ANA Inspiration: Five Sleeper Picks

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Apr 3, 2015; Rancho Mirage, CA, USA; Austin Ernst tees off on the fifth hole during the second round of the ANA Inspiration at Mission Hills CC – Dinah Shore Tournament Course. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Does Austin Ernst have what it takes to contend at a Major championship?

Austin Ernst is playing a very strong game right now. Aside from that very disappointing missed cut at the Founders Cup, she’s recorded 3 top 10s in her first 6 starts this season.

With her Kia Classic runner-up finish, Ernst’s game is also trending in the right direction. She may have timed her preparation for the Tour’s first 2017 Major exactly right, even though the oddsmakers aren’t giving her much attention.

When I look at her 2017 stats, I see a player who’s delivering a better-than-average long game and an adequate short game. But there are other stats in play for Ernst, who currently ranks 6th among the Americans in Solheim Cup points.

This would be Austin Ernst’s Solheim Cup debut and she wants to be wearing red, white, and blue in Des Moines. I think she’s playing for that honor and it’s driving her to greater performance heights.

Ernst has played Rancho Mirage every year since she was a rookie and with the exception of 2013, her rookie year, she’s played the weekend. She has enough experience with the track now to get a peek at the top of the board this week. Given her motivation to excel, it’s not unrealistic to look for her to contend.

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