was poised to do well going into, Rory McIlroy showed that he can win. At the Masters, everyone should be weary of him.
Tiger Woods will begin the Masters with great confidence. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational, just two weeks before the Masters will be played. Only time will tell, though, if Tiger Woods can beat Phil Mickelson, Johnson Wagner and Rory McIlroy at the masters.
