Power Rankings: The 2010 Playoffs

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Aug. 25, 2010
By Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM Fantasy Columnist

Regardless of the mathematical iteration used to determine the standings for the FedExCup Playoffs since 2007, one critical fact connects its champions. All three -- Tiger Woods in '07 and '09, and Vijay Singh in '08 -- won at least one event in the postseason.

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Short of predicting out-of-nowhere wins from guys well outside the top 30 or so in FedExCup Points (including Tiger Woods at 112th), this special edition of the Power Rankings plucks 15 that best fit the profile of the combination of variables that will determine this year's top dog. (This is in addition to the Power Rankings we will continue to provide for each event.)

Last year, in the third version of the playoff format, which was kept intact for 2010, 23 of the top 30 at the start of the Playoffs advanced to THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola. Six of the top 10 at the start finished inside the top 10.

For the first time in the FedExCup era, there is no street favorite to take the trophy. That elevates the importance of each golfer's ranking entering The Barclays. Since none of the playoff sites is a par 72, a strong performance in birdies or better on par-4s is imperative.

Meanwhile, the dynamic of survival in the postseason is different than at any other time of year, so a balanced approach is more important over a four-event stretch. I'm always interested in those that have played well recently, but experience in the Playoffs is a bonus.

Power Rankings: The Playoffs

Rank	Player		Comment
		Steve STRICKER	Second in FedExCup points. Ranks fifth in the all-around, third in adjusted scoring and fourth in putting. Two wins this year. Placed second, 14th and third in first three years of the Playoffs. Will be defending at the Deutsche Bank.
		Phil MICKELSON	Fourth in FedExCup points. Only TOUR member to win a major this year. Has finished third, seventh and second in first three years of the Playoff. Will be defending at East Lake. Currently 16th in the all-around, seventh in adjusted scoring and ninth in birdie average.
		Matt KUCHAR	Ninth in FedExCup points. Renaissance season includes a PGA TOUR-best nine top 10s. Ranks first in the all-around and bogey avoidance. Sits second in adjusted scoring and 24th in birdies or better on par 4s. Has never qualified for THE TOUR Championship.
		Hunter MAHAN	Seventh in FedExCup points. Two wins this season. Has concluded the Playoffs 15th, 18th and 27th in the standings. His T5 at East Lake in 2007 is his only top 10 in the Playoffs at courses used this year. Leads the TOUR in total driving. His 62 at Ridgewood in 2008 is the course record.
		Jim FURYK	Third in FedExCup Points, but was ruled ineligible from The Barclays after missing his pro-am time. Two win in 2010. Ranks eighth in adjusted scoring average. Has finished 11th, fifth and fourth during FedExCup era. Closed '09 Playoffs with three top 10s.
		Dustin JOHNSON	Starts 11th in FedExCup Points. Faded to a T8 at the U.S. Open, but recovered fine with a T14 at the British and the infamous T5 at the PGA. Finished 14th in FedExCup last year, including a T4 at the Deutsche Bank. Ranks 22nd in the all-around and 14th in birdie average.
		Ernie ELS	Continues to lead the PGA TOUR in FedExCup Points and earnings. Also first in adjusted scoring average. One of five multiple winners in 2010. Has finished 19th, 13th and 16th in the final standings in FedExCup era. Top 10s in last two TOUR Championships.
		Paul CASEY	Starts 27th in FedExCup points. Has nine top 25s in 13 starts this season, including T3 at the British Open and T12 at the PGA Championship. Ranks 10th in the all-around and 11th in adjusted scoring average. Finished T7 at Ridgewood in 2008. Ryder Cup should provide inspiration.
		Bo VAN PELT	Thirteenth in FedExCup points. Having career year, with five top fives and over $2.5-million in earnings. Has cashed in last 12 starts. Ranks 14th in ball-striking, eighth in birdie average and ninth in adjusted scoring. Two top 20s at Cog Hill during Playoffs.
		Jeff OVERTON	Sixth in FedExCup points. Career year included five top threes. Ranks eighth in the all-around, fifth in birdies or better on par 4s, 40th in greens in regulation and 18th in putting. Has never qualified for THE TOUR Championship. Only guy on this list without PGA TOUR victory.
		Zach JOHNSON	Enters ranked 16th in FedExCup points. Ended sluggish start to the season with a win at Colonial. Other top 10 was a T3 at Whistling Straits. Finished sixth in Playoffs last year. Placed seventh in 2007 during which he sets the course record of 60 at East Lake.
		Rory MCILROY	The rookie is 21st in FedExCup Points. Has five top 10s in 13 starts, including a win at Quail Hollow and T3s at the British Open and PGA Championship. Ranks 19th in adjusted scoring average and ninth in birdies or better on par 4s.
		Bubba WATSON	Eighth in FedExCup Points. Travelers' Championship breakthrough winner lost in PGA Championship playoff. Currently third on PGA TOUR in the all-around, first in birdie average and third in birdies or better on par 4s. His T12 at Ridgewood in 2008 is best FedExCup Playoff finish.
		Sean O'HAIR	At 36th in FedExCup Points, he's the lowest in this feature. He's also the worst-rated putter in this group (153rd), but he enters with six top 15s over his last nine starts. Finished fifth in 2009 FedExCup Playoffs thanks to T8-fourth-third finish over last three starts.
		Nick WATNEY	Ranks 29th in FedExCup Points. Enters on heels of four straight top 20s, but needs to shake off Sunday 81 at Whistling Straits. Finished 12th in 2009 FedExCup, but has no top 10s at any of the courses used this year. Currently 18th in ball-striking and sixth in birdie average.