2017 RBC Canadian Open: Top five sleepers at Glen Abbey
Two weeks ago at the John Deere Classic, Rodgers looked like an unstoppable force for 54 holes. The winningest player in Stanford history (sorry, Tiger…) was 16-under at TPC Deere Run heading into the fourth round, with a comfortable two-stroke lead over the field. However, with birdies flying all over the course that Sunday, his final-round of one-under 70 opened the door for another first-time TOUR winner, Bryson DeChambeau, to take the title.
Still, the Indiana native is in fine form to make a run in Canada. Unlike many of the other names on this list, Rodgers is a bomber off the tee, ranked 11th on TOUR in driving distance with an average of 306.9 yards.
What he lacks in accuracy, he makes up for with ball-striking, ranked 57th in greens-in-regulation. Those aren’t spectacular numbers, but the trend is moving in the right direction.
Rodgers is also improving at Glen Abbey. He’s made the trip each of the past two years, and after missing the cut in 2015, he moved up to a tie for 32nd last year. That finish is even more impressive when you realize he shot an opening-round 76, but put together three straight under-par rounds, closing with a five-under 67.
Where the Deere took raw scoring ability, this week will take a little bit more finesse. Look for Rodgers to adjust accordingly on his way to another strong outing.