Zurich Classic of New Orleans Power Rankings
By Sam Belden
No. 6: Hideki Matsuyama/Hideto Tanihara
OWGR – Matsuyama: No. 4, Tanihara: No. 50
This all-Japanese duo is short on experience at TPC Louisiana, but there’s still plenty to like about them. Any team featuring Matusuyama is worth a long look, and given Tanihara’s surprise run at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play last month, it wouldn’t be surprising to see these guys make a run at the winner’s circle this week.
After an outstanding run through the fall and winter, Matsuyama has faded a bit, but he still displayed plenty of game in his last start, tying for 11th at the Masters. He ranks seventh on the PGA Tour in strokes gained: tee-to-green, making him a dream teammate in this week’s format. Tanihara, meanwhile, has also been solid this year, taking down a number of notable golfers en route to a solo fourth at the Match Play and making six other cuts around the world. Neither player has played the Zurich Classic before, but they still look poised for success in their debut.
Good as he’s been this year, Matsuyama would love to pick up some more momentum as we move into the second half of the season. These two countrymen look more than ready to make a big splash in the Bayou State.