2022 Sanderson Farms Championship: Top 10 Power Rankings
Even if a little Presidents Cup fatigue is a factor, Sam Burns is still the undisputed favorite this week.
Not only is he the top-ranked player in the field, but he’s the defending Sanderson Farms Championship winner.
The Louisianan fired rounds of 68-66-65-67 to win by one over Nick Watney and Cameron Young. His 22-under total was the best since the tournament moved to CCJ in 2014.
It meant a lot for Burns, who grew up just two and a half hours away. His third career PGA Tour event and first as a pro came in 2017 when he finished T-43rd at the Country Club of Jackson.
“This is one of my favorite events on Tour,” Burns was transcribed in 2021 by ASAP Sports. “I always enjoy coming here, being close to home and for (tournament director Steve Jent) to give me that opportunity as a kid coming out of college, it was really special to me and it meant a lot to me and God willing I’ll be able to play here for the next 20 years and it will always have a special place in my heart.”
This will be Burns’ sixth appearance at the Sanderson. He’s made four of five cuts, including T-3rd (69-70-66-68) in 2018.
Don’t let his 0-3-2 record at the Presidents Cup fool you. Burns played some solid golf but was weighed down, oddly enough, by partner Scottie Scheffler throughout the week. It got a little better with Billy Horschel, but those two couldn’t get the win, either.
Burns’ opponents also played particularly well against his teams.
Burns had a thrilling singles match against Hideki Matsuyama that saw Burns’ 23-footer to win on 18 just miss.
The fact that Burns was selected to play in all five sessions is a testament to the elite player he’s become. And this was in his first time representing U.S.A. in team competition as a pro.
Next. Pinehurst No. 2 is a Masterpiece. dark
He earned his way on the team by winning three times last PGA Tour season. The 26-year-old recorded seven top-10s and made the cut in three majors.
Burns ranked 12th on the PGA Tour last season in total strokes gained per round (1.39). That was fueled by sitting 10th in SG putting (.553) and 19th in SG approach (.554).
Burns is a well-rounded player who has no glaring flaws in his game. There’s no reason why he can’t rack up a few more wins in 2022-23.
This might be the weakest field he competes against all season, so it’s time to feast.