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The PLAYERS Championship 2020: 10 dark horse golfers who can win

By Cody Williams

LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Scottie Scheffler lines up a putt on the fourth green during the final round of The American Express tournament at the Stadium Course at PGA West on January 19, 2020 in La Quinta, California. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Scottie Scheffler lines up a putt on the fourth green during the final round of The American Express tournament at the Stadium Course at PGA West on January 19, 2020 in La Quinta, California. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

8. Viktor Hovland (+6000)

As the top-ranked players and past champions in the world were in Mexico at the end of February for the WGC event, Norway’s Viktor Hovland was leading the way in the off-field event in Puerto Rico. In doing so, the youngster picked up his first PGA Tour victory after turning pro at the end of last season and then qualifying via the Korn Ferry Tour Finals.

Now in the top 60 in the Official World Golf Rankings, Hovland has tried to find his footing since his win, missing the cut at The Honda Classic and then finishing outside the top 40 at the Arnold Palmer.

The biggest culprit for Hovland’s struggles has been his wedge game as he’s been atrocious around the green. That could bite him at TPC Sawgrass but, with a player who is ranked No. 7 in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and has good iron play as well, it’s hard not to at least imagine a world where he gets a little hot with the putter and improves his wedge game marginally to win again.

7. Max Homa (+15000)

Probably better known for him breaking down golf on Twitter and for his podcast, Max Homa has actually quietly been playing some of the best, most consistent golf of anyone on the PGA Tour over the past two months. He’s registered three top-10 finishes in his last five tournaments, has finished inside the top 20 in four of those outings and his T24 finish at Bay Hill last week was his lowest finish over that span.

Much like Hovland, Homa has struggled around the green with his wedges and, frankly, he’s not in the same tier of player as the Norwegian in terms of his prowess off the tee. However, he’s solid with his irons, especially as of late, and has been hot with the putter, which can always be a game-changer — even if it’s often a fleeting trait.

If Homa can maintain his recent form and stay locked in, he could surprise some people as a sleeper at The PLAYERS.

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