Monty's Masters favorite? Lee Westwood, of course

One generally achieves a No. 1 ranking after piling up significant achievements along the way. But the world of golf in 2010 is an upside-down, black-is-white, dogs-and-cats-laying-down-together kind of place, and nowhere is that more apparent than at the top of the Official World Golf Rankings. Lee Westwood is No. 1 through dint of steady play (and the breakdown of Tiger Woods), although he still lacks even a single major to his credit.

Listening to Colin Montgomerie, though, you get the sense that's about to change. "With Westwood’s success at the Masters this year, I think he’ll win the first major of the year," Montgomerie said Wednesday via Reuters. "Lee has been second or third on a number of occasions now, but I think the fact that the number one status has not affected him in any shape or form, in fact it has just increased his confidence, I feel that will run into a win in the Masters."

Monty's got a point; the No. 1 ranking has seemed to boost Westwood's public confidence. This past weekend, facing the possibility that he could lose his No. 1 ranking if he finished lower than second place at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, what did Westy do? Won by eight strokes, closing with a birdie chip on the final hole. That's how you slam the door.

But a random December tournament is one thing. Can Westwood come through big on the grandest stages in golf? That's always the question with him, but there's never been a better time for him than right now.

The 2011 European Tour starts before the calendar even turns. And, like his tour, Westwood is already well ahead of everyone else in golf. Yes, that includes Tiger.

Put it this way: Imagine Westwood and Woods standing on the tee at 18 at Augusta tied for the lead. Knowing what you know at this moment, who do you think would come out on top?

Veronica Kay Mýa Natalie Imbruglia Patricia Velásquez Jennifer Morrison