2022 Valspar Championship: Top 10 power rankings at Innisbrook

Three top-20s in four Valspar Championship appearances is a tidy resume for Justin Thomas, but there’s no reason why a player of his caliber hasn’t contended more closely at this event.

He debuted in 2015 with his best result, T-10th (67-72-73-68). Thomas last visited in 2021 with his next best result, T-13th (69-71-67-70).

JT had to be left wondering what could have been last year if his putter cooperated whatsoever. He had one of his worst ever weeks on the greens, losing 6.455 strokes on the field to rank 67th.

It spoiled a dazzling ball striking week that saw the Alabama alum finish first in strokes gained off the tee (4.21) and first in SG approach (6.86). He wasn’t particularly accurate off the tee, but his length and exquisite iron play still gave him plenty of chances.

JT made his 11th straight cut worldwide last week at the Players Championship where he finished T-33rd.

That result is a bit deceptive as he recorded four rounds of par or better despite getting the bad tee time weather draw the first two rounds. Thomas was on the fringe of contention in the final round before a triple-bogey on the 17th hole ejected him out of the top 15.

He’s still yet to win since the 2021 Players, but four top-10s this PGA Tour season shows his form hasn’t fallen off a cliff.

Thomas is ninth on the PGA Tour in total strokes gained (1.549). He’s been stellar everywhere except for on the greens, where he’s 127th (-.080).

If conditions are benign and soft this week, that’s good news for JT. He’s third in birdie average (5.25) and is as capable as anyone of going super low a la Sam Burns at Innisbrook in 2021.