Power Rankings: The Barclays

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Originally dubbed "The Green Monster," Plainfield Country Club doesn't have any 37-foot-high walls like the same-named barrier in left field at Fenway Park in Boston, but the Donald Ross design in Edison, New Jersey is the launching pad for this year's edition of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup.

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Designed in 1916 (just four years after Fenway was built), this week's field will be grappling with Gil Hanse's renovation (circa 1999). All 122 bunkers were reshaped, fairways were resized (and moved, if necessary) and a significant number of trees were removed, all with the intent of restoring Ross' vision.

Tucked into a neighborhood, the 6,964-yard par 71 embodies the premiums of shot-making and distance control. Turtleback greens have taken on considerable moisture in recent days, but the entire track allows for above-average drainage. Not only should that allow the putting surfaces to run at the planned 11.5 on the Stimpmeter, but the fairways should also roll freely. Yet, because of the several inches of rain that have fallen, the rough could get gnarly, thus inflating the value of finding the short grass.

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While Plainfield shares parallels with fellow PGA TOUR stops, El Camaleon and Harbour Town -- both are par 71s under 7,000 yards -- it's unique in that its 18th hole will play as a drivable par 4 in all four rounds. So, we may just witness a couple of walk-off eagles to start the Playoffs.

Thankfully, dry conditions will remain through Wednesday. The next threat of rain emerges just in time for the opening round on Thursday, but storms could be hit and miss. Friday is expected to be beautiful before yet another blast of bad weather encroaches on the weekend when the wind could be serious challenge. Daytime highs will reach the mid-80s.

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Power Rankings: The Barclays

Rank Player   Comment Steve STRICKER Mr. September arrives at the final event in August with 11 consecutive top 20s, including a pair of victories. Leads the PGA TOUR in Strokes Gained - Putting, scrambling, birdie average, actual scoring average and par-4 scoring. Adam SCOTT Has posted top-sevens in three of his last four starts, including his first victory in a World Golf Championship. Sits 13th on TOUR in total driving, 54th in greens hit and 10th in the all-around. Confidence has seemingly never been higher. Dustin Johnson Still winless in 2011 but has four top fives. Ranks fourth on TOUR in distance off the tee, 19th in greens in regulation, second in birdie average and fourth in birdies or better on par 4s. Should be hitting wedges often. Luke DONALD Ten top 10s this year, including in his last two starts (T2, WGC-Bridgestone; T8, PGA Championship). Leads the PGA TOUR in adjusted scoring. Also 51st in fairways hit, 42nd in greens and second in strokes gained-putting. Webb SIMPSON Wyndham win was a culmination of months of upward trending -- seven top 20s in his last eight starts. Continues to lead the TOUR in the all-around. Ranked inside the top 15 in all relevant stats en route to victory at Sedgefield. Zach Johnson Ten consecutive cuts made, four of which were top-six finishes. Ranks 10th on TOUR in fairways hit, 50th in greens, eighth in Strokes Gained - Putting, 14th in adjusted scoring, ninth in the all-around and seventh in scrambling. Sergio GARCIA Coming off a T12 at the PGA Championship, his eighth top 25 in 13 starts on the PGA TOUR this season. Successful track record on classic courses. Although he's 178th in strokes gained-putting, he ranks fifth in adjusted scoring. Matt KUCHAR Officially, he's the defending champion but he triumphed at Ridgewood Country Club a year ago. Enters this week with a pair of T19s in tow (WGC-Bridgestone, PGA Championship). Currently fourth in the all-around. Charles HOWELL III His share of fourth place at the Wyndham Championship was his fourth top five in seven starts. Had just three bogeys all week at Sedgefield. Enters ranked 23rd in both greens in regulation and putting; 24th in the all-around. Phil MICKELSON Earns inclusion here based on another fruitful season, just one without a victory in a major. Came close at the British, where he settled for co-runner-up honors. Might own the greatest appeal from the locals than anyone else in the field.