February 2 2011 Last updated at 04:30 PM ET
The Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the few PGA events that has the feel of an NFL game or a NASCAR race -- not to confuse the two demographics, but both atmospheres have very similar qualities. Huge crowds will again be in attendance, despite weather so cold the pro-am was canceled.TPC Scottsdale's par-3, 16th hole is the most exciting hole in golf with bleachers surrounding tee to green. It will serve as the Kodak Challenge hole for the week, which gives it an unneeded boost. Sit back and enjoy the party in Arizona, and keep an eye on these players.
The favorites for this week are familiar names who have started strong in 2011:
1. Phil Mickelson -- After a strong performance at Torrey Pines, Phil heads to another course that he loves. With two wins and nine top-10s at this tournament, he is the favorite to win this week. The former Arizona State player will need to tighten up his game off the tee, but his short game looks to be in order.
2. Dustin Johnson -- Any personal issues that Johnson might have been experiencing when he withdrew a few weeks ago are not affecting him. He was near the top in every major statistical category last week and finished with a final-round 66, which included no bogeys. With top-10s in both starts this year, it would be a surprise if he didn't make it three.
3. Hunter Mahan -- Last year's winner should be primed for a title defense. Mahan entered Sunday's final round last week in the last group, but a double bogey on the opening hole set the tone for day and he finished the Farmers T6. His win in Phoenix a year ago was highlighted by only 12 missed greens the entire week. If he can continue to hit his driver well, expect him to have a lot of birdie opportunities.
4. Rickie Fowler -- He came within one shot of winning here in just the sixth tournament of his rookie year. Fast-forward one year and the young star continues to look for that first Tour victory. Fowler didn't play as well as his T20 finish last week would indicate. Following his 65 on the easier of the two Torrey Pines courses, Fowler shot 2 over for the remainder of the tournament, but he should feel pretty comfortable this week.
5. Jhonattan Vegas -- It's probably a bit premature to be including Vegas in the short list of favorites, but the rookie has earned it. The Venezuelan entered the 72nd hole last week just one stroke out of the lead and a realistic opportunity for back-to-back wins. The most impressive aspect of his performance was his calm and confidence in a high-pressure home stretch. The FedEx Cup points leader looks like he belongs.
Here are the players that aren't quite on that top tier, but could be a threat:
1. Charles Howell III -- Riding consecutive top 5s into a tournament where he's only missed the cut once in nine tries is an inviting position for Howell. He's quietly strung a nice run dating back to last year where he's only missed two cuts since June. Consistency was the story in a T4 finish here last year.
2. Ryan Palmer -- The three-time Tour winner has gotten off to a good start in 2011 with a solo 4th, a T15, and another made cut in three events. He took the week off following the Bob Hope so he should be well rested heading into a tournament he's had past success -- T14 in 2010 and T2 in 2006.
3. Ryan Moore -- He withdrew from the Bob Hope due to the flu following an opening-round 74 but said he's ready to go this week. Moore should be itching to get back out there after posting top-10s in his final three 2010 events. The 28-year-old plays well in Scottsdale. Despite a 3rd-round 74 last year, Moore still finished top-15 for a second straight year at this event.
4. Kevin Na -- A missed cut last week shouldn't dissuade you from Na. Prior to his appearance at the Farmers, the 27-year-old shot nine consecutive rounds in the 60s en route to a T20 at the Sony Open and a T5 at the Bob Hope. He'll need to get the putter going again but has the game to be a winner on Tour.
5. Troy Matteson -- Forget about the two cuts to begin the year. Matteson finished as strong as anyone in the field last week. Despite an opening-round 74, he shot 11-under the rest of the way, which included three eagles. If he can keep it dialed in from a week ago, he'll have another week of scoring opportunities.
The next guy would normally be in the hunt but not this week:
Robert Allenby -- Last year's top-10 here might make him seem like a solid pick for this week, but that's not the case. After only missing four cuts in 2010, the Australian hasn't made the cut in either of his first two starts. His game has been inconsistent in every aspect, and his next round in the 60s will be his first this year.
Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2011/02/02/phoenix-open-power-rankings-mickelson-primed-for-success/
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