Week 7 Power Rankings: Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am

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Editor's note: Vartan Kupelian is the Champions Tour Insider and a PGATOUR.COM Contributor. Each week, Kupelian will size up the field and provide his top 5 players going into the tournament, based on factors such as the player's strengths, the course setup, recent performances, etc. MORE POWER RANKINGS: PGA TOUR | Nationwide Tour

Tom Watson took control of last year's Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am from the start with an 8-under-par 63 in Friday's opening round. It included a 7-under 28 on the final nine holes (the front nine at TPC Tampa Bay).

The multiple major champion and five-time British Open winner didn't let the three-shot first round lead get away and held on for a one-stroke victory over hard-charging Jay Haas' final-round 64.

Watson credited outstanding putting for his victory at TPC Tampa Bay. His ball-striking was spot on, too, as he hit 16 of 18 greens in regulation in the opening round. Watson won last year after missing the cut at the Masters. He missed the cut again last week at Augusta National Golf Club. Is there an omen in that?

Power Rankings: Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am

Rank Player   Comment Bernhard LANGER Six-for-six in top-10 finishes, but a second victory after Hawaii has been elusive. He gives himself a chance every week. When a player of his caliber is doing that, he's going to win his fair share. No reason to doubt the man who remains atop the key categories. Joey SINDELAR He's found it difficult to pin down a victory, but the last four starts have been outstanding. With four top-7 finishes, including three straight top-4s, he has averaged more than $97,000 per tournament. Andy BEAN The Lakeland, Fla., resident loves to play -- and win -- in his home state. He's had two runner-up finishes this year, including the most recent outing in the Dominican Republic. Only Langer is ahead of him in Charles Schwab Cup points and on the money list. Jay HAAS A final-round 64 last year at this event allowed him to come within one shot of catching Tom Watson. Haas is 10th on the Charles Schwab Cup points list and ninth in money with two third-place finishes (Mitsubishi Electric Championship, AT&T Champions Classic). Tom WATSON The two-time defending champion obviously has some positive vibes at TPC Tampa Bay. He's teeing it up for the third time in the Champions Tour this year with no top-10s, but history tells us if he's going to get it going, this very well might be the place.