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The Northern Trust: Power rankings for the FedEx Cup Playoff opener

By Mike Randleman

PARAMUS, NJ - AUGUST 24: Jason Day of Australia plays his shot from the eighth tee during the final round of The Barclays at The Ridgewood Country Club on August 24, 2014 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PARAMUS, NJ - AUGUST 24: Jason Day of Australia plays his shot from the eighth tee during the final round of The Barclays at The Ridgewood Country Club on August 24, 2014 in Paramus, New Jersey. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – FEBRUARY 19: Francesco Molinari of Italy prepares to take his shot on the ninth hole during round one of the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club on February 19, 2015 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by JD Cuban/Getty Images)
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – FEBRUARY 19: Francesco Molinari of Italy prepares to take his shot on the ninth hole during round one of the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club on February 19, 2015 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by JD Cuban/Getty Images) /

Everything’s come up gold for Francesco Molinari this summer. The Italian has climbed nearly 30 spots in the world ranking since May thanks to three wins, one being the Open Championship, and two more runner-ups.

He’s made seven cuts in a row and has fared T39 or better each time out. Molinari nearly pulled a Brooks Koepka in winning a second major as his valiant effort at the PGA Championship netted a T6.

This is Molinari’s first visit to Ridgewood. Fortunately, his ball striking seems to translate well to wherever he tees it up.

Molinari is third on Tour in strokes gained tee to green. While not a bomber, he’s long and straight enough off the tee to very much keep up with the likes of Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, etc.

Molinari also has a steady short game (37th) and rarely is out of position.

Most weeks for Molinari boil down to the putter. If he can sink enough putts, he’ll be in contention Sunday.

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