Doug Ferguson, Associated Press: Tim Herron. Because this Masters is all about size.

After last week's big victory in Atlanta, Phil Mickelson is a favorite of writers. (Travis Dove/Staff)

Damon Hack, New York Times: Phil Mickelson. He's hotter than fish grease, and I think he still has some birdies in his tank.

Len Shapiro, Washington Post: Tiger Woods. Four out of nine as a pro makes him logical choice.

Tom Spousta, USA Today: Phil Mickelson. Two heads are better than one.

Christine Brennan, USA Today: Tiger Woods. Since Michelle Wie didn't qualify.

Jim McCabe, Boston Globe: Phil Mickelson. Two drivers, one great short game.

Ron Kroichick, San Francisco Chronicle: Tiger Woods. Magical short game will make the difference.

Mark Whicker, Orange County Register: Tiger Woods. For obvious reasons.

Tommy Bonk, Los Angeles Times: Retief Goosen. On a roll and can roll the putts.

Stan Awtrey, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Retief Goosen. Nobody can putt on these greens like he can.

Furman Bisher, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Retief Goosen. He'll keep it in play, and it's time for either him or (Ernie) Els to win it.

Ed Pope, Miami Herald: Phil Mickelson. He's red hot, and he's willed himself to play this course well.

Garry Smits, Jacksonville Times-Union: Phil Mickelson. The double driver system proves effective.

Tim Guidera, Savannah Morning News: Jose Maria Olazabal. He's under the radar and on top of his game.

Adam Van Brimmer, Morris News Service: Phil Mickelson. Because of the two drivers.

Ron Green Sr., Charlotte Observer: Tiger Woods. Simply because he's the best.

Ron Green Jr., Charlotte Observer: Tiger Woods. One for the thumb.

George Sweda, Cleveland Plain-Dealer: Tiger Woods. Can't forget the past.

Mick Elliott, Tampa Tribune: Charles Howell. Nice pants.

Bob Harig, St. Petersburg Times: Ernie Els. The pressure is off; nobody expects him to win.

Alan Tays, Palm Beach Post: Tiger Woods. It's chalk (gamblers will understand)

Lennox Rawlings, Winston-Salem Journal: Tiger Woods. He needs more stuff to fill his new house.

Tommy Braswell, Charleston (S.C.) Post and Courier: Ernie Els. He's sort of under the radar this year after the injury. I don't think there is quite as much pressure on him. If he doesn't do it, eventually he's going to become the next Greg Norman.

Bob Gillespie, The (Columbia) State: Phil Mickelson. Comes in here on a hot streak and has a good attitude. A victory will set up a rivalry for the future like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. He can win this year and Tiger next year.

John Markon, Richmond Times-Dispatch: Tiger Woods. Other players aren't as good.

Joe Posnanski, Kansas City Star: Vijay Singh. I don't think he's going to win, but I wanted to pick somebody different.

Steve Elling, Orlando Sentinel: Retief Goosen. His caddie is staying across the street, and I'm giving him good advice.

John Hopkins, The Times (London): Luke Donald. Only two men more consistent than him in America this year. Though shortish off the tee, he's accurate enough with his long irons and driver to make up.

Andrew Both, Australian Associated Press: Tiger Woods. How can you go with anyone else?

David Davies, The London Observer: Jose Maria Olazabal. He's playing the best golf of his career.

John Huggan, The Guardian: Jose Maria Olazabal. If it's hard and fast, length is less a factor, and he's the best chipper in the world.

Graham Spiers, The Herald (Scotland): Phil Mickelson. He's hot, and he's over his jinx.

Dave Perkins, The Toronto Star: Retief Goosen. If he can putt U.S. Open greens, he can putt these.

John Boyette, Augusta Chronicle Sports Editor: Ernie Els. It's time for the Big Easy to win at Augusta National.

David Westin, Augusta Chronicle: Davis Love III. Will bounce back from Players Championship disappointment.

Scott Michaux, Augusta Chronicle: Fred Couples. If Tom McCollister were alive, he'd say he had no chance.

Chris Gay, Augusta Chronicle: Vaughn Taylor. Hometown guy is as good a pick as any. He's as good as anybody out here.

Billy Byler, Augusta Chronicle: Phil Mickelson. He's on fire. Seeing him last week, I don't think there are many people who can get to that level.

Jeff Sentell, Augusta Chronicle: Vijay Singh. Because of his length. It's going to take a long hitter like Vijay to win the tournament.

Steve Sanders, Augusta Chronicle: Luke Donald. For the little guys.

Dennis Sodomka, Augusta Chronicle: Retief Goosen. He knows how to putt the fast greens.

Dan Spears, Augusta Chronicle: Phil Mickelson. 28-under last week, and he gave shots away.

John Kaltefleiter, Athens Banner-Herald: Chad Campbell. He's playing really well. He is a long hitter and has been really good with his short game this year.

Bob Verdi, Golf World: Tiger Woods. This one is for Earl.

Dan Jenkins, Golf Digest: Phil Mickelson. He's the only guy out there other than Tiger that people recognize.

Gary Van Sickle, Sports Illustrated: Tiger Woods. They finally succeeded in Tiger-proofing the course. They proved nobody but Tiger can win it.

Jeff Rude, Golfweek: Retief Goosen. Best fast-green putter in the world. So calm he probably doesn't notice the changes.

Jeff Babineau, Golfweek: Tiger Woods. The brain says Retief Goosen, but the heart says Tiger wins one for Earl.