RSM Classic Power Rankings: Ranking the top ten golfers at Sea Island

Charles Howell III is the king of making a five- or six-figure check without you even knowing he was there.

That’s what one of the PGA Tour’s most consistent players did last week at the Mayakoba Golf Classic to finish T-20 (70-71-67-66). It was his third top-20 in his last four starts and fifth top-25 in the last seven.

He broke the mold of being near, but not at, the top of the leaderboard this time last year. Howell III went 11 years between PGA Tour wins when he won his third career tournament at the 2018 RSM Classic.

The former Oklahoma State Cowboy got off to a strong start with consecutive 64s. He held on for 68-67 on the weekend and held off Patrick Rodgers’ attempt at win No. 1.

It was a vintage performance for a talented ball striker. Howell III hit 83.93% fairways and 88.89% greens in regulation. He did just enough on the greens (.717 strokes gained) to win for the first time since the 2007 Nissan Open (Riviera).

Howell III is a Georgian and is sure to have extra support in the galleries. He’s given them plenty to cheer for in playing this event every year.

He’s 8-for-9 in cuts made with a win, three more top-10s and seven finishes inside the top 32. No one’s come close to that success at the RSM Classic.

Oftentimes, Howell III’s come to this event seeking a high finish to climb inside the top 50 in the world rankings to position himself to get into the next year’s majors via year-end rankings.

The pressure’s off this time as the Augusta native is in the Masters field via his Tour Championship appearance.

That’s why I like him to be right in the thick of things on Sunday.