Fort Worth Invitational Power Rankings: Top 10 picks for Colonial

The Fort Worth Invitational returns to Colonial Country Club as the PGA TOUR finishes its “Texas Swing”. Who will contend at Hogan’s Alley? Here’s a look at the top ten in this week’s power rankings.

The Lone Star State doesn’t have a lone tournament. The multi-pronged swings through Texas across two months complete this week at the Fort Worth Invitational at famed Colonial Country Club.

We go from new kid on the block, Trinity Forest in Dallas, to the revered veteran 40 miles east.

Colonial’s tournament has been held annually since 1946 and has gone by eight different names. The tournament is without a title sponsor this year for the first time since 1995.

Golf aficionados know the course is nicknamed “Hogan’s Alley” in honor of Fort Worth’s Ben Hogan who won here five times.

This week’s field is littered with past champions at Colonial, but Zach Johnson gunning for his third win here is as close as anyone to Hogan’s record.

Colonial has a reputation for being a tough, but fair test. The 7,209-yard par 70 is one of the tighter tracks on tour with tree line defining many holes.

The “Horrible Horseshoe” of holes Nos. 3-5 are some of the toughest on Tour. If a player can withstand the late round pressure, birdies are out there on the back nine. The closing four holes are four of the eight easiest on the course.

Straight hitters and good putters are of use at Colonial as you look for players to roll with this week. A comparable tournament is the RBC Heritage held last month.

Both courses value placement off the tee and playing smart shots into greens. Distance isn’t king, as you can see by defending champion Kevin Kisner or ZJ’s recent success at Colonial.

Let’s see who’s cut out to haul in the  $1.2 million check, 500 FedEx Cup points and the tartan jacket come Sunday: