Thoughts of Masters weigh heavily on several hopeful players at Bay Hill

Ben Crane won the McGladrey Classic last fall to secure a spot at Kapalua for the Tournament of Champions. But that didn't count for the Masters, and that now weighs heavily on him.

Crane is at No. 48 in the world, and after this week the top 50 get into the Masters. The only other player currently in the top 50 who has not yet received an invitation is Paul Lawrie, who should be safe at No. 45.

Geoff Ogilvy (49) is in from his tie for fourth at Augusta. Ryo Ishikawa (50) received a special invitational. The next two are Miguel Angel Jimenez and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, both of whom already are in from being in the top 50 at the end of last year.

Among those with a shot to move into the top 50 are Ernie Els, who might need only second-place alone. Robert Allenby is at No. 64 and playing Bay Hill. If he were to win, he would automatically be eligible, though he also could move past Crane.

Robert Rock is at No. 57 and playing the Hassan II Trophy in Morocco. He would need to win to have a chance, as would Matteo Manassero (61).

It's a lot to sort out.

Crane already knows that if he didn't play Bay Hill, or he missed the cut, he would at least fall to No. 49.

"Different players can do different things," he said. "I can only help myself this week. We'll know at the end of the week."

As for it weighing on his mind?

"I never thought about it. I've never put it in my mind ... just kidding," he said, breaking into a grin. "I LOVE that tournament."

Crane knows from experience what it's like to have more than winning on his mind. He was close to getting onto a Ryder Cup team, and he's always trying to work his way through the FedExCup playoffs.

"It can do one of two things," he said. "It can help you, or you can think about it too much and forget to execute and play your shots."