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

4. Matt Kuchar (+5000)

The two missed cuts that Matt Kuchar has already endured this season are uncharacteristically high for him, especially with only nine tournaments played. Moreover, he’s only registered one top-10 finish to this point in the year, which came in mid-February at The Genesis Invitational when he finished second. But even with all that, he’s still been closer to the ever-reliable player we’re accustomed to than not.

If there’s one thing that’s really been holding Kuchar back to this point, it’s been his iron game. He’s never been an elite driver of the golf ball in terms of distance in relation to the rest of the field, especially in today’s game, but his iron play has set him apart. That hasn’t been the case of late. But if he can recapture his form with the way he’s been putting, he could make a run at TPC Sawgrass.

3. Byeong Hun An (+6500)

I’m a big proponent of the notion that you can’t consistently rely on putting to win golf tournaments. Even if you’re one of the best in the world in that department, it can be fleeting and other guys can get hot on the greens. That’s just the way it works. However, you want to be able to rely on that part of the game at least somewhat, which Byeong Hun An can’t say.

Ranking No. 216 in Strokes Gained: Putting, An has developed an infamous reputation as one of the worst putters on the PGA Tour. The frustrating part, however, is that the rest of his game is so rock-solid. In fact, An is No. 14 on tour in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green, a testament to that.

He’s been in great form outside of the putter, even registering five top-10 finishes already this season. If he can at least be field-average with the putter at The PLAYERS Championship, the rest of his game — ball-striking in particular — is good enough right now for him to get the victory.