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2021 Northern Trust: Groups to Watch Thursday, Friday

By Tim Letcher

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - JUNE 14: Collin Morikawa of the United States and Jordan Spieth of the United States bump fists after finishing on the 18th green during the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge on June 14, 2020 at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - JUNE 14: Collin Morikawa of the United States and Jordan Spieth of the United States bump fists after finishing on the 18th green during the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge on June 14, 2020 at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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It’s the first round of the PGA Tour’s postseason this week as the FedEx Cup playoffs get underway. The Top 125 players in the season-long FedEx Cup standings have made it to Liberty National for the 2021 Northern Trust, the first playoff event.

With nearly all of the world’s best players in the field, there are plenty of groups to keep an eye on. Here are five groups to watch on Thursday and Friday.

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Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay – The top three players in the FedEx Cup standings are paired together for the first two days. Morikawa won his second major earlier this summer by claiming the Claret Jug at the Open Championship. Spieth has seen a resurgence this season and appears to be back at the top, or near the top, of his game. Cantlay has quietly had a very good season, including a pair of wins.

Harris English, Jon Rahm, Abraham Ancer – Speaking of quiet, English has quietly moved up to fourth in the FedEx Cup standings. He’s got a legitimate shot to win the FedEx Cup. Rahm has been the best player in the world this year when he has played. COVID-19 is the only thing that has stopped him. Ancer got his first tour win and now, the sky’s the limit for him.

Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas, Sam Burns – DeChambeau is always the center of attention when he plays and this week will be no different. Thomas has not been the best version of himself this season but whenever he finds that version, look out. Burns has been solid all year long and will get to reap the benefits in the playoffs.

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Viktor Hovland, Jason Kokrak, Xander Schauffele – Hovland is one of the most talented young players in the game. A big playoff run is not out of the question. Kokrak continues to get better each season and is now in regular contention when he plays. Schauffele has had a memorable year, winning the gold medal at the Olympics in Tokyo.

Hideki Matsuyama, Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith – Matsuyama won the Masters earlier this year and will look to get hot as the playoffs start. Koepka is a player who can get hot at any point and who could blow his way through the playoffs with no problem. Smith is another guy who is seemingly always in contention on tour.

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