Masters 2014 names to watch

One thing did not change with Tiger Woods' announcement that he will miss the Masters this week. With or without him, there is no clear favorite. You can make a case for or against some of the top names on tour:

ADAM SCOTT

For: Defending champion is solid, especially at Augusta and finally has proven he can win.

Against: Still not a sure bet, witnessed by the way he blew a big lead at Bay Hill.

PATRICK REED

For: Three wins since August, including the WGC at Doral; has loads of confidence; starred for Augusta State and his parents still live in town.

Against: Might be a tad too confident, claiming he's a top-five, world-class golfer.

PHIL MICKELSON

For: Healthy enough to enter and start strongly in Houston this week, The Masters brings out the magic in him.

Against: Has not played well this year, withdrew once with a bad back, once with an oblique strain.

RORY McILROY
For: Supremely talented, beat Scott in Australia at the end of last year.

Against: Still has not proven he is a good closer since equipment change. Did he sell his golfing soul to Nike?

HENRIK STENSON

For: Winner of the 2013 Tour Championship and FedEx Cup, he's an elite player despite being under the radar

Against: He's under the radar for a reason: he has contended in majors (2013 British Open, PGA) but hasn't taken the trophy.

JORDAN SPIETH

For: Skilled and precocious, last year became the first teenager to win a PGA Tour event in 82 years.

Against: In recent years, the Masters has been kinder to Fred Couples, in his 50s, than any 20-year-old.