Dean and DeLuca Invitational: Top 5 sleeper picks
By Sam Belden
Chris Kirk — No. 94
This Georgia product was the big winner at the Dean & DeLuca Invitational back in 2015, but thanks to a poorly-timed wrist injury and diminished ball striking skills, his game has slipped significantly since then. That being said, Kirk looked a whole lot like his old self in his most recent start, so don’t be surprised if he flips the switch and picks up a second win in the Lone Star State.
Kirk’s most recent result, a tie for 12th at the Players Championship, came as a shock to just about everyone. Entering the week on a serious skid, he shot four solid rounds to remain in the thick of it, ranking fifth in putts per green in regulation and 26th in strokes gained: approach-the-green along the way. That finish should give him a serious momentum boost heading into Colonial, where he’s found the top 15 in each of the previous three seasons.
Kirk may not be producing at a consistent rate, but he continues to show us flashes of brilliance every now and again. The Dean and DeLuca Invitational has been a steady flow of cash for him, so look for the 32-year-old to continue his long awaited turnaround this week.