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The Northern Trust: Top five sleeper picks

By Mike Randleman

RENO, NV - AUGUST 06: Richy Werenski reacts to his putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the Barracuda Championship at Montreux Country Club on August 6, 2017 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
RENO, NV - AUGUST 06: Richy Werenski reacts to his putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the Barracuda Championship at Montreux Country Club on August 6, 2017 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Northern Trust
CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 13: Graham DeLaet of Canada plays his shot from the third tee during the final round of the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club on August 13, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) /

Graham DeLaet comes into the Playoffs rested after taking a well-deserved break last week.

The Canadian showed no signs of the back injury that forced his withdrawal at the Barracuda Championship. DeLaet posted rounds of 68 and 69 on the weekend at the PGA Championship to tie for seventh, his best career finish in a major.

DeLaet is 29th in scoring average this season and 11th in first round scoring, so he’s a good bet to make the cut. He’s made five of his last six.

DeLaet’s also 30th in driving and 57th in fairway accuracy. While I predict most long-hitters to have a good chance here, DeLaet’s accuracy could pay off in avoiding the course’s bunkers, which often blend right into the fairways.

DeLaet’s also 30th in strokes gained putting in what’s been a solid year top to bottom with five top-10s and two more top-25s (though still not his first career win).

His short game is his only consistent pitfall at 194th strokes gained around the green. Unless DeLaet is wearing out the grips in his wedges this weekend, I like his recent form to carry him through as he plays without the pressure of needing to qualify for next week.

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