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PGA TOUR Power Rankings: 2017 Safeway Open

By Brandon Raper

NAPA, CA - OCTOBER 16: Phil Mickelson tees off on the second hole during the final round of the Safeway Open at the North Course of the Silverado Resort and Spa on October 16, 2016 in Napa, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
NAPA, CA - OCTOBER 16: Phil Mickelson tees off on the second hole during the final round of the Safeway Open at the North Course of the Silverado Resort and Spa on October 16, 2016 in Napa, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Scott Piercy Safeway Open Power Rankings
HARTFORD, WI – JUNE 15: Scott Piercy of the United States plays his shot from the 16th tee during the first round of the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills on June 15, 2017 in Hartford, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) /

Scott Piercy doesn’t get a ton of recognition on the PGA TOUR, and some of that is understandable. He’s a 38-year-old journeyman, and although he’s enjoyed a solid 16-year career as a pro with three TOUR wins, he’s largely pushed down as the bigger events (and stars) come out. However, don’t let that fool you for a second – this guy is good.

Piercy finished the 2016-17 PGA TOUR season in 98th place in the FedEx Cup points race, making 14 of 22 cuts with four top-ten finishes. His best finish came right here at Silverado, where he tied for third place at 16-under par. Despite shooting a Saturday round of one-over 73, his scoring was hot enough all week to remain on top of the leaderboard.

Two of Piercy’s biggest strengths from a statistical view are in greens-in-regulation and birdie average. A stellar iron player, he has an ability to give himself scoring opportunities at a high clip. Last year at Silverado, Piercy ranked third in strokes gained: tee-to-green, and seventh in greens in regulation. Even a decent week putting will lead to strong scores under those conditions.

Piercy is a stronger player than he gets credit for. A win this week at Silverado would do well to change that perception.

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