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AT&T Byron Nelson Power Rankings: Top 10 picks for Trinity Forest

By Mike Randleman

IRVING, TX - MAY 16: A statue of Byron Nelson as seen during the second round of the HP Byron Nelson Championship at the TPC Four Seasons Resort on May 16, 2014 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
IRVING, TX - MAY 16: A statue of Byron Nelson as seen during the second round of the HP Byron Nelson Championship at the TPC Four Seasons Resort on May 16, 2014 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – MAY 11: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays his shot from the 12th tee during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 11, 2018 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – MAY 11: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays his shot from the 12th tee during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 11, 2018 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Weeks like these set up well for the cream to rise to the top. A relatively weak field and a new course can allow for a supremely talented player like Hideki to create separation.

Matsuyama is still getting his sea legs under him as he’s played in just eight events in 2018, some with pain, while dealing with a wrist injury. The results haven’t yet followed, but it won’t be long before he’s cashing big checks now that he’s got healthy reps under his belt.

After a 79 on Thursday at the PLAYERS last week, Matsuyama admirably battled back for a 69. That was his first missed cut since the Northern Trust in August.

We all know he can crush the ball into oblivion, but he’s been good on the finesse shots, too. Matsuyama is fourth in strokes gained around the green.

He’s hit plenty of greens this season, but hasn’t quite dialed it in all the way. Matsuyama was eighth in proximity from the fairway last season and is now outside the top 200. Even just meeting in the middle there would be enough for Matsuyama to get back to contending for wins.

This No. 3 slot seems a bit lofty and reeks of feast or famine potential, but I like a low-pressure week for Matsuyama to get locked in.

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