|
Share this article:
Digg |
StumbleUpon |
del.icio.us |
Reddit
If you’re ever engaged in a conversation about which courses on the PGA TOUR reward experience most, it’s a two-horse race - Augusta National and TPC Sawgrass. Since Craig Perks triumphed in his first look in 2002—a win that unfortunately proved to be a bit of a fluke—the average number of starts before a victory here is 7.57. This includes Davis Love III (2003), who is a two-time champ. He first won in 1992, in what was his seventh career appearance.
In terms of Xs and Os, it’s all about greens in regulation and scrambling. TPC Sawgrass ranked 14th-most difficult in GIR in 2009, and that was its lowest rating in four years. Meanwhile, in nine major categories around the green, the Pete Dye design sits inside the top-10 most challenging in eight, including sand save percentage (third) and scrambling (ninth).
Considering the weather that has plagued parts of the Southeast recently, the forecast look relatively harmless for THE PLAYERS. Spillover from midweek showers may impact the early wave on Thursday. Friday looks to be gorgeous. A threat of rain and storms reenters the picture on the weekend, but any delays should be short-lived. The high temps will climb into the low-80s until Sunday when it may not touch 80. Moderate breezes at worst all week (i.e. not a factor).
NOTE: World ranking aside, Tiger Woods did nothing at Quail Hollow to earn a spot above the 10 guys in this week’s Power Rankings. Moreover, he has just one top 10 at THE PLAYERS in his last seven starts. For more on why I’m cool on Woods this week, please check out Tuesday’s Fantasy Insider.
Power Rankings: THE PLAYERS Championship: Phil MICKELSON Won at Sawgrass in ’07. Coming off 1-2 stretch at the Masters-Quail Hollow. Blend of current form, experience here is heads and shoulders above all others. If he wins and Tiger finishes outside the top five, Mickelson will be No. 1 in the world ranking.
Ian POULTER Healing left knee notwithstanding, the Brit is rested. Hasn’t seen live action since a T10 at the Masters. Finished second at the ’09 PLAYERS with just six bogeys all week. No. 1 on TOUR in putting inside five feet (143-for-144). Greenside wizard.
Jim FURYK The local yokel rebounded from an opening 75 at Quail Hollow to finish T7. Has cashed 12 of 14 times at THE PLAYERS, including a T5 last year. Currently sits fourth in scrambling and 15th in putting.
Rory MCILROY He’s 0-for-1 at TPC Sawgrass, but he hadn’t played Quail Hollow before last week’s breakthrough either. Finished T4 in greens hit and 19th in putting in Charlotte. Also led the field in eagles (2) and birdies (23).
Ernie ELS The TOUR leader in earnings and FedExCup Points finished T9 at the Ballantine’s Championship, his most recent start. He’s 14th in sand saves, 15th in scrambling and 32nd in greens hit. Four top 10s in 16 starts at the TPC. Stephen AMES No. 2 on the all-time money list at this event, with over $2.76 million. (Sergio Garcia is first.) In even-numbered years going back to 2002, Ames has finished 5th-1st-T13-2nd. Ranks 16th in GIR in 2010. Five top 25s in 10 starts this season. Luke DONALD Leads the PGA TOUR in scrambling and sand saves. He has four top 10s in 10 starts, including a T3 at the Heritage, his most recent. Finished T2 here in 2005, but hasn’t cracked the top 15 since. No worries. Henrik STENSON The defending champion enters the week following a T8 at the Volvo China Open and T22 at the Ballantine’s Championship. Very comfy at TPC Sawgrass, where he has three top 10s in four starts. Rickie FOWLER Although he’s a first-timer at this event, he’s a first-timer at most this season; yet, he’s posted four top 10s, including two straight entering the week (T8, Heritage; 6th, Quail Hollow). The rookie is 26th in GIR. Paul CASEY All or nothing at TPC Sawgrass, with two top 15s and three missed cuts. Co-led the field in greens hit en route to a T14 here last year. Ranks 34th in GIR on TOUR this season. Coming off T22 at the Heritage, recovering nicely from an opening 75.
By Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy Columnist
|
