With the Quicken Loans National set to begin Thursday in Potomac, Md., it's reasonable to expect a strong field at the tournament dubbed "Tiger's event" (proceeds go toward Tiger Woods' foundation), but unfortunately, that's not the case. In fact, of the 120 competitors, only four rank among the world's top 30.
Meanwhile, TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm is a very difficult 7,107-yard par-70 course, with tight fairways and penalizing rough. Golfers will need to hit fairways to have any chance at making birdies. It played as the toughest non-major venue on the PGA Tour schedule last year.
Here, we rank the top 10 golfers in the field (betting odds in parentheses):
10. Marc Leishman (18-1)
Leishman's form since his runner-up finish at the Byron Nelson has been worrisome, capped off by an ugly missed cut at last week's Travelers Championship. He ranks as the third betting favorite after tying for fifth last year, but something isn't right with his game. Still, the Aussie cracks this list because he's proven in the past he can turn things around very quickly.
9. Kiradech Aphibarnrat (30-1)
Aphibarnrat has yet to make a major splash on the PGA Tour, but trust that when he does, it's going to be a big one. His two top-15 finishes in his last three PGA Tour events indicate he's becoming more comfortable on North American soil. The Thailand native is a world-class putter and a proven winner worldwide.
8. Gary Woodland (40-1)
After winning the Waste Management Open in February, Woodland fell into a deep slump. However, his last two finishes suggest he's back on track, especially with his solid showing at the difficult U.S. Open. Woodland seems to fair better on shorter courses, which is exactly what's on deck with TPC Potomac.
7. J.B. Holmes (25-1)
Holmes was heavily scrutinized this past week for his incredibly slow play, but you can't argue with his results. He's now finished inside the top five in back-to-back events, gaining over 21 strokes: tee to green over that time. Expect his blistering-hot form to continue this week.
6. Joaquin Niemann (30-1)
The 19-year-old Chilean sensation has already earned special temporary membership on the PGA Tour because of three top-10 results in his first six events as a pro. Sure, his other three tournaments were missed cuts, but the all-or-nothing Niemann clearly possesses elite upside and a breakout win is in the cards.
5. Jimmy Walker (30-1)
Walker is only a month removed from completing a run in which he rattled off three straight top-10 finishes. He's made nine straight cuts, gaining an absurd amount of strokes through approach shots over that time. In a field this weak, Walker is a contender based on pedigree alone.
4. Kyle Stanley (20-1)
The defending champion is entering the 2018 edition of this event with impressive form, as he lost in a playoff a few weeks ago at the Memorial and tied for 15th at last week's Travelers. Stanley ranks 23rd in strokes gained: off the tee and third in driving accuracy. A repeat victory is a strong possibility.
3. Francesco Molinari (18-1)
Molinari makes his living hitting fairways and greens, the perfect recipe for success at TPC Potomac. The fact that he's skipping an important European Tour event at the course hosting the upcoming Ryder Cup suggests Molinari really likes his chances of winning this week - as he should.
2. Tiger Woods (12-1)
If Woods is going to win this year, the Quicken Loans National will be his best shot. It's the weakest field he'll play in, at a course that will allow him to keep his driver in the bag. If Tiger hits fairways to give his iron play a chance to excel, perhaps a new putter will be his key to victory.
1. Rickie Fowler (7-1)
This is Fowler's tournament to lose, as he's head and shoulders above the competition in terms of skill and recent form. A combination of accuracy off the tee and remarkable wedge play gives Fowler a clear advantage when it comes to navigating the tough TPC Potomac track, where he finished tied for third last season.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
(Betting odds: Bodog)
