Power Rankings: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

text size

The formulas for success on most host courses on the PGA TOUR are, in large part, quantifiable. Not so much at TPC Louisiana, where several combinations of skills have led to some interesting final leaderboards in its four years as host (2005, 2007-09). They have confounded the analysts to the point that I've read polar-opposite reviews on the value of putting the sneaky undulations of Pete Dye's contribution to the Audubon Golf Trail. And that's just one element of the game.

Related

Send Bolton an e-mail
Listen: Bolton on rankings

Indeed, the better putters will contend as they always do -- the slopes will lead to more grinding than gifting -- but this week's host track is an iron wizard's yard. Hitting greens in regulation is paramount. In each of its four years, in proximity to the hole from 175-200 yards, TPC Louisiana has ranked in the top-five most difficult. Last year alone, it finished fifth from 125-150 yards, third from 150-175 yards, second from 175-200 yards and third from beyond 200 yards.

With some vintage Dye bunkering and sand all over the place, scrambling and sand save percentage are the secondary factors that will separate the field.

The conservative weather forecast is suggesting a chance of thunderstorms Friday through Sunday, but the bull's eye is on Saturday. The mercury should top 80 degrees every day and the wind will be a factor as the threat of inclement weather increases.

RELATED: Medical extensions | Reshuffle list | Major qualifiers | Rookie watch

Power Rankings: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Rank Player   Comment Charles HOWELL III En route to a T2 here a year ago, he ranked ninth in greens hit and second in birdies (22). Coming off his sixth top 25 of 2010 at the Heritage (T22). Just his second start at TPC Louisiana, but the bayou is a comfort zone - he has four top-10s in seven trips. Steve MARINO Finished T5 at the 2009 Zurich, where he was T8 in GIR and 3rd in putting. Also had 20 birdies and an eagle-2 (16th hole, final round) a year ago. Enters this week with three straight top 15s, and a total of five on the year. Rory SABBATINI Placed T14 last week at Harbour Town, his first top 25 since the SBS Championship. He posted a T8 at last year's Heritage, the week before finishing as one of three runners-up here, so there is precedent supporting this slot. Currently fourth in sand saves. Brian DAVIS Of the 72 that played 72 holes at last week's Heritage, where he lost in a playoff, he had the fewest holes over par (four). Sits 16th in scrambling, but he earns his spot here based on his propensity to get hot and stay hot. David TOMS The Louisiana native posted a T5 here a year ago. He's coming off his first top 15 in eight starts this year (T14, Masters) and is currently 20th in proximity to the hole from 175-200 yards. (His win at the '01 Zurich occurred at English Turn.) Bryce MOLDER He's 0-for-2 at TPC Louisiana but he's coming off another solid start. His T22 at the Heritage, where he was bogey-free over his first 36 holes, is his fifth top 25 in his last seven starts. The course isn't too long for his lack of power, and he's 17th in scrambling. Pat PEREZ Cashed for a T12 in 2008, his only previous appearance. Ranked second in greens in regulation during the event. He's currently eighth on TOUR in GIR, and 13th in sand saves. Also 10th in proximity to the hole from 175-200 yards. Jerry KELLY The defending champ limps in after finishing last in putting at Harbour Town, where he placed T59. However, he's been alternating top 15s with forgettable finishes for two months now. He has over $576K in the bank without a single top 10 this year. Kevin STADLER Don't forget about this guy. Has five top 25s in eight events this year, including three top 10s. Finished T6 in his last start (Houston). Leads the TOUR in greens in regulation. Justin ROSE A busier stateside schedule had paid off for the Brit, who has locked up a 2011 TOUR card already with over $776K in earnings. Although he missed this cut last year, TPC Louisiana is an ideal venue for his game.