2022 Honda Classic: Top 10 power rankings at PGA National
It can be tricky rolling with the previous week’s winner, but there’s no great reason why Joaco can’t get it done two times in a row.
He became the first player to win the Genesis Invitational wire-to-wire since Charlie Sifford did it in 1969. Niemann’s 19-under total (63-63-68-71) came up just one shot short of the tournament record, one he could have broken if he needed to keep the pedal down.
Niemann’s pair of 63s to open at Riviera were a sight to behold. Given how long he’s been on the golfing world’s radar between a world No. 1 amateur career and two wins on the PGA Tour, it’s easy to forget he’s still just 23.
Chile’s top golfer owns three straight top-10s in a row with one at Torrey Pines, another on the Asian Tour, and the win at the Genesis.
He also finished T-5th at Mayakoba late in 2021, so Niemann was quietly racking up some high finishes this season before breaking through last week.
Niemann will look to ride his current form across coasts at an event that hasn’t been his best.
Two out of three made cuts aren’t bad, but T-25th (69-67-73-69) last year was his top result.
Fortunately for him, the low ball flight he prefers would seem to work well at PGA National.
Not to mention, this week’s field is much weaker than the one he devoured at Riviera.
“Obviously it’s the toughest tournament I think during the year,” Niemann was transcribed by Tee Scripts. “It’s got the best field, the best players are here and that proves [to] myself that I can be competing with the top guys, I can be up there in the world ranking. I think it’s going to give me a lot of confidence for what is coming next.”
Niemann led the Honda Classic field in strokes gained off the tee (5.585) but 68th in SG putting (-5.109).
Last week at the Genesis, he led the field in SG approach (7.097). Niemann’s a ball striker’s ball striker.
His short game and putting aren’t spectacular, but he’s plenty serviceable to win if he’s striping it like he does.
A double-dip at the Bear’s Trap would really elevate him into favorite status at Augusta National.