2024 Hero World Challenge: Top 5 Power Rankings at Albany GC

In the midst of College Football Playoff chaos (and several failed flag plantings), the PGA Tour heads to The Bahamas for the 2024 Hero World Challenge. Just last week, basketball was the buzz in the Bahamas as Atlantis hosted the 2024 Battle 4 Atlantis. This week, golf will be the talk of the islands.

The 2025 season is on the horizon, and this week's Hero World Challenge will act as a tune-up for the season's initial Signature Event, The Sentry, at the beginning of January. Players will not be competing for FedEx Cup points in the Bahamas.

The Tournament host is Tiger Woods, who made his return to golf at this event in 2023. The field is Woods-less this week as the 15-time Major Champion heals his back for the 2025 season. Scottie Scheffler, Ludvig Åberg, and Patrick Cantlay highlight the limited 20-person field.

Located seven minutes from Nassau International Airport, Albany GC is the host of the 2024 Hero World Challenge.

Designed by the great Ernie Els, Albany GC is a links-style course known for its unique use of the native land, with rolling sand dunes that tower up to 30 feet tall. The agronomy makes for a foreign layout -- which is only amplified by its distinct setup, including five par 3s and five par 5s. The course will play as a par 72 and at 7,449 yards, but it is certainly one of the more unconventional par 72s that players will see.

By no means is this venue supposed to challenge players. Think of it as a reward (perhaps an early holiday gift?) for a grueling 2024 season. It's why the Bahamas -- with its lavish beaches and tropical air -- is the host.

Total driving is the most significant criterion this week. Players who are able to avoid the unpredictable sand dunes and natural waste areas will have an advantage on the field. Scottie Scheffler won at 20 under par last year, so expect scoring to be low.

Holiday joy is in the air. Let's see who holds the upper hand in the Bahamas as we unwrap 2024's final challenge.

2024 Hero World Challenge Power Rankings

5) Patrick Cantlay

This tournament is a chance for players to knock the rust off, but one player may be more motivated to take a trip to the winner's circle. And that's Patrick Cantlay. The 32-year-old had a lackluster 2024 (for his standards) with four top tens but no hardware to show for it. His last win came at the 2022 BMW Championship in an instant classic, defeating Bryson DeChambeau. His 1-2 punch with the driver and putter should serve him well at Albany GC.

4) Sungjae Im

He returns to the islands where he completed the improbable six years ago -- winning in his first Korn Ferry Tour start. With the victory at Sandals Emerald Bay GC, Im became the second-youngest winner in Tour history. And few have played better golf over the past half a year than the South Korean, who boasts seven top tens since The Masters. Safe to say he's in his element this week.

3) Justin Thomas

If you want to make any bet this week, I would recommend betting on Molly Thomas to be a future LGPA star. She may have been born just two weeks ago, but it runs in the family. JT gets a break from changing diapers this week as he returns to Albany GC for his seventh consecutive start at the tournament. A solo third in 2023 was his fourth straight top-five, and he comes in hungry off of an encouraging but disappointing T2 at the Zozo. The links-style course serves as a canvas for his artistry; expect his creativity to shine.

2) Sam Burns

The Presidents Cup was an audition for Bethpage, and Burns starred. He was the lone American to not lose a point in Canada. Burns has rested since, but he fired four consecutive top 12s in his previous four starts. He may have some rust to shake off in his first start since September, but Burns's fondness for Bermuda greens separates him from the pack in the Bahamas. There is a reason they call him "Bermuda Burns."

1) Scottie Scheffler

It's fitting that Burns's buddy joins him at the top of the list. Scheffler is making his first start since the Tour Championship, where he cruised to victory. I imagine few will be doubting him this week, but if there are any, they would say he is making his first start in 92 days. But I am not sure rust exists for Scheffler -- a guy who has proven to be otherwordly. Did I mention that he is the defending champion? Well of course he is.