The Florida swing continues in the PGA with the Players Championship, one of the biggest events on the tour. Designed by Pete Dye, TPC Sawgrass is known for its signature par-3 Green Island game, but the course itself is a beautiful monster. With strategically placed obstacles, I’m looking for accurate players – good on the tee, even better with their irons.
Here are three players who are in the top 20 and can compete for a clean win.
Patrick Cantley
Top 20 +105
Top 10 +160
Top 5 +335
To win +1800
Kantlay ranks fourth in number of tee shots. However, I was intrigued by his recent iron game. He won three approach strokes in consecutive competitions, having been a neutral putter in three in a row. Alert: Three misses in a row in TPC Sawgrass. Overall, I’m throwing 2022 results out the window because weather was a major factor last year – wind, rain, delays… anything that distracts and throws any player out of the rhythm.
However, Cantley’s story isn’t perfect. However, he ranks fourth in par-5 scoring, which could play a role considering it’s one of the longest par-5s on the tour. You will need the ability to make birds. If Cantley can maintain his iron streak in a row, then he has every chance of getting into at least the top 20.
Jason Day
Top 20 +140
Top 10 +240
Top 5 +500
To win +2800
I want to support strong iron players. It’s not really Jason Day. In nine tournaments since October, Day has won on approach in five. However, the good news is that Day has been fairly neutral, barely losing when not winning. One positive: Day is one of the best players on the field, fifth in hits behind the likes of John Rahm and Brandon Todd. Bermuda, in the top 10, is Day’s second best surface. His solid play has led to some stellar results of late, with four top 20 finishes, including a fifth solo at the Phoenix Open.
Day won this tournament back in 2016. He has the eighth-most recorded rounds on TPC Sawgrass and the 10th-most hits on the course.
Viktor Hovland
Top 20 +130
Top 10 +220
Top 5 +450
To win +2500
I was so hesitant to include Hovland in the final list. There are indicators: third place from the tee, 16th place on the way, top 20 in par-5 performance and last year finished T9. I’m always so tired of supporting Hovland because his short game is just awful. Despite a T9 finish last year, Hovland lost six strokes in his short game. Imagine if he removed it.
Last week, he finished T10 on Arnold Palmer, losing nearly four runs on the green. You will support Hovland in the open market in case everything works out, but I definitely like his top 20 option better, as you still get plus money. Also, it reduces the stress of having to watch him strike on day 4.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
