Sentry Tournament of Champions: Top 10 power rankings at Kapalua

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LAHAINA, HI – JANUARY 08: Brendon Todd stretches on the 18th tee during the pro-am round prior to the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on January 8, 2015 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Did Brendon Todd’s fall 2019 really happen, or did we collectively all just have a fever dream? It was nearly impossible to see his turnaround coming. From battling to the swing yips and falling all the way outside the top 2,000 in the world to soaring back to No. 63 by year’s end and winning two events, Todd’s gone from hell to heaven.

So, what’s next? Todd, 34, was a four-time All American and part of an NCAA national championship squad in 2005 at Georgia. He ‘s won twice on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2008 and 2013 and won on the PGA Tour in 2014 (Byron Nelson).

He has the accolades, the past success and, now, the self-assurance. He’d be hard-pressed to replicate the fall where he went T-28, 1st (Bermuda), 1st (Mayakoba) and 4th (RSM), that’s for sure. But I like him to carve out a few more productive years out on Tour.

All those results were against weak and/or alternate fields, so Todd will be eager to show what he can do against the world’s best at Kapalua.

Todd showed well at the 2015 Tournament of Champions at a course that’s proven difficult for first-timers. He fired 69-67-69-71 and was just five shots off the winning pace.

There were no ShotLink stats at either of his wins, so don’t be alarmed that he ranks 101st on Tour in strokes gained and is 82nd or worse in every strokes gained category. These are based on two (not good) measured rounds.

What we know of Todd’s strengths is he’s impeccable with his irons when his game’s sharp. He’s not the longest hitter and may be more suited toward Waialae next week, but don’t let that deter you from entrusting him right from the get-go in 2020.

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