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

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ST SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 16: Matt Kuchar of the United States plays his tee shot on the third hole during the first round of The RSM Classic at Sea Island Golf Club Seaside Course on November 16, 2017 in St Simons Island, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

I’ve got a lot of Southern boys in my rankings this week, and Matt Kuchar’s one of them. The Floridian has converted into a Georgian after schooling at Georgia Tech and now residing in the Sea Island area.

The 41-year-old hasn’t been able to claim a trophy on his home course, but he’s got some solid finishes at the RSM Classic. Kuchar’s made six of seven cuts with a T-7 in 2013 the high water mark. Perhaps more impressive is he’s finished T-29 or better each time he made the weekend.

That type of consistency has been his calling card for the last decade.

He’s only played twice worldwide this fall with his first start coming in a random appearance at the European Tour’s Porsche European Open last month. He bounced back for a T-14 last week in his title defense at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.

He comes well-rested into an event that he’ll use as a tune-up for the Presidents Cup in a few weeks.

One reason Kuchar doesn’t win as often as he perhaps should is he’s losing too much distance at times. This week negates some of that disadvantage, allowing for his accuracy (38th, 67.41%) to be rewarded.

He was above average in all strokes gained categories last year and was 15th overall (1.062). Kuch was 17th last season in strokes gained on approach (.591) and wasn’t just Mr. Par either by finishing 35th with 4.01 birdies per round.

Kuchar is a polarizing figure these days, but he’ll feel more love than usual here in the Peach State.

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