Good afternoon gang, and Happy New Year. Starting today and going all the way through the Tour Championship in late-August, I will be posting Weekly Power Rankings before the start of each event on the PGA Tour. Yes, I know there are plenty of sites out there that post power rankings, and this isn’t exactly some groundbreaking idea. With that being said, there are not many power rankings out there that give the people what they want. Too many safe and trendy lists emerge, with minimal risk-taking and customization. I plan on living and dying with my own gut calls, and will bring the heat every week.

Brief Disclaimer: For non-major Championships I will be ranking 12 golfers a week, and for the Majors I will be going 20 deep. I don’t rank for guys that I think will be in the mix, I rank solely on likelihood of winning the golf tournament. Thus, whoever I give the #1 spot to each week, is the guy I feel is most likely to reach the winner’s circle, and so forth down the list. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

1. Justin Rose– I don’t care that he hasn’t played this tournament in nine years, there has simply been nobody more consistent than JR the last 12-15 months. Zero weaknesses, and a threat to hoist a trophy every week he laces em up. Despite a relaxing off-season in the Bahamas, don’t expect much rust from the gold medalist.
2. Charles Howell III– There are three certainties in life—Death, Taxes, and CH3 in January. The man simply loves this time of year, and after finally ending his victory drought last fall, expect Chuck to be much more composed if he is there late.
3. Jon Rahm– The defending champ, and probably the biggest heavyweight in the field. Rahmbo will be hungry to defend what is his, and after a recent win at Hero, his game is clearly in a good place.
4. Phil Mickelson– I can hear the “Homer” cries as I type this. Yawn. Nobody knows West Coast golf like Lefty, and he is ready to surprise in 2019 despite everyone writing him off. Be prepared for many thumbs-ups this week.
5. Bud Cauley– Fully healed from the very unfortunate car wreck and now very hungry. Has been as consistent as anyone at this event the last three years. Would not be shocked in the slightest to see Buddy get his first career Tour victory come Sunday.
6. Patrick Cantlay– Feels like the “Put up or Shut-Up” year for PC. Was a staple on leaderboards throughout 2018, but couldn’t quite get over the hump. Will be ready to go in the desert and has all the shots.
7. Chez Reavie– Another man who plays a lot of his best golf out West, and he has made all 6 cuts in the early portion of the 2018-2019 season. If the putter stays hot, Chez will be there.
8. Kevin Kisner– Rough Sunday in Honolulu, but Kiz is always a threat on a track that suits his eye. Better consistency off the tee will lead to more GIR, and we all know what he can do with the flatstick.
9. Danny Willett– Total Wild Card here. Seems to be fully rejuvenated after the bizarre Masters fallout, and has been playing some very solid golf of late. Gotten back in the winner’s circle in Europe and now very motivated to get PGA Tour win #2.
10. Peter Uihlein– Poised for a breakout year in 2019. Big time power off the tee coupled with accurate iron play is a great combination to have. A man to watch this week.
11. Zach Johnson– Rough week at Sony, but can we ever count out golf’s ultimate grinder? Zach is at his best when he is flying under the radar, and he has a very solid history in La Quinta.
12. Charley Hoffman– Three top 10’s in his last five starts in the desert. Chaz is known to lurk up leaderboards on Thursday’s and Friday’s, but this feels like a week where he could be around for the longhaul. Watch out for Seagull.

Just Missed the Cut:

Charl Schwartzel

Adam Hadwin

Aaron Wise

Luke List

Sam Burns