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2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open: Top 10 power rankings at TPC Scottsdale

By Mike Randleman

Bubba Watson watches his sho onto the 16th green during the final round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open at the TPC Scottsdale February 2, 2020,Phoenix Open
Bubba Watson watches his sho onto the 16th green during the final round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open at the TPC Scottsdale February 2, 2020,Phoenix Open /
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February 2, 2020; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Webb Simpson holds his trophy after defeating Tony Finauin a one-hole playoff during final round action on Feb. 2 during the Waste Management Phoenix Open at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORKWaste Mangement Phoenix Open 2020
February 2, 2020; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Webb Simpson holds his trophy after defeating Tony Finauin a one-hole playoff during final round action on Feb. 2 during the Waste Management Phoenix Open at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Republic via USA TODAY NETWORKWaste Mangement Phoenix Open 2020 /

Simpson went from being on cut watch after an opening 71 to finishing in 63-64-69. He epitomized the belief that TPC Scottsdale is a second-shot golf course, leading the field in strokes gained approach (1.86). He was all the way down at 44th in driving distance, but at a 306.8-yard average he still had good clubs hitting into greens.

The North Carolinian sat out the last two weeks, so he should be fresh for his title defense. Simpson played well in Hawaii. He finished T-17th at the Tournament of Champions and T-4th at the Sony Open.

This will be the Wake Forest alum’s 11th Phoenix Open start.

He’s only missed the cut twice and finished in the top 14 in five straight starts between 2011-2017.

Simpson MC’d in 2018, bounced back for T-20th in 2019 then won.

The 35 year old has all the shots around the greens and the stats back it up. Simpson ranks 26th on the PGA Tour in shots gained around the green (.364). He’s also 16th in SG putting (.822).

Not to mention he’s hitting 73.21% of his fairways to sit second on Tour. Fairly cool conditions this week shouldn’t bother him too much. Look for him to contend for a repeat win in the desert.

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