2023 World Wide Technology Championship: Top 10 power rankings at El Cardonal

Chris Kirk is dusting off the clubs for his first event following the 2022-23 PGA Tour season. It was a nice resurgent season, which was highlighted by his win at the Honda Classic. That was Kirk’s first since 2015.

The former Georgia Bulldog hasn’t contended since getting it done at the Bear Trap, but seven top 30s in the interim is still solid work. Kirk made the cut at two of the three majors he played.

His last result was T-29th at the BMW Championship.

Kirk is likely playing this week to help out his world ranking. He comes to the World Wide Technology Championship just barely inside the top-50. Kirk would love to stay there to get into next year’s majors.

He missed out on the Tour Championship, so the top-50 exemption will be needed. Kirk is at least in next year’s signature events on the PGA Tour thanks to qualifying for the BMW.

Last season, the 38-year-old ranked 30th in Strokes Gained: Total per round (.821). He was a positive in every SG category, including 16th Around-the-Green (.29).

Kirk was first in approach proximity from 125-150 yards (19’3”) and top-10 from 50-125 and 100-125.

Kirk’s made the cut each of the last five years at Mayakoba. He was never quite able to contend, though. I anticipate that changing at El Cardonal and this year’s World Wide Technology Championship where I anticipate his ball striking and overall game being rewarded.

Kirk noted at the BMW that he was putting in a lot of work with his swing coach and putting coach. It will be interesting to see what benefits the offseason has brought.