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Can wounded Tiger make run at fifth green jacket?
   2010 Masters picks

   The last three winners of the Masters tournament are Angel Cabrera in 2009, Trevor Immelman in 2008 and Zach Johnson in 2007.
   Hmmmmm?
   Cabrera does lend some credibility to that list as the 2007 U.S. Open champion at storied Oakmont, but it’s probably not the list of golf legends those in green jackets expect for the first major of the season each spring.
   Predicting a 2010 champion becomes a far murkier practice as world No. 1 Tiger Woods

continues to address his “off-course” issues and how competitive he can be this season remains an important question in professional golf. Woods will be in search of his fifth green jacket to begin a key Jack Nicklaus major record pursuit year that includes Tiger catnip venues like Pebble Beach (U.S. Open in June) and St. Andrews (The Open Championship in July).
   So will Tiger be PGA Tour competition and Masters-ready? Or can the likes of Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els or Geoff Ogilvy add to their major resumes? Or will it be another Johnson- or Immelman-esque year? Can Tom Watson be competitive at a lengthening August National?
   KG Online asked some Kansas golf personalities for their thoughts on how the 2010 Masters might go in an April full of uncertainty and, as is usually the case, opinions vary…

   Bryan Norton, former PGA Tour professional and 2009 KGA Senior Player of the Year: Pick: Rory McIlroy “I am shooting for Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland as my favorite. I think he is an unbelievable young talent on the verge of a huge breakthrough. He has the length and young nerves that can withstand the rigors of Augusta National.”
   Dark horse: “My dark horse candidate is Martin Kaymer of Germany. He has played consistently well throughout the last year and has worked his way into the top 10 in the world golf rankings. He is a relative unknown here in the U.S. but has played well all over the world and it should translate into playing well at Augusta.”

   Cary Cozby, PGA professional at Wichita Country Club: Pick: Hunter Mahan “I will go with Hunter Mahan for my top choice; I think his win in Phoenix could propel him to a new level…”
   Dark horse: “And my dark horse is…Tiger…not an endorsement of his behavior but his game and will…”

   Casey Old, Kansas Golf Association director of rules & competitions: Pick: Els “Coming off his victories at the CA Championship at Doral and the Arnie Palmer at Bay Hill, I think he is poised for a big year in 2010.”
   Dark horse: “Martin Kaymer – He has the distance to compete on the long Augusta National course, assuming he can get it in play off the tee.”

   Dave Henson, Flint Hills National Golf Club director of golf: Pick: Mickelson “Mickelson is my pick to win this year. He’s due to win another Masters and he’s always in contention.”
   Dark horse: “Tom Watson is my long shot. He was close last year at the British Open and would be a lot of fun to watch if he’s in the hunt.”

   David Gourlay, Colbert Hills Golf Club COO/general manager: Pick: Woods “How can you bet against Tiger Woods? With all the personal issues behind him, I expect him to focus on each golf shot...no more worrying about all his personal life issues...they are now out...expect a focus that will be scary...will win by five shots!”
   Dark horse: “My dark horse....how can I not say Mike Weir? A fellow Canadian and past winner at Augusta...maybe the best lefty in the event this year!”

   Dick Kendrick, KGA Senior Series commissioner: Pick: Steve Stricker “I continue to like Steve Stricker. I mean...he's ranked #2 and the player ranked #1 will have a lot on his mind and will be playing competitively for the first time in over four months.”
   Dark horse: “My long shot would be Tiger. He may be rusty and potentially very distracted, but he's still Tiger.”

   Jack Simpson, 2010 KGA president: Pick: Els “He’s never won the Masters. He’s playing well. He’s got the temperament and the disposition and I just kind of like Ernie Els.”
   Dark horse: Dustin Johnson “He hits it really long. He can take advantage of the par 5s. And based on his performance out at Pebble Beach I think he’s got a pretty good short game, which you’ve got to have at Augusta. He’d be my long shot.”

   Kim Richey, KGA executive director: Pick: Ian Poulter “I personally want Phil Mickelson to win again, but he is off to a slow start this year. So, for an official pick I will go with Ian Poulter. His putting is much improved, which enabled him to win the match play championship. Bet his outfits will be winners too!”
   Dark horse: “For a dark horse I will pick Hunter Mahan. He might be ready to claim permanent status in the top five in the world rankings.”

   Matt Ewald, 2009 Kansas Amateur champion and KGA Player of the Year: Pick: Els “The Big Easy is getting his stride back after his knee surgery in the past. The win (at Doral) should give him the confidence he needs to break through at Augusta.”
   Dark horse: “Robert Allenby -- Playing well this year on the PGA Tour...has the opportunity to come through and surprise some fans.”

   Phil Miller, Kansas Golf Foundation executive director: Pick: Paul Casey “My pick is Paul Casey. He's off to a good start this year and has two top 10’s at the Masters in the last few years. His greens-in-regulation stats show he's a ball striking machine, so if he has a decent week with his putting and bunker play, it could be his year.”
   Dark horse: “For a dark horse, how about Fred Couples? He's back to winning again and his back seems to be in good shape. And yes, I know his wins are on the Champions Tour and that he missed the cut at Augusta last year...that's why he's a dark horse. Go Freddie!”

   Rusty Hilst, KGA championship administrator: Pick: McIlroy “Rory McIlroy -- Strong, successful worldwide. Time for the same in the

United States

.”
   Dark horse: “Steve Stricker. Great putter. Confident. Due to win a major. Other than Tiger, nobody was more successful in the last year.”

   Todd Bohn, superintendent at The Golf Club at Creekmoor in Raymore, Mo., site of the KGA’s 2009 Senior Team Championship: Pick: Els “He has found his winning ways again and seems to be playing his best golf in the past two (to) three years right now. I think he has the mentality and patience to finish off a strong week in Augusta.”
   Dark horse: “Brandt Snedeker has really played well in past majors and has played well in Augusta especially. I like his game and his mentality to really have a solid week.”

   Tyler Cummins, KGA junior golf manager: Pick: Stricker and Kenny Perry “Both finished in the top 16 at last year’s Masters and typically play well there. I expect one of these two to make a charge on the back nine on Sunday.”
   Dark horse: Woods “He wouldn’t come back if he didn’t feel he could win. However, family issues will hold him back.”