Power Rankings: Barracuda Championship

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CROMWELL, Conn. – When he crossed paths with Roberto Diaz in the locker room at TPC River Highlands Tuesday, Chip McDaniel got a greeting that made him smile. “He called me ‘Mr. Monday,’ so I’ve already got a nickname out here, which is really cool,� said the 23-year-old McDaniel. “Here� being the PGA TOUR, where McDaniel longs to be full-time, “whether that’s next year or five years from now or 10.� That’s he’s “temporarily� on the PGA TOUR might not sound like much, but given the way McDaniel earned his spot into this week’s Travelers Championship, and for what he is playing for, there’s good reason why the former University of Kentucky golfer is gaining recognition. When he finished his fourth round at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Sunday (at 77 – 297 he was 78th), then flew the red-eye to Boston and drove 90 miles south to Monday qualify for the Travelers by shooting 67 and surviving a nine-for-three playoff, McDaniel’s story trended on social media. “It’s been a really cool experience,� said the young man whose real name is Tyler, though he’s been Chip ever since he was a kid and his mother’s favorite baseball player was Chipper Jones. Sort of fits “because I just so happen to be a golfer.� It’s the third time McDaniel has qualified for a PGA TOUR tournament this year (he was joint fifth at the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship in March and missed the cut in May at the Wells Fargo Championship) and what factors into the equation right now are non-member FedExCup points. If he accumulates a total equal to, or greater than what No. 200 is on the FedExCup points list at the end of the season, McDaniel would be eligible for the Korn Ferry Tour Final Events, a series of four tournaments that will reward 25 PGA TOUR cards for 2019-20. Presently, with 67.693 non-member points, McDaniel would rank 198th, and No. 200 a year ago was 74 FedExCup points, so clearly, that scenario is very much in play for the unheralded kid from Lexington, Kentucky. That’s why the coast-to-coast rush to get into the Travelers was made. It’s also why McDaniel is signed on for Monday qualifiers for the next three tournaments – the Rocket Mortgage Classic, 3M Open, and John Deere Classic. (Four weeks from now, McDaniel will be playing on a sponsor’s exemption in the Barbasol Championship in his native Kentucky.) Having failed to make it beyond second stage in the Korn Ferry Qualifying Tournament last fall, McDaniel has plenty of incentive to succeed in these rare PGA TOUR opportunities. He saw TPC River Highlands for the first time Tuesday, when he played in the rain, and felt like “all my lines were good,� so he is undaunted by the long odds. Why should he be? After all, McDaniel said, “I didn’t have too many expectations,� at Ellington Ridge Country Club Monday and that worked out nicely, so why change?

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History tells the story of the past, it doesn’t predict the future, but lessons learned shape its direction. That reality prompted significant changes to the Presidents Cup in 2015. The United States still prevailed, albeit by the slimmest of margins, 15-1/2 to 14-1/2. But now, in what could be labeled as reverse psychology, the biennially stronger team will be attempting to defend its title at the foot of the Statue of Liberty. There will be no escaping the reminder of one’s pride in playing for his flag at Liberty National Golf Club alongside New York Harbor. It’s exactly the kind of pressure the Internationals need to apply as they enter this road game with a record of 1-9-1. Because the Presidents Cup is a team competition with match-play scoring, an open mind is encouraged when accepting the ranking of the participants. More on the course, the format and other details beneath the full-field ranking. Went 2-1-1 with Patrick Reed at the 2016 Ryder Cup, but Spieth should draw Thomas at some point now. Not that it’ll matter on a squad as deep as the U.S. Captain America at Liberty National in the Presidents Cup. Yes, please. Oh, and he’s playing well. Loves to remain busy, so expect the adrenaline to continue to flow. An anchor. Arguably the most in form upon arrival with three top 10s among six consecutive top 25s, so it would surprising if he sits out a session. It’s the Aussie’s fourth appearance (4-8-3). T9 at Liberty National doesn’t hurt, but this squad is loaded with his buddies — and potential partners. Solid all year, too. First-timer. Nothing like making a splash as the most recent major champion and winner of the FedExCup. Figures to go out with Spieth, but options are everywhere. The Aussie is now a cornerstone for the visitors in his third appearance. Also played Liberty National in both 2009 and 2013. Recently dominated the field at Conway Farms. One of three South Africans on the squad. Expect him to partner with Grace after they went 4-0-0 as a team two years ago. Oosthuizen went 1-3-0 with Schwartzel in 2013.    First-timer. Debuts with fellow former FSU teammate Koepka, so that’s a natural pairing. The formidable duo could be the lockdown team of the competition.     First-timer. Poised to forge a new, long-term partnership as one of America’s future stars, so look for pairing with Berger. Filthy second half of 2017 illustrates monster stats. Went 5-0-0 in the losing cause in 2015. Teamed with fellow South African Louis Oosthuizen in every two-man session. Expect the same. No reason to break what’s not broken.     Fourth consecutive appearance. He’s 6-7-1 overall but 0-4-1 in foursomes. The experienced South African could help balance a scuffling and tired Matsuyama in four-ball.     Already his third appearance. Cited fatigue for lackluster FedExCup Playoffs performance, which presents a challenge for his captain, but still figures to carry any partner tee-to-green.     The 39-year-old is making his fourth appearance. Enjoying an outstanding 2017 despite the absence of a victory. As youngsters emerge, he slides into mentor role. Despite individual success, he’s just a combined 2-7-0 in four-ball but 4-1-1 in foursomes in the Ryder and Presidents Cups. As a result, expect experienced partners. International’s elder statesman at 37 years of age. Eighth straight appearance (13-17-5). Aussie had four different partners en route to 0-2-2 in 2015. He’s 1-3-1 with Matsuyama.     First-timer. Tee-to-green tactician finished T15 at THE NORTHERN TRUST in 2013. Might align with Kuchar the best with their similar styles. Needed a captain’s pick to extend his record of never missing an edition. Now 47, the oldest in the competition is like a de facto playing assistant captain leading by example. First-timer. Flexible partner as a phenomenal putter, he’s insurance in four-ball despite bentgrass greens. Could earn foursomes nod on the third day with a good start.     First-timer. Relatively quiet second half didn’t deter him from qualifying for TOUR Championship. Fantastic putter makes for a wonderful partner. Longer off the tee than advertised.     He was surprised to be a captain’s pick, but he belongs here. Responded with T9 at Conway Farms. One of the more outwardly cerebral; could partner with anyone as a result.  First-timer. The fearless 40-year-old secured entry via a captain’s pick despite losing steam following a torrid summer stretch. Played Liberty National in 2009 and 2013.     First-timer. Captain’s pick from Argentina has just one top 25 since June. Likely partner is Vegas as they’re the only two native Spanish speakers. Neither is a strong putter.     First-timer. All or nothing for most of the year, but the stakes are different now. Terrific tee-to-green.     First-timer. Just one top 10 in the last 11 months, but it was a biggie. THE PLAYERS champion has battled back discomfort all year. Only South Korean on the team. POWER RANKINGS: PRESIDENTS CUP RANK PLAYER COMMENT Liberty National isn’t new to half the field that competed in THE NORTHERN TRUST in 2013, but only four of those 12 are Internationals. Seven overall were in play when the course debuted for THE NORTHERN TRUST in 2009, including three Internationals. Those who are returning will see primarily the same setup that they tackled in the opening leg of the FedExCup Playoffs four years ago, except the par-4 fifth hole is now the starting line for the Presidents Cup. The par-5 sixth is the second hole this week, and so on. Holes 1-4 on the course will play as Nos. 15-18. This means that the outward nine is a par 38 that boasts all three of Libery National’s par 5s. The inward side is a par 33 with three par 3s (including the last). Only the seventh hole (originally No. 11) is at a different yardage than how it played in 2013. The par 3 is down 25 yards and now tips at 225 yards. Of course, overall par matters not in this competition, nor does Liberty National’s official length of 7,328 yards. However, while the rerouting was determined to shift the most eye-catching holes to critical points for every match, the swings in momentum are more likely early, especially in foursomes. Thursday’s opening session will be comprised of five matches of foursomes (also known as alternate shot). Five four-ball matches will follow on Friday. Saturday consists of two sessions of four matches each, first foursomes and then four-ball. The format requires at least two starts per golfer during the first four sessions. The final day will line up all 12 on each side in singles. In 2015, a reduction of four team matches lowered the total points up for grabs to 30. Thus, the winning team will need to score at least 15-1/2. Another twist that took effect in the last edition is that matches that are tied after 18 holes result in halves for every golfer in those matches. The heat wave that was summer’s last gasp will come to an end as the Presidents Cup begins. After a daytime high of 80 degrees on Thursday, even better conditions will command the remainder of the week. Cooler air, primarily sunny skies and but a light wind out of the north are forecast. Come to think of it, glorious views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline on the horizon just might inspire the home team. When you’re as deep at the United States by comparison, you can enjoy the view. NOTE: The Captain’s Pick debuts at FantasyGolf.PGATOUR.com for the competition. Rob will be writing nightly recaps and previews specifically for fantasy gamers. You’ll find his primer for The Captain’s Pick here.

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