Power Rankings: Scottie Scheffler Is the Man to Beat at Kapalua

Scheffler is atop this week's SI Golf Power Rankings, where players who are primed to go low lead the list.

Welcome to Power Rankings, a new weekly feature on SI Golf from our partners at KeyCompete. The PGA Tour’s 2024 season kicks off this week at the Plantation Course at Kapalua and the Sentry. This signature event not only ushers in the new year but also sets up a showdown among golf's elite.

The Course: The Plantation Course at Kapalua

Nestled on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, The Plantation Course at Kapalua is a breathtaking spectacle of golf paradise. With a par of 73 and stretching over 7,596 yards, the Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore-designed masterpiece is known for massive fairways and greens, providing a unique challenge for the world's best players. The course, built on the grounds of a former pineapple plantation, boasts stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, adding to its allure.

Since its inception the course has undergone several renovations to keep up with the evolving game. Its wide fairways and large greens make it susceptible to low scores, predicting a potential shootout with the winner likely finishing 20-plus under par. Notable for its dramatic elevation changes and the influence of coastal winds, the course demands strategic play, especially on holes like the iconic 18th, a downhill par-5 offering a thrilling finish.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines a strong field at Kapalua / USA Today

Key Compete Power Rankings

1. Scottie Scheffler: Fresh off his win at the Hero World Challenge in December, Scheffler's newfound confidence in his putting makes him a formidable contender.
2. Viktor Hovland: Known for his solid ballstriking, Hovland will look to capitalize on the generous fairways and greens.
3. Ludvig Aberg: This young Swede has shown he can win on Tour and is eagerly eyeing his second victory.
4. Collin Morikawa: With the highest strokes-gained numbers among qualified golfers and a personal connection to Hawaii, Morikawa is a strong favorite. He has consistently performed well here, never finishing worse than T7.
5. Xander Schauffele: The 2019 winner and 2020 runner-up at Kapalua, Schauffele's track record and solid performance in 2023 make him a serious threat.
6. Max Homa: Homa's game has been on the rise, and his ability to handle pressure situations could play well on this course.
7. Patrick Cantlay: Despite a hiatus since the Ryder Cup, Cantlay's impressive 2023 season positions him as a potential winner.
8. Tom Kim: With a T5 finish in his debut last year, Kim's potential, coupled with his finish to 2023, makes him a dark horse.
9. Jordan Spieth: Spieth's extensive experience at Kapalua and his ability to shine in big moments keep him in the conversation.
10. Matt Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick's strategic approach and consistency could serve him well on this course.