Waste Management Phoenix Open: Power Rankings

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 05: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan poses with the trophy after winning the Waste Management Phoenix Open on the fourth playoff hole at TPC Scottsdale on February 5, 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Could it be anyone else? It’d be one thing if Matsuyama was a run-of-the-mill player who’s struck gold at this event twice. It’s another when you’re the back-to-back champion and a rising star in golf. That makes you a lock for the No. 1 spot.

TPC Scottsdale suits Matsuyama beautifully as it rewards long, accurate drivers who can capitalize on moments of aggressiveness. The greens are tamable both on approaches and with putter in hand, so even poor putting (173rd last season in strokes gained) weeks haven’t been able to keep Matsuyama out of the winner’s circle.

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Japan’s top golfer and one of the five best in the world comes into the week off of an up-and-down T12 finish at the Farmers Insurance Open (72-69-73-69). It snapped his streak of three straight starts inside the top five which came at the Japan Tour’s historic Dunlop Phoenix (fifth), Hero World Challenge (T5) and the Tournament of Champions.

Prior to his two wins, Matsuyama also tied for fourth in 2014 and tied for second in 2015. In his career in Scottsdale, Matsuyama’s a combined 59-under-par with no rounds above par. His low round is an eight-under 63 fired in 2015.

It’s about time Matsuyama converts one of these high finishes into another win.

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