Dean & Deluca Invitational power rankings
1. Jon Rahm
Official World Ranking: 12, FedEx Cup: 4
Colonial History: Debut tournament
Most Tour players have courses and tournaments they circle as their favorites on the calendar. They’re more comfortable there, perhaps it’s closer to home, or they’ve won the tournament before. Jon Rahm doesn’t have any of that experience, but he hasn’t found a course yet he couldn’t tame.
Even two weeks ago at THE PLAYERS, I pegged Rahm as a “sleeper” candidate, based solely on rookie history at TPC Sawgrass. He made the cut at four-under, and only missed the secondary cut thanks to an uncharacteristic 10-over 82 on Saturday. For reference, eventual winner Si Woo Kim was just three-under through 36, one behind Rahm. What could have been for the Spanish bomber?
Distance alone won’t bring Rahm to victory this week in Fort Worth, but he’s been improving each week, showing touch on his approach shots, and converting more scoring opportunities than almost anybody else. Rahm ranks fourth in par breakers in 2017, and 10th in adjusted scoring average. That’s tough to overcome for all but the absolute best players in the world.
Rahm’s rookie season may very well come back to earth soon, and we’ve seen him stumble. However, until he falls, there’s no reason to abandon ship. Don’t be surprised if Rahm is hoisting yet another trophy this weekend.
Next: Tiger, DJ and a decade of U.S. Open Champions
Who are you liking this week for the Dean & Deluca Invitational? Who do you see as dark horses in the field?