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PGA TOUR Power Rankings: 2017 CIMB Classic

By Brandon Raper

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - OCTOBER 23: Justin Thomas of the United States plays a shot on the1st hole during day four of the 2016 CIMB Classic at TPC Kuala Lumpur on October 23, 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images)
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - OCTOBER 23: Justin Thomas of the United States plays a shot on the1st hole during day four of the 2016 CIMB Classic at TPC Kuala Lumpur on October 23, 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images) /
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Justin Thomas CIMB Classic
JERSEY CITY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 30: Justin Thomas of the U.S. Team reacts after putting for birdie on the 14th green to go 2up with Daniel Berger over Jhonattan Vegas of Venezuela and the International Team and Hideki Matsuyama of Japan and the International Team during Saturday four-ball matches of the Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club on September 30, 2017 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Thomas isn’t just the defending champion from the past two CIMB Classics, but he also holds the 18-hole and 72-hole records from the 2015 event. He’s looking for the rare three-peat this week at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, but there’s plenty of reason to pencil Thomas in as the odds-on favorite.

Let’s get the obvious part out of the way. One year ago, Thomas kicked off a five-win season at the CIMB Classic. He won his first major at the PGA Championship in August, then won the Dell Technologies Championship to solidify his place in the FedEx Cup top five. He didn’t win the TOUR Championship, but a runner-up finish to Xander Schauffele was more than enough to lock up the FedEx Cup title, and the $10 million bonus that came with it.

Thomas isn’t just one of the best golfers in the world now, he’s also riding a wave of momentum like few others. It would have been easily understood if he decided to bask a little bit in the glory of a fantastic 2017 season, but here he is, back in action and ready to go again.

The only thing holding Thomas back this week may be just that: he’s played seven of the last eight weeks, with only the “bye” during the FedEx Cup Playoffs to rest. Then again, why doubt the hot hand? Thomas will be a strong contender once again this week, getting the new season started right.

Next: Tyrrell Hatton Defends Title at Alfred Dunhill Links

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