Waste Management Open - Power Rankings
Come Sunday, there will be millions of fans with their eyes set on San Francisco's Levi’s Stadium and the playing of Super Bowl 50. For golf enthusiasts, there is even more to look forward to - the PGA Tour will be celebrating it’s own milestone at its own “stadium”. This week marks the 30th playing of the Waste Management Phoenix Open at the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, and it’s an event that never disappoints.
A venue unlike any other in the game, players will leave the 15th green, and trek into the stadium that is the 16th hole - having to answer for their performance to thousands of enthused fans.
The Waste Management Phoenix Open is a week golf fans mark on their calendars annually, and it serves as the perfect “appetiser” for any sports fan seeking to wet their appetite before Sunday evening’s kickoff.
Here are the players I expect to see contend this week.
Bubba Watson - Over the last six months, has been one of the hottest players in the game. Look for him to do something memorable for the fans on hole 16 this week, and don’t be surprised if he is in the winner’s circle come Sunday.
Rickie Fowler - Winner in Abu Dhabi just two weeks ago in a star-studded field. While last week was not his best, it’s proven foolish to bet against him, and any jet-lag he may have been experiencing should no longer be a factor.
Hideki Matsuyama - Is a Tour winner, and constantly scared leaderboards all of last season. Got off to a great start last week at Torrey Pines, and is looking to do the same this week at an event where he has finished one shot and two shots back from the eventual winner the last two seasons.
Fabian Gomez - Has started the season off right with a second place finish at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, and then a win at the Sony Open. Playing great golf, this year could be a game changer for his career if he can continue to build off his positive start.
Kevin Kisner - Has not finished outside the top-10 in his last four events played, dating back to November. This includes a win at the RSM Classic.
Justin Thomas - This time last year he was beginning to realize that he had what it took to win on Tour. He’s now a champion, having claimed the CIMB title back in November, boosting his confidence and preparing him to make even more noise in this his sophomore season.
Brandt Snedeker - Playing some tremendous golf over the last two weeks. Anytime his putter gets hot, he will contend. A very impressive win last week at Torrey Pines.
Brendan Steele - Has had flashes of brilliance over his last few events, but has had difficulty stringing four good rounds together. A course he seems to play well on, he could very well have a big week.
Ryan Palmer - Finished T2 last year, and 5th in 2013. Is a player who plays well on certain courses and at certain events - this is definitely one of them.
Ryan Moore - Has finished T17, T6, 4th over last three years at this event. All that is left for him to do is win, and with these postings, it’s clear he can.
Sleeper Picks
Aaron Baddeley - Has had success on this course in years past, and is a former champion at TPC Scottsdale . Game has been showing signs of improvement over last couple of months.
Graham Delaet - Another whose game seems to be taking shape. Finished T7 & T2 the last two years at TPC Scottsdale.
Will Wilcox - Reminds me of Justin Thomas and Kevin Kisner from last season. Has shown that he has the game to compete, and even win. Just a matter of time before he breaks through.
About the Author
This article was written by Jonathan Carr (@jonathanwcarr) as part of our weekly #FantasyGolf series.Each week we preview the upcoming PGA Tour event and highlight some of the players we'll be keeping an eye on. As a scratch golfer himself, Jonathan has a keen eye for what it takes to be successful on and off the golf course. His passion for golf is surpassed only by his passion for his faith and his family. Read some of Jonathan's other articles here.
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