Well, it’s that time of year again.  Spring has arrived and The Masters golf tournament begins Thursday.  The Masters offers the greatest theater in all of sports.  It provides the ultimate drama in cinema that golf enthusiasts crave.

Let’s take a quick look at how this year’s version of the movie might play out.

The Usual Suspects

Tiger Woods – With his win at Bay Hill, he’s back.  Tiger demonstrated he could return from injury and return quickly he did.  Tiger hasn’t won at Augusta since his dramatic victory in 2005, but his two 2nd place finishes and 3rd place finish in the last three years shows the consistent dominance for the four time champion.  The recovery from knee surgery forced Tiger to work on the short game and improve the weakest part of his game…chipping, which is crucial for success at Augusta.  Look for Woods to be in contention on Sunday and quite possibly walk away with his fifth green jacket.

Phil Mickelson – Phil’s combination of power and short game has reaped rewards in the past at Augusta for the two time champion.  Off to a good start in the 2009 golf season, Phil would love to capture the first major of the year.  Phil may never win all four majors, but he is a sure bet to be dominant at Augusta every year.

Retief Goosen – The Goose returns to Augusta looking for his first green jacket.  He’s playing well this year and his game is a perfect fit for Augusta National.  With two 2nd place finishes and two 3rd place finishes, Goosen should be near the top of any predictions at Augusta.  Will fellow South African Trevor Immelman put the green jacket on Goosen this year? 

Padraig Harrington – Paddy’s not on this list because of his success at Augusta, but rather his victories in the last two majors.  Despite his minimal success at Augusta, Harrington has earned the respect to be listed on any contender list in a major.  Will Harrington’s major success lead to a win at Augusta?  It would be intriguing to see Harrington head into the US Open with a chance at the Paddy Slam.

Almost Famous

Sergio Garcia – Because of a shaky putter, Garcia has missed the cut at Augusta 3 of the last 4 years.  Last year’s breakthrough at The Player’s Championship has given Garcia the confidence that he can win on the major stage.  If Garcia can get hot with the putter, he could join Ballesteros and Olazabal at the Champion’s Dinner next year.

Geoff Ogilvy – Ogilvy has had marginal success at The Masters.  However, Ogilvy has played extremely well to start the 2009 season and is currently atop the money list on the PGA tour.  Ogilvy’s solid, consistent game bodes well for success at Augusta.  Look for him to be in contention on the back nine.

Good Will Hunting

Rory McIlroy – The teen sensation and current 17th ranked player in the world appears ready for the big stage.  Is he ready for Augusta?  We’ll find out this week as McIlroy heads down Magnolia Lane for the first time.  No rookie has won at Augusta since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979, but McIlroy is no ordinary rookie.  His game is talented and appears perfectly fitted for Augusta National.  Look for Rory near the top of the leaderboard for many years to come.

Anthony Kim – Kim appeared on the world stage at last year’s Ryder Cup with his passion and powerful game.  He’s off to a slow start this year, but his game translates to success at Augusta.  Will Kim be overwhelmed by his first visit to Augusta?  Probably not, but his lack of course knowledge playing at Augusta in tournament action could make it difficult to win.

Dustin Johnson – Despite being ranked #7 on the PGA Tour money list, the 24 year old Johnson remains a relative unknown.  Johnson’s first trip to Augusta is marked with optimism.  He ranks 1st on the PGA Tour with birdies made and 8th in driving distance.  Despite being ranked 171st in driving accuracy, he ranks 8th in greens hit in regulation. He has the game for success at Augusta.

Cinderella Man

Greg Norman – The Shark returns to Augusta for the first time since 2002.  His heartbreak at Augusta is legendary, but the Aussie has always been graceful in defeat.  This quality has endeared him to the patrons at Augusta.  Does Norman still have the game to win at Augusta?  Probably not, but I wouldn’t count him out.  The roars and energy at Augusta will be electric if Norman is in contention.

Fred Couples – After having his streak of 22 consecutive cuts made ended last year, Couples is the only golfer who would energize the Augusta faithful more than The Shark.  Couples’ 3rd place finishes at Riviera and the Shell Houston Open has Freddy capable and ready to excite Augusta.