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2017 FedEx St. Jude Classic: Top 5 sleeper picks for TPC Southwind

By Brandon Raper

Jun 12, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Phil Mickelson attempts a putt on the 14th hole during the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Classic golf tournament at TPC Southwind. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Phil Mickelson attempts a putt on the 14th hole during the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Classic golf tournament at TPC Southwind. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Harold Varner III FedEx St. Jude Classic
Mar 17, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Harold Varner III hits his drive one the ninth hole during the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament at Bay Hill Club & Lodge . Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Harold Varner III (OWGR – 130th)

Varner made his rookie season in 2016 a success, with four top-10 finishes in 28 starts. While his overall results were understandably mixed – he missed 10 cuts, too – his is a star still very much on the rise.

His sophomore season hasn’t been quite as good yet, but the East Carolina alum still has plenty of game to contend week to week. Last week at the Memorial Tournament, he finished tied for 19th, his best result since October’s Safeway Open.

Statistically, Varner got there with a great approach game, ranking fourth in the field in strokes gained: tee-to-green. Varner ranks 51st on TOUR in that category, with his struggles coming primarily from the tee. When he finds fairways, he gives himself as good a chance as anybody to stick it tight and convert birdies.

Varner also made a strong showing in his TPC Southwind debut last year, finishing tied for 16th. If he can harness that positive memory and continue his form from Muirfield Village, Varner can contend in Memphis.

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