2008 Masters Dark Horses

Forget Tiger, Phil, Vijay, Adam Scott and any other front runner picks to win the 2008 Masters. The real science and intrigue is in picking a dark horse to win it all. Besides, there's no money in favorites. Betting on Secretariat won't get you rich. In keeping with that theme here's this average golfer's inside picks from mid pack.........

Steve Lowery- Not afraid to go low. Question is can he do it for four rounds at Augusta.

Fred Couples- Plenty long. If the back hangs in and the putter's working, who knows?

Bubba Watson- Has all the shots, needs the self control.

Aaron Baddeley- Consistent. Mentally tough. Could be there on Sunday.

Sergio- Nope, he's not a favorite. As the putter turns, especially here.

Paul Casey- Strong player, should have more success than he's shown.

Steve Stricker- Sneaky long. Helpful if track is wet. Would have to play to his ranking.

Hunter Mahan- Coming into his own. Played great so far this year.

Nick O'Hern- Needs a dry golf course. Not very long, otherwise great player.

Stephen Ames- Match play vs Tiger aside, plays well in big events. Won the Players Championship.

Woody Austin- Underrated. If he can avoid any blow up holes, he could contend. Another not afraid to shoot for pins.

Mark Calcavecchia- Great competitor. Tons of experience and a great game overall.

Stewart Cink- Possible. Plenty of length. Needs a hot putter. (like everyone here)

Lee Westwood- Newly sculpted physique. Excellent game. What else is there?

J.B. Holmes- Stared down Phil this year. All kinds of length. Nerves and putting.

K.J. Choi- Not really a dark horse. Loves the course. Very steady, especially the putter.

If anyone's in enough of a sporting mood to reach for their wallet, here's a link to Ladbrokes, the British betting house, with current player odds.

Tomorrow I'll have the 2008 Masters winner for you.

Til' next,


*Correction from yesterday's post. Camilo Villegas IS entered in this year's tournament. And no, he won't win.