Tiger Woods will no doubt be the man to beat when the 2008 Masters gets underway Thursday in Augusta.

And why wouldn't he be? He's been on a roll like most of us have never seen in the game of golf.

He is hands down the best player in the world, and we should all sit back and enjoy his greatness. Despite my bias towards Phil Mickelson, I have developed more and more respect for Tiger and his game through the years.

Personally, it would be great to see Phil put up a major challenge this year and beyond, however that is rather unrealistic with the level Tiger has reached.

Let's be honest...if he plays at or near his capabilities, Tiger is unbeatable because his game has no weaknesses. And he is getting better and better and better.

As he goes for his fifth career green jacket and 14th major victory, it's amazing that he is still only 32 years old. He has many, many great years ahead.

Just think what his career accomplishments will be 10 years from now.

Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major victories will undoubtedly be shattered by then as will many other career records.

Just in case Tiger manages to struggle (not likely) and is not in the hunt on Sunday afternoon, here is a few lesser-known names to keep your eye on this week:

1) K.J. Choi -- One of the most consistent players in the world and his calm demeanor is a perfect fit for the Masters as well as all other majors. He is quickly becoming one of the best.

2) Stuart Appleby -- The Aussie is always a solid bet in Augusta and usually plays his best golf during the spring. If he gets his putter going, look out.

3) Lee Westwood -- The straight-driving Englishman has been in the mix many times at the Masters and knows the course well. He comes in playing really well as of late and could make a run at the title.

4) Bubba Watson -- Known for his ridiculously long drives, Watson has developed a nice all-around game in the past couple years. He made a run at the U.S. Open last summer at Oakmont and could do the same this weekend because of his ability to take advantage of the extremely lengthy Augusta National.

5) Sean O'Hair -- Steady Sean is a future star in the making and is coming off his PODS Championship win in early March. He is bound to break through sooner rather than later on the big stage.

I always enjoy seeing if anybody can truly challenge Tiger down the stretch in the majors. If it's Phil, even better for me and the game of golf. If it's someone else, it makes for some great TV.

That said, it's very hard to foresee anyone other than Tiger putting on the green jacket late Sunday afternoon.

He is simply the best.