WGC-HSBC Champions: Top five sleeper picks

Could an underdog break up the hierarchy seen at the World Golf Championships recently?

The final World Golf Championship of 2017 is here. Big names have dominated the WGCs in recent memory.

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In descending chronological order, here are the winners dating back to the beginning of 2016: Hideki Matsuyama, Dustin Johnson, Johnson, Matsuyama, Johnson, Jason Day and Adam Scott.

The last underdog of sorts to win was Russell Knox at the 2015 WGC-HSBC Champions. Without Justin Thomas in the field this week to snatch up another win, perhaps a lesser known name can wrestle away the trophy.

The WGC-HSBC Champions is back at Sheshan Golf Club for the eighth time and fifth year in a row.

The par-72, 7,261-yard track was founded in 2004 and was designed by Nelson and Haworth design. It’s a parkland style track that demands solid play from tee-to-green. The course isn’t overly penal with three of the last four winners reaching 20-under or better. The exception was Bubba Watson’s win at 11-under in rainy conditions in 2014.

There is some juicy rough in spots, so greens in regulation will be a stat to watch this week.

Keep reading for five players who could emerge this week at the WGC-HSBC Champions.