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American Express: Withdrawal of Jon Rahm Opens Door for Others

By Tim Letcher

KAPALUA, HAWAII - JANUARY 10: Jon Rahm of Spain plays his shot from the 16th tee during the final round of the Sentry Tournament Of Champions at the Kapalua Plantation Course on January 10, 2021 in Kapalua, Hawaii. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
KAPALUA, HAWAII - JANUARY 10: Jon Rahm of Spain plays his shot from the 16th tee during the final round of the Sentry Tournament Of Champions at the Kapalua Plantation Course on January 10, 2021 in Kapalua, Hawaii. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images) /
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There appeared to be one clear favorite heading into this weekend’s American Express in LaQuinta, California. But with the withdrawal of Jon Rahm, the event has really opened up.

First things first. Rahm, who is currently ranked number two in the Official World Golf Rankings, pulled out of the event on Monday. No reason was given as to why. But what the withdrawal did was bring a number of other players into the mix this week.

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Patrick Cantlay will be the highest-ranked player in the field this week. And he’s primed to win at any point.

One of those who should contend this week is Patrick Reed, who won here in 2014. With Rahm’s withdrawal, Reed is one of the highest-ranked players remaining in this week’s field. He now becomes the favorite to win. And no one enjoys having a target on their back more than Reed.

Matthew Wolff is also playing this week at the American Express. The impressive young star continues to impress on the PGA Tour. Wolff seems to be a contender every time he tees it up and this week will not be any different.

Another outstanding young player on the PGA Tour will be in the field in California this week. Sungjae Im, who continues to impress, will bring his Top 20 world ranking into this week’s event. Im has shown a lot of game early in his career and seems to get better every time he plays.

There are a couple of other big names in the field this week, although they both remain a mystery.

Brooks Koepka is in the field this week, his first event in more than a month. Koepka, the four-time major champion, has played four times this season, with two Top 10 showings. He tied for fifth at the Houston Open and tied for seventh at the Masters.

dark. Next. Brooks Koepka: 2021 FedEx Cup Contender or Pretender?

Rickie Fowler is making his first 2021 start this week in his native California. Fowler has made six starts so far this season with very little success. He has made four cuts but has not registered a Top 25 finish thus far. No one really knows what to expect from Fowler, which has become the rule rather than the exception in recent years.

Rahm’s withdrawal has brought a number of other players into the mix this week. It remains to be seen who can take advantage of the opportunity this week.

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