Power Rankings: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

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You could say that we're in the Pete Dye portion of the schedule, with three Dye designs in four weeks. TPC Louisiana follows Harbour Town, with TPC Sawgrass awaiting its role as host of THE PLAYERS in two weeks.

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Now in its sixth year (2005, 2007-2010) as the venue for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, TPC Louisiana provides an unusual test. While the par-72, 7,399-yard track has sat in the middle of the pack in terms of scoring average over the years (26th in 2010), it ranked inside the top 10 in all 10 splits of proximity to the hole inside 275 yards a year ago. Upon closer look, it was inside the top five in all six ranges from 100 to 250 yards, including ranking No. 1 in both 125-150 and 150-175 yards. In overall proximity, it was third (behind Quail Hollow and Kapalua, respectively).

Greens average 5,700 square feet, which is relatively standard on TOUR, but they are undulating, which is why precision is premium on approaches. However, it's also a putting contest since the venue has ranked outside the top 30 in putting in each of the last four years. This extreme combination will allow for a leaderboard showcasing iron wizards mixed with blistering putters.

Jason Bohn's 18-under 270 last year is a tournament course record, and should remain unthreatened as dry conditions are forecast until a threat of inclement weather enters the frame on Sunday. Temperatures will climb into the 80s and might hit 90 in the final round. Mother Nature's primary challenge will be the wind, which is already expected to blow 10-20 mph throughout, including from the north-northeast on Thursday. It will rotate to the south-southeast for the weekend.

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Power Rankings: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Rank Player   Comment Justin ROSE The TOUR's leader in greens in regulation also ranks third in the all-around. He's 9-for-9 this year, with three top 10s. Hasn't played since finishing T11 at the Masters. Just one top 20 at TPC Louisiana, but fits the profile and arrives in superb form. Nick WATNEY Site of his first of three PGA TOUR victories (2007). Took two weeks off after placing 46th at the Masters, but has five top 10s in seven starts. Leads the circuit in the all-around and ranks 28th in greens hit, 10th in putting and first in putting from 15-25 feet. Steve STRICKER Returns after being forced to withdraw early last year due to a clavicle injury. Placed T7 here in 2009. Leads the TOUR with 30 consecutive paydays; coming off a T11 at the Masters. Sits 22nd in greens, fifth in putting and 10th in the all-around. Luke DONALD En route to his playoff loss at The Heritage -- his fifth straight top 10 -- ranked T10 in greens, 10th in putting and T2 in birdies. Currently leads the TOUR in putting, adjusted scoring average, birdie-or-better conversion percentage and the bounce-back. Charley HOFFMAN Took a week off following his share of second place at the Valero Texas Open, where he led the field in birdies. He's 3-for-4 at TPC Louisiana with one top 20. Sits 47th on TOUR in greens in regulation, 23rd putting and seventh in total driving. Spencer LEVIN Snapped out of an 0-for-2 skid with a T14 at The Heritage, his sixth top 15 of the year. Ranked T6 in greens hit at Harbour Town. Sits 23rd on the PGA TOUR in GIR and fifth in adjusted scoring average. Also the leader in total birdies. Ben CRANE Although failing to make the cut in three Zurich starts gives reason to pause, he ranks 11th on the PGA TOUR in greens in regulation, 42nd in putting and 16th in the all-around. Also arrives on the coattails of a season-best T6 at The Heritage. Pat PEREZ Double P is heating up, with a T5 at TPC San Antonio and T6 at Harbour Town. Currently 87th on TOUR in greens hit, but ranked inside the top 15 in GIR at both sites. Finished T12 here in 2008. Withdrew after 27 holes last year. Brandt SNEDEKER Hasn't cashed in both appearances at TPC Louisiana, but had just one top 45 in five showings at Harbour Town before last week's playoff victory. Led the field in birdies and ranked second in putting. Also second overall on TOUR in putting. Bubba WATSON Third on TOUR in total driving, second in greens hit, 13th in the all-around and second in birdies or better on par 5s. Has cashed three times at TPC Louisiana, including a T5 in 2007. Carded 78s in each of his last two final rounds (Palmer, Masters).