AT&T Byron Nelson: Top 10 power rankings at Trinity Forest

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DALLAS, TX – MAY 20: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan lines up his birdie putt on the third green during the final round of the AT&T Byron Nelson at Trinity Forest Golf Club on May 20, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Could Hideki Matsuyama be a volcano waiting to explode?

He hasn’t won since 2017, but in his defense has battled some injuries. When healthy, he’s remained one of the world’s best ball strikers.

Matsuyama has quietly put together an impressive season on the PGA Tour. The 27-year-old is 11th in total strokes gained and third tee to green.

Unorthodox backswing and all, Matsuyama is sixth in SG approach and is capable of reeling off 17 or 18 greens in regulation on any given day.

Putting remains an issue as he sits 177th this year and has never finished inside the top 75.

There’s reason for optimism this week. Matsuyama gained 1.46 strokes per round on the greens at last year’s Byron Nelson en route to T16 (72-63-71-66). He also hit 73.21% fairways and 83.33% GIR.

He’s showed up well at big tournaments this year: T3 at the Farmers, T9 at Riviera, T8 at the Players and T32 at the Masters. He’s made 14 consecutive cuts worldwide.

Matsuyama teed it up last week at Quail Hollow (T31) after two weeks off prior.

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