Power Rankings: HP Byron Nelson Championship

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As we witnessed last week, David Toms fits like a glove at Colonial Country Club, but he could be the poster boy at TPC Four Seasons as well. He isn't in the field for this week's HP Byron Nelson Championship, opting for a deserved week off, but his style of game will be on display, as the touring pros will tee it up for a game of "thread the needle."

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The host course for the event commemorating the incomparable Byron Nelson -- the Hall of Famer won the inaugural edition in 1944 -- ranked second to Waialae Country Club in most difficult fairways to hit last year. It also checked in at a stout 13th in greens in regulation.

The track needs the wind to blow to put up a challenge, and it did in 2010. Of the 14 par-70s used, TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas ranked fourth in scoring average at 70.79. It also sat T6 in par-4 scoring average at 4.11. Both splits enhance the value of bogey avoidance. Distance off the tee also deserves attention, as the average yardage last year was 298.3, fifth-longest of 50 measured courses.

Locals may have a hard time believing it after getting pummeled by storms in recent days, but there isn't a single raindrop on the weather forecast once the tournament begins. Primarily sunny skies are expected throughout. Temperatures will rise each day, with 90 degrees all but a certainty on the weekend. Moderate-to-gusty winds will help cool those on site, but they will most definitely defy the field.

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Power Rankings: HP Byron Nelson Championship

Rank Player   Comment Dustin JOHNSON Top-10s in his last two appearances here, during which he's hit 71.5 percent of his greens in regulation. Ranks 17th on TOUR in GIR, second in birdie average and first in birdies-or-better on par 4s. His length is an added advantage. Nick WATNEY Took last week off after his share of fourth at THE PLAYERS, where he ranked inside the top five in greens hit and putting. Overall, ranks second on TOUR in the all-around, fifth in ball-striking, T4 in par-4 scoring average and eighth in bogey avoidance. Rory SABBATINI Set the tournament course record here in 2009 at 19-under 261. Coming off a T16 at Colonial, where he posted a bogey-free 64 in his second round. Ranks 50th on TOUR in greens, T4 in par-4 scoring average and 14th in bogey avoidance. K.J. CHOI His win at THE PLAYERS was his fourth consecutive top-10, matching a career high (2003). He has zero top-25s in six appearances here, but cannot be overlooked due to his torrid form. Also sits 21st on the PGA TOUR in bogey avoidance. Brian GAY Leads the PGA TOUR in fairways hit and scrambling. Also fifth in both scoring average and bogey avoidance. Has made the cut in his last nine starts. Shared runner-up honors here last year, closing with a bogey-free 63. Jason DAY The defending champ carded a bogey-free 68 on Sunday at Colonial to finish T31, ending a string of consecutive top-10s at three. Blistered the field here last year with a field-low 101 putts. Fourth on TOUR in the all-around; 18th in bogey avoidance. Matt KUCHAR Fact is, while he hasn't posted a top 15 in his last four starts, he's earned this slot on overall performance. He's 20th on TOUR in fairways hit, 12th in greens, seventh in the all-around, T4 in par-4 scoring average and fourth in bogey avoidance. Charlie WI Will be attempting to do what David Toms did in chasing a runner-up finish with a victory. Wi placed in the top 25 in fairways and greens in his solo second at Colonial; he ranked third in putting. Pair of top-25s here, including a T7 in 2008. Brian DAVIS Horse for this course. Both cuts made here in five starts are top-10s, including a solo runner-up in 2009. Ranks 10th on TOUR in fairways and 30th in greens. Also T28 in par-4 scoring average and T37 in bogey avoidane. John SENDEN Arrives on the coattails of a share of eighth at Colonial, his eighth top-25 of the year, and first top 10. Sits seventh on TOUR in total driving and fourth in ball-striking, but also a sneaky 58th in strokes gained-putting. Finished seventh here in 2009.