SIX-PACK OF PLAYERS TO WATCHFred CouplesBest Know For: His 1992 Masters triumph, keyed by his tee shot on the famous par-3 12th hole, where his ball hung inexplicably on the bank of the water in front of the green.Why to Watch Him: To envy his to-die-for effortless swing and because he’s probably the favorite. In six events, the Champions Tour rookie has three victories, a second-place finish and another top-10 finish. Couples’ game seems revitalized by the Champions Tour – he was in contention on the weekend at the Masters before finishing sixth.

Hale IrwinBest Known For: His 45-foot putt on the 72nd hole at the 1990 U.S. Open. “The Hale Mary of a putt,” as it was called at the time by Sports Illustrated, forced an 18-hole playoff with Mike Donald. It also sent Irwin running around the green in celebration, high-fiving fans. Irwin won the next day’s playoff on the first sudden death hole after he and Donald shot identical 74s. At 45, Irwin became the oldest player to win the U.S. Open.Why to Watch Him: The three-time U.S. Open champion (1974, 1979, 1990) and four-time Senior PGA champion (1996, 1997, 1998, 2004) has Colorado ties. He was a two-time all-Big Eight defensive back for Colorado and a 1967 NCAA golf champion. He’s also the all-time leader in Champions Tour victories (45).

Tom WatsonBest Known For: Eight major titles, including five at the British Open, two at the Masters and one at the 1982 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach – where on Sunday his incredible chip shot from the rough on No. 17 helped him outduel Jack Nicklaus.Why to Watch Him: He’s still got game. Watson had a putt to win the British Open last year on the 72nd hole before falling in a four-hole playoff to Stewart Cink. And he shot a 5-under 67 in the first round of the Masters this year.

Paul AzingerBest Known For: Beating cancer, his 1993 PGA Championship victory (in a playoff over Greg Norman) and his role in the United States’ 2008 Ryder Cup victory. Azinger captained the team that finally took the cup back from Europe (without the help of Tiger Woods).Why to Watch Him: Another Champions Tour rookie, he has won 12 times on the PGA Tour.

Fuzzy ZoellerBest Known For: A pair of major championships, jokingly waving a white towel at the 1984 U.S. Open after a long putt by Norman on the 72nd hole (Zoeller eventually won the tournament in a playoff) and – unfortunately – some controversial comments he made about Woods at the 1997 Masters.Why to Watch Him: His colorful personality makes him a fan favorite.

Craig StadlerBest Known For: One of the great nicknames in sports – “The Walrus,” because of his portly build and mustache – his 1982 victory at the Masters and a surprisingly good cameo in “Tin Cup.”Why to Watch Him: He has won 13 times on the PGA Tour and eight times on the Champions Tour. Also, he’s now an official Coloradan, living in Evergreen.

Fred Couples finished sixth at the Masters. Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS