This week is the Barclays, the first round of the FedEx Cup playoffs. Normally, I would do a typical preview where I talk about the course and the field, but we're likely to see the same field of golfers for four weeks straight, so instead of making the same predictions each week, I decided to clump the entire stretch into one post. I decided to break down the fields into three groups - players 100 or below that could make a run, players in the middle of the pack who could surprise some people, and players I see contending and eventually winning the FedEx Cup. Sound like fun? Great!
Making The Leap:
Paul Casey (118) - Only played 15 events this season with Past Champions status, but recorded a top 25 in eight of those starts. Now that he has his card for next season secured, he can focus on winning on the PGA Tour for the first time since 2009, and possibly sneaking his way onto the Ryder Cup team. He was on the bubble entering the final event of the year, but would have easily made the playoffs if he played more events. I have a feeling Casey will be competitive in each playoff event, and make it all the way to East Lake.
Sang-Moon Bae (120) - Only player in the field that moved his way into the playoffs after being on the outside entering last week. Has zero top 10's this season, but the adrenaline of last week may translate into this week and give Bae a boost.
Lee Westwood (107) - Been a disappointing season for Westwood, but does have top 10s at the Masters and the Players, and briefly held the lead at the PGA Championship on Thursday. He's going to need a good run in the playoffs if he wants any chance at making the Ryder Cup team.
Don't Sleep On Them:
Retief Goosen (96) - Has made the cut in 13 straight tournaments, but has only four top 25s during that stretch. He's the kind of player that will just kind of hang around. I can easily see him making it to the BMW Championship with no attention being made to him. Quiet and consistent, just like he was in his prime.
Henrik Stenson (70) - Had a rough year after winning the FedEx Cup playoffs last season, but has only played 12 events on the PGA Tour this season after devoting a majority of his time to the European Tour. Finished T3 at the PGA Championship, so don't be surprised if he wins the first event of the playoffs and make a run to the cup, much like he did last season.
Hunter Mahan (62) - Has played in every FedEx Cup event since it's inception, but he needs a couple of big weeks in order to keep that streak alive. Had a down season, but has always performed well in stretches, and recorded a T7 finish at the PGA Championship following a top 25 at the Bridgestone.
Real Contenders:
Rickie Fowler (16) - Four majors, four top 5 finishes. He season outside of that is relatively mundane, but it can't be ignored that Fowler has performed his best at the biggest stages, and he seems to embrace the FedEx Cup as a big deal. Besides, his second victory HAS to be around the corner, right?
Sergio Garcia (7) - Eight top 10's in 13 stars is all that needs to be said about Sergio's season. In fact, the only thing that is missing from his resume this year is a victory. His T35 at the PGA Championship is more of an anomaly and speaks more about his comfort with Valhalla then it does about his current form. Look for him to be in the magic top 5 entering the Tour Championship.
Adam Scott (15) - Amazing to me that Scott is 15th in the standings, but that is attributed entirely to his lack of production in the majors this season. He's the defending champion of the Barclays, so he has some experience winning in the playoffs. Will be completely under the radar thanks to the new World Number One.
Your FedEx Cup Champion:
Rory McIlroy (1) - My only question mark is whether Rory really wants to give it his all during the entire stretch of the playoffs. He's the best player in the world and can win any tournament as long as he maintains his focus. Three wins in three events, which includes a World Golf Championship and two majors. Could be considered one of the all time greatest seasons of golf if he were to also cash the ten million dollar check.
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