Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson believes that the rain showers will benefit the big hitters on the Augusta National course this week.

Heavy rain is forecast until the weekend, and according to Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, JB Holmes and reigning champion Bubba Watson will have the upper hand on the greens.

"The greens are very soft and receptive and so the longer hitters are going to be able to reach the par-fives and get the ball stopped on the greens," 19th Hole quotes Mickelson as saying.

"Guys like Dustin and JB Holmes and Bubba Watson and Rory McIlroy - the usual suspects who really hit the ball long, have a distinct advantage coming into these greens.

"I'm going to be trying to swing as hard as I can. I won't be able to keep up with them, but hopefully I'll be able to keep it in the same zip code and have short irons into greens so I can have opportunities at lots of birdies."

Mickelson has been paired with fellow American Ryan Moore and McIlroy for the first two rounds.