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Sony Open: Power ranking the top ten golfers at Waialae

By Mike Randleman

HONOLULU, HI - JANUARY 09: Charles Howell III of the United States walks during practice rounds prior to the Sony Open In Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on January 9, 2018 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
HONOLULU, HI - JANUARY 09: Charles Howell III of the United States walks during practice rounds prior to the Sony Open In Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on January 9, 2018 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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LAHAINA, HI – JANUARY 04: Ian Poulter of England looks on during the second round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on January 4, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI – JANUARY 04: Ian Poulter of England looks on during the second round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on January 4, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Ian Poulter makes his return to the Sony Open for the first time since 2005. He missed the cut that year, but that’s ancient news by now.

Poults is coming off a solo 18th place finish at last week’s Tournament of Champions. He was under par in three of four rounds at Kapalua but a 73 on Saturday and no scorching rounds kept him far adrift.

Waialae seems more of his speed as a middling distance player like him can have similar clubs into these greens as most of the field. When that’s the case, his iron play is a big asset for him.

During his 2017-18 season highlighted by a win at the Houston Open and a successful return to the European Ryder Cup team, the 42-year-old  Englishman was 30th in strokes gained approaching the green. Windy conditions would be an advantage for Poulter as he was third in proximity from the rough, but at 80th in SG off the tee, perhaps calm conditions are most suitable.

He was over 80 percent last week in GIR and fairways hit, so his swing is clearly in rhythm.

Poulter ranks 25th since 2014 in strokes gained putting on Bermuda greens per Future of Fantasy. He was shaky on last week’s Tifeagle greens, so the switch could do him some good.

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