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2021 Hero World Challenge: Top 10 power rankings at Albany

By Mike Randleman

December 2, 2017; New Providence, The Bahamas; Detail view of the trophy on the first hole during the third round of the Hero World Challenge golf tournament at Albany. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 2, 2017; New Providence, The Bahamas; Detail view of the trophy on the first hole during the third round of the Hero World Challenge golf tournament at Albany. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2021; Haven, Wisconsin, USA; Team USA player Collin Morikawa reacts to his putt on the 17th green during day two four-ball rounds for the 43rd Ryder Cup golf competition at Whistling Straits. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2021; Haven, Wisconsin, USA; Team USA player Collin Morikawa reacts to his putt on the 17th green during day two four-ball rounds for the 43rd Ryder Cup golf competition at Whistling Straits. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Collin Morikawa comes to the Hero World Challenge riding high. His 2021 has been illustrious with a win at a WGC, an Open Championship victory and a starring role on the victorious American Ryder Cup team.

Now, the phenom is fresh off winning the European Tour’s DP World Tour Championship that also clinched the season-long Race to Dubai title.

Morikawa shot 68-68-69-66 in Dubai to win by three shots, holding off Matt Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy among others for the title.

“Win more. It’s not an encore. It’s not a swansong farewell to what I’m doing in 2021. I’m going to set some high goals high. I always have. I’m going to set the bar as high as I can get and keep going,” Morikawa was transcribed by ASAP Sports in his press conference at the DP World Tour Championship “I’m still not No. 1 in the world. I still have a lot to work on in my game. Obviously this week was good. I still thought I wasn’t playing amazing, but I made do. I was able to make some putts here and there. Hit some great chip shots. Made up-and-down and made some crucial par saves out here and that’s what you need.”

According to Official World Golf Rankings expert, @VC606 on Twitter, Morikawa can jump to No. 1 for the first time in his career with a win at the Hero World Challenge.

Jon Rahm would still overtake him by the end of the year, regardless, due to the rolling two-year basis of the rankings, but it’s still a carrot dangling.

Morikawa is making his debut at Albany.

I’m a broken record saying it in these weekly power rankings, but it’s amazing how Morikawa has won at so many courses he’s seen for the first time.

I expect more of that this week in the Bahamas. Particularly if the wind blows, as that should only help a talented iron player like him separate from the field.

The 24-year-old ranked first on the PGA Tour last season by a wide margin in strokes gained approach (1.17).

While some players are just here to cash an easy check and take a holiday vacation, I envision Morikawa’s hunger to continue and lead him to one more title in 2021.

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