The PLAYERS Championship Power Rankings: Top 10 at TPC Sawgrass

9 of 11

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – MAY 13: Justin Thomas of the United States plays a shot on the seventh hole during the third round of THE PLAYERS Championship at the Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on May 13, 2017 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

We’re approaching 10 months since Justin Thomas finished outside the top 25. I’ll put an asterisk around his mediocre T22 at the Tournament of Champions and his missed cut at the Zurich with partner Bud Cauley, but the point still stands.

His elite consistency has been wildly impressive. It’s why he’s got another shot at reaching world No. 1 this week.

Thomas has won four times since he last played at TPC Sawgrass. His T75 in 2017 was one of his few poor starts in that span.

Fortunately, he has a T3 in 2016 and a T24 to fall back on at the PLAYERS.

Thomas doesn’t have a weakness in his game these days. He’s in the positive in every major strokes gained category with a .169 mark around the greens (69th on Tour) his worst mark.

He’s been a good clutch putter as evidenced by his best putting rounds coming on Saturdays and Sundays.

I’m burying the lede. Thomas is playing like no other due to his ball striking. It won’t matter much how long he is this week, but if he dials it in as he should, he’ll be seeing easier putts than most on Sawgrass’ treacherous greens.

Thomas is third on Tour in proximity and is on the dance floor often at 70 percent GIR.

A well-rounded player like Thomas is often rewarded here.

“I love this course, I get, it’s just something about it, it really is one of my favorite courses to play when it gets in this tournament condition,” Thomas said in 2016. “You just can’t fake it around here.”

Home/Golf Power Rankings