Genesis Open Power Rankings: Top ten players to ride with at Riviera

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - AUGUST 20: Doc Redman and Doug Ghim play on the 10th green during the second round of the USGA U.S. Amateur Championship 36 hole final as Doug Ghim looks on on August 20, 2017 at the The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /

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SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 29: Alex Noren of Sweden looks on during the sixth playoff on the 18th hole during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South on January 29, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Alex Noren’s not dipping his toes into the PGA Tour waters; he’s diving right in. The 35-year-old European Tour star pushed Jason Day in a playoff in his PGA Tour debut at the Farmers Insurance Open. The next week on short preparation, Noren tied for 21st on his first time seeing TPC Scottsdale.

Equipped with a week off, Noren can continue his roll at Riviera.

He’s averaged over 300 yards off the tee and is fifth in strokes gained approaching-the-green in these two starts. His short game hasn’t been the sharpest, but he’s a positive in all other strokes gained categories.

Noren is confident in his game and is one of the less heralded players inside the world’s top 20.

The Swede’s playing Stateside more often to better prepare for the major championship season. So far, so good.

"““I just want to play a bit more setup-wise like they do on the PGA Tour – firmer greens, more rough, tucked pins,” Noren was quoted by Golfweek. “You get used to that after playing a few events like that, so when you get to majors you’re not kind of too fresh and inexperienced, so to speak.”"

The nine-time European Tour winner could break out on the PGA Tour very soon.

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