Waste Management Phoenix Open: Power rankings at TPC Scottsdale

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 04: Gary Woodland poses with the trophy after winning the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on February 4, 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /

Gary Woodland finished tied for seventh and won $221,283 at the Phoenix Open a year ago. But that’s far from the most memorable part of his week.

He showed his caring, friendly side when he accompanied Special Olympics athlete Amy Bockerstette on the 17th hole during a practice round.

Using Bockerstette as inspiration, he was in the title hunt going into Sunday with rounds of 68-67-66 to start. A Sunday 72 dropped him off the pace.

The former Kansas Jayhawk didn’t flinch in 2018, however. He shot 67-68-67-64 to reach 18-under, the best winning score since 2013 and tied for second-best dating back to 2007. He beat Chez Reavie in a playoff.

There aren’t a ton of high-level veterans in the field, making Woodland’s 10 Phoenix Open starts a significant advantage. The 35-year-old has missed just two cuts and has six finishes of T-33 or better.

Woodland missed the cut last week at Torrey Pines. It was a departure from what’s otherwise been a solid start to 2019-2020. He already has four top-10 finishes, including a T-3 at the CJ Cup.

He ranked 19th in strokes gained off the tee (.472) last season and was 29th in SG approach (.545). Woodland played to his strengths to contend at TPC Scottsdale last year and putted well until a woeful final round.

I like him to get back on the saddle and be in the mix come Sunday.

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