Power Rankings: THE PLAYERS Championship

In this space here a year ago, I cited that since 2003, the average number of starts for a winner before he broke through at THE PLAYERS was 7.57. (That included two-time champion, Davis Love III -- 1992, 2003 -- whose first triumph came in his seventh appearance.) Lo and behold, Tim Clark supported the theory that experience matters at TPC Sawgrass, as he emerged victorious in what was his eighth start.

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Last year's edition proved that the host track has a soft side, as the scoring average checked in at 71.73. It was the first time since 1996 that it finished under par. Furthermore, while greens in regulation and scrambling are always premiums here, both sat outside the top 20 in most difficult for the year. Nevertheless, as history has shown, keeping one's ball in play is imperative. This includes knowing where to miss, which is why experience is arguably the greatest asset at Pete Dye's famed layout.

Hot and humid conditions will greet the field throughout the week. The threat of rain and boomers escalates into the weekend. The wind is already forecast to be somewhat moderate, and may intensify as the ingredients stir.

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Power Rankings: THE PLAYERS Championship

Rank Player   Comment Luke DONALD Making his ninth start at TPC Sawgrass. Co-runner-up in 2005. Enters with active streaks of six top 10s and 11 rounds under par. Leads the PGA TOUR in adjusted scoring average, and ranks fourth in scrambling and 65th in greens in regulation. Hunter MAHAN Not necessarily the prototype when scrambling is underscored, but he's 15th on TOUR in total driving and eighth in greens hit, so he's keeping his ball playable. Carded 18 pars in his final round here last year en route to a share of 17th place. Ben CRANE Given that he finished T6 here in 2008, T5 in 2009 and T4 in 2010, why not slot him third? He's the poster boy of what works at TPC Sawgrass. Currently 12th on TOUR in greens hit, first in GIR from lies off the fairway and third in scrambling. Phil MICKELSON The 2007 PLAYERS champion has posted a pair of top 25s since, and has cashed in nine straight appearances. Coming off a T9 at Quail Hollow, where he had 20 birdies. Ranks 61st on TOUR in greens hit, 24th in scrambling and second in birdie average. Bill HAAS Renewed our attention with a solo fourth at the Wells Fargo Championship, where he led after 18 holes and finished inside the top 10 in fairways and greens hit. Currently ninth on the PGA TOUR in GIR and 22nd in scrambling. Kevin NA Coming off a solo fifth at Quail Hollow -- his fourth top 10 of the year, and second consecutive -- leading the field in fairways. Shared third here in 2009, managing two eagles and 18 birdies; bogey-free 66 in second round. Sits fifth on TOUR in scrambling. Adam SCOTT Claimed his second of seven PGA TOUR wins here in 2004; two top 10s here since. Has taken the last three weeks off since finishing T23 in San Antonio. Currently sixth on TOUR in total driving, 20th in greens hit and 23rd in the all-around. Brandt SNEDEKER Just one payday in three starts here (T12, 2007), but deserves the look based on his greenside talent and five top 10s this season. His playoff victory at Harbour Town also proved that he can excel on a Pete Dye design despite bland track record. Matt KUCHAR Arrives without having finished inside the top 20 in consecutive starts for the first time all year. However, he's posted top 15s in his last two showings at TPC Sawgrass, and currently ranks 13th on TOUR in greens hit and 11th in scrambling. Steve STRICKER Just one top 10 here in 14 starts (T6, 1999), but he's having yet another consistently strong season, with five top 15s in eight events, including his last two. Ranks 30th on TOUR in greens, second in scrambling and fourth in adjusted scoring average.