With the European Tour deciding not to co-sanction this year’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, in favor of promoting the 100th French Open which is being held concurrently, only 61 (of the 76 who qualified) will be teeing it up at Firestone CC.
Here are this week’s Power Picks.
1. Dustin Johnson
It’s difficult to pick a clear front-runner this week, but Johnson certainly arrives as one of them, following his win at the US Open. Although he doesn’t have a great record at Firestone, he’s been playing some phenomenal golf this year, and if he drives the ball the way he did at Oakmont, it will be difficult to stop him.
OWGR: 3 | FedEx Cup: 3
2. Adam Scott
Two-time winner this year (Honda Classic and WGC-Cadillac Championship), Scott may not be coming in with a lot of momentum, as he’s not registered a Top-10 in his last seven starts. But as a winner at Firestone in 2011, and two other Top-10 finishes here, expect Scott to take advantage of the limited field.
OWGR: 8 | FedEx Cup: 2
3. Jason Day
With an admirable comeback at the US Open, where he somehow made it to the first page of the leaderboard, after starting the tournament with a 6-over (76), World No. 1 Jason Day is definitely a favorite this year at Firestone. And while he doesn’t have much of a record at Firestone (best finish being T-4 in 2011), the Aussie should be a major factor this week.
OWGR: 1 | FedEx Cup: 1
4. Shane Lowry
Our defending champion, is coming of a disappointing final round at the US Open, but do not expect that that to deter him this week. Choosing to play at Firestone instead of the French Open definitely shows his commitment and intent this week.
OWGR: 25 | FedEx Cup: 75
5. Brooks Koepka
Coming off a playoff loss to Sergio Garcia at the Byron Nelson, a T-2 finish at St. Jude Classic, and T-13 finish at the US Open, Brooks Koepka enters Firestone with some nice momentum. Add his T-6 finish from his debut here last year, and it’s easy to understand why the 26 year old is considered a hot pick this week at Firestone.