Power Rankings: Northern Trust Open

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Behold the deepest field seen so far in 2010. The Northern Trust Open will feature the seasonal debuts of such dignitaries as Padraig Harrington, Jim Furyk, Adam Scott, Anthony Kim and Ryo Ishikawa. Despite competition with the European Tour's Dubai Desert Classic, eight of the world's top 25 are scheduled to play Riviera. Nine of the top 14 Americans are in the field this week.

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It can stretch to nearly 7,300 yards, but for all intents and purposes, it's a cozy track. Distance off the tee will be of some importance due to recent rain, but course management remains the premium here. Greens are slightly above average in size but the layout requires smart preparation. Previous knowledge is all but required, but less than eight percent of the field are first-timers. Of the 14 that have played here just once, only three have made the cut.

Scoring should mirror what we had at the Farmers Insurance Open. Expect a blend of experience, a high percentage of greens in regulation and scrambling to command the leaderboard on Sunday.

It's fall in February as usual here. The high temps won't reach the 60s. Clouds, light winds and a slight chance of rain are on tap all week.
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Power Rankings: Northern Trust Open

Rank Player   Comment Steve STRICKER Last year's runner-up gets the nod if only because he's not embroiled in the grooves controversy. Comes off a third-place showing at the Sony Open. Ranked second in scrambling and first in putting in 2009, but you already know who he is. Phil MICKELSON Two-time defending champion also finished second in 2007. He's one of the best to forget about what happened "last week" every time. He says he's close, and continues to score well despite off-course distractions. Robert ALLENBY As long as he continues to post top 10s, he'll be here. Since his win at Riviera in '01, he has five top 20s, but even if he had missed the cut in every start since, his outstanding play of late cannot be ignored. Was T4 in putting at Torrey Pines. Matt KUCHAR Unimpressive record here, but he's already had two top-3s this year, including the T2 at the Bob Hope Classic, where he finished with a 63 on Monday. Sits atop the ball-striking stat on the PGA TOUR right now. Also fifth in greens in regulation. Rory SABBATINI The 2006 champ is fourth in all-time earnings here. Has six top 15s in 10 appearances, including a T6 last year. Final-round 63 at the SBS Championship proved that he has a handle on his game right now despite the T39 at Waialae the week after. John ROLLINS Off to a flying start, with three top 20s in as many events to begin 2010. He missed the cut in the Northern Trust Open last year but has four top 20s in seven appearances. Supremely confident right now in all aspects. Tim CLARK He can be a tactician of the classic tracks like Riviera, where he has three top-15s in six starts, including a T13 a year ago. Still, he probably needs to have the lead on the final green to break through for his first PGA TOUR win. Ernie ELS Won here in 1999, two years before the redesign by Tom Fazio, but posted a T3 in 2007. With a commitment to a U.S. schedule into May, his mental approach is completely different. Coming off a T5 at the Farmers Insurance Open last week. Padraig HARRINGTON First start anywhere since finishing T3 at the Chevron World Challenge in early December. Missed the cut at Riviera last year but placed T3 in 2008 and seventh in '07. Worldwide, he has nine top 10s in his last 12 starts. Charles HOWELL III With two top 10s and a T26, he's off to his best start since his career year in 2007, when he won this event in a playoff over Phil Mickelson. Hasn't shot higher than 71 in 13 rounds on the PGA TOUR in 2010.