Rory McIlroy
This precision course doesn’t play to his strengths. But who’s hotter after he fired a 16-under 66-62 in the final two rounds in winning at Quail Hollow last week? It was the best final two rounds by eight strokes.
Phil Mickelson
He won the Players in 2007 and would have followed his Masters success with a win last week at Quail Hollow if it wasn’t for McIlroy’s spectacular finish. With a win, Mickelson could overtake Tiger Woods as the world’s No. 1.
Padraig Harrington
The much-criticized swing changes he made after winning back-to-back majors in 2008 are finally paying dividends. Following a dreadful start in 2009, Harrington has had nine top-10 finishes in his last 15 starts.
Jim Furyk
After a 32-month winless spell in which he finished in the top-10 20 times, Furyk has two victories in 2010. Despite playing in his backyard, the Ponte Vedra resident has never won the Players but has three top-fives in his last six starts.
Henrik Stenson
In 36 years, the Players has not had a repeat champion. The next to try will be Stenson. The Swede hasn’t won in the United States or Europe since but has been in the top 15 in three of the last four majors.
