Power Rankings: Frys.com Open

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Chances are that if you've seen any video of incredible golf shots the last two years, highlights of the Frys.com Open were included in the package.

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Two years ago at Grayhawk Golf Club's Raptor Course in Scottsdale, Jamie Lovemark famously flew his approach into the water on the first playoff hole only to see the ball hop out and come to rest in the rough. He got up and down for par, but would lose to Troy Matteson on the next hole.

Last year, when CordeValle Golf Club hosted for the first time, Rocco Mediate holed out for eagle in every round en route to a one-stroke victory. Mediate's fortune included a hole-in-one on the par-3 third hole in the opener. He's back to defend this week and remains in search of his first top-30 finish since last year's fateful experience.

Located in the southern tip of the Santa Clara Valley in San Martin, Calif., CordeValle returns as site of the fifth edition of the Frys.com Open. It's the final PGA TOUR stop west of the Mississippi River this year, and it's fresh off hosting the PGA Cup less than three weeks ago.

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CordeValle is a par 35-36=71. In its debut, it played just 0.01 strokes over par and ranked in the middle of the pack in most relevant splits as compared to the other courses used on TOUR. Interestingly, it checked in at eighth most difficult in strokes gained-putting. Greens average a whopping 8,300 square feet, so even lies from off the fairway allow for reasonable chances at par if not birdies. However, because of Robert Trent Jones, Jr's well-placed trouble, there is a slightly elevated premium on keeping one's ball in the short grass. CordeValle is, indeed, a thinking-man's test.

Early-week rain will dampen the turf, which does not drain well. Once the system clears on Wednesday, perhaps late in the day, a dry pattern will grab hold for the entire duration of the tournament. High temperatures will climb into the mid-70s while winds will be moderate and potentially challenging (i.e. swirling) in the valley.

MORE: Rookies | Medical | Reshuffle | Inside the Field | Inside the Course | Coverage

Power Rankings: Frys.com Open

Rank Player   Comment Spencer LEVIN This is about as home-game as it gets for the Sacramento native, who plays out of Lake Merced GC in Daly City, which borders San Francisco to the south. He's coming off a T5 at the JT Shriners, his fifth top 10 of the year. Ranks 34th in greens hit. Bryce MOLDER Swallowed only two bogeys all week at TPC Summerlin -- both in the third round -- en route to a share of 10th place. It was his fourth top 10 in his last seven starts. Currently sixth on the PGA TOUR in strokes gained-putting. Brandt JOBE Rested two weeks following a solo ninth at the BMW Championship, his fourth top 10 of the year. Ranks second on the PGA TOUR in total driving and 17th in greens in regulation. Also 19th in the all-around. Hunter HAAS Closed out a T10 in Vegas with a 64. Matched the course record at TPC Summerlin with a 61 on Friday. Over last six starts, has three top 10s, two missed cuts and one withdrawal (back injury). Ranks 29th on TOUR in strokes gained-putting. Scott PIERCY Since winning in Reno, he's 5-for-5 with a pair of top 15s, including a T10 at the Timberlake where he ranked T17 in greens hit and T10 in birdies. Currently 23rd on the PGA TOUR in strokes gained-putting. Chad CAMPBELL Coming off a T23 at the Timberlake where he played his final 42 holes in bogey-free 11-under. Shared 13th place at CordeValle last year, ranking inside the top 11 in fairways, greens, putting and birdies. Ranks third overall on TOUR in GIR. Tiger WOODS Fall Series debut. Many positive vibes entering. Established the course record (62) at The Medalist Club in Hobe Sound, Florida. Completed team reset, hiring Joe LaCava as his caddie. CordeValle a mere car ride from Woods' alma mater, Stanford. Kevin NA Broke through at the JT Shriners for his first PGA TOUR victory in 211 career starts. An emotional letdown is expected, but he cannot be ignored on a track like CordeValle that rewards great putters. He ranks 10th in strokes gained-putting. Louis OOSTHUIZEN Will need to overcome the eight-hour time difference from Scotland. Aiming to back up a T5 at the Dunhill Links where he played in the final group on Sunday. Strength is tee-to-green, so he'll need a hot putter to contend. Tim HERRON Finished T5 in Vegas last week, his third top five of the year. Ranked inside the top 15 in greens hit, putting and birdies at TPC Summerlin. Placed T13 here last year, ranking fifth in putting and T3 in birdies for the week.