Power Rankings: WGC-Bridgestone Invitational

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For the first time in four weeks, the PGA TOUR pros return to a site that they see regularly, although with the wave of low scores getting logged, the new scenery hasn't mattered.

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Measuring 7,400 yards, the South Course at Firestone Country Club is the longest par 70 among non-majors on the PGA TOUR schedule; however, distance off the tee will be just a minimal advantage this week at the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational. And although the track ranked as the sixth-most difficult in fairways hit in 2009, only one of the top-10 finishers in last year's edition finished inside the top 20 in driving accuracy (Miguel Angel Jimenez ranked T10).

The premium is on hitting greens in regulation. Firestone was fourth-hardest in GIR a year ago, and it has been one of the five toughest in four of the last five years. The object eases once on the greens, but this won't be another birdie contest. (Firestone's 2.72 birdie average in 2009 was seventh-lowest of 51 courses.) Above-average iron players and confident putters should populate the majority of the leaderboard come Sunday.

The tail end of some atmospheric energy will exit the area by Thursday, setting the stage for a glorious weekend. Hot and muggy conditions will give away to cooler and drier air, as the high temperatures will camp out around 80 degrees for the final three rounds. The preliminary forecast on winds circles Friday as the obstacle, but they will be moderate at worst.

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Power Rankings: WGC-Bridgestone Invitational

Rank Player   Comment Steve STRICKER Leaning on an emotional run-up to next week's PGA Championship in his home state of Wisconsin. Placed T2 in birdies en route to a T6 here last year. He's ninth in the all-around, fifth in putting, second in birdie average and sixth in par-4 scoring average. Lee WESTWOOD Certainly qualifies for the top spot, but hasn't earned it. Finished T2 here in 2008 and ninth last year, ranking second in putting and first in birdies both times. Well-rested since his distant runner-up at the British Open. Luke DONALD Although he has a pair of top 10s here, his recent play stands out. Comes off solo third at the Canadian Open. Currently seventh in world ranking (and second among Europeans). Leads TOUR in scrambling, scrambling from the rough, sand saves and putting inside five feet. Hunter MAHAN Led the field in greens hit en route to a T4 here last year. Also placed T10 in 2008 and T22 in '07. Currently 22nd in greens in regulation and 14th in GIR from lies off the fairway. Showed flashes of his brilliance early in Canada before a weekend fade. Tiger WOODS Yes, he's won seven of the 11 editions of this tournament. And yes, his $9.35M here is more than three and a half times that of Stewart Cink, who ranks second. But he cited St. Andrews -- not Firestone -- as his favorite course, and finished T23. Until he can clear his mechanism... Dustin JOHNSON Finished T22 in his first appearance here last year. Coming off T14 at the British Open and T19 at the Scandinavian Masters. Currently 31st in greens in regulation, third in distance off the tee and first in going for the green. Par is a disappointing score for DJ at Firestone. Rory McILROY Chased his T3 at the British Open, where he shot 63 in the first round, with a T35 at last week's 3 Irish Open. Still finding his way on the PGA TOUR, but this is a perfect set-up for his power and precision, not to mention that there is no cut this week. Should rise in the 82-man field. Jeff OVERTON Last in the field via the world ranking (he's 47th) thanks to Greenbrier runner-up. Led that field in birdies, with 25, and ranked inside the top 20 in all major stats. Currently 29th on TOUR in greens hit, 23rd in putting and 11th in par-4 scoring average. Matt KUCHAR His T21 at The Greenbrier Classic is his 13th top 25 in 19 starts on the PGA TOUR this year. He's currently first in the all-around, 10th in greens hit, 19th in putting and first in par-4 scoring average. Hasn't played the WGC-Bridgestone since 2002 (T38). Jim FURYK Six top 10s here in 10 starts. Comes off T9 at The Greenbrier, where he played his final 50 holes in bogey-free, 10-under-par. Ranks third on the PGA TOUR in scrambling from the rough and 13th in bogey avoidance, but he'll never blow you away on paper.