Safeway Open: Top five sleeper picks

I waffled as far as whether Uihlein is deserving of a “sleeper” tag. I feel that golf nuts like myself, and probably most of you reading along, are aware of the talent this globetrotting 28-year-old possesses. Still, when you’re an American playing the European Tour, you’re probably not getting the attention you deserve from the average Joe no matter how well you’re playing.

More recognition could soon be on the way for Uihlein who’s risen to No. 73 in the world despite not making a non-major championship PGA Tour start since early June.

The former U.S. Amateur champion and collegiate all-American has made a decent living overseas, racking up a win on the Challenge Tour and two runner-up finishes on the European Tour since 2013. Uihlein’s been outspoken on how his time across the pond enriched his perspective on the game and in life. Could he be the next Brooks Koepka?

For more on his perspective overseas, I recommend listening to Uihlein’s appearance on the No Laying Up podcast from February talking about his experience.

Most American golfers, if given the choice, eventually want to prove themselves on home turf. So, what did Uihlein do? He strolled into the Web.com Tour finals, won the first event at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, and added a T29 at the Albertson’s Boise Open for good measure two weeks later.

He’s an early favorite for Rookie of the Year, but he’s no stranger to playing on the PGA Tour. Uihlein was 5-for-7 making the cut in PGA Tour events last season, with a T5 in Puerto Rico and both missed cuts coming at majors. Uihlein should be considered among the favorites to win this week in his first trip to Silverado.