PLAYERS TO WATCH
Three favorites
Bernhard Langer: Picking Langer is like selecting Michael Jordan to take a buzzer-beater. But: The two-time 3M Championship winner and 10-time PGA Tour Champions major winner comes into this weekend on a remarkable streak, even for his standards. Weeks shy of turning 60, Langer won three of the five majors this season. His past four finishes in Blaine: T3, T2, 2, 1.
Kenny Perry: This year's U.S. Senior Open champ won back-to-back at TPC Twin Cities in 2014-15 and feels ready to rock again after a "lousy" 2016. "I enjoy the heck out of playing here," Perry said.
Scott McCarron: Second on the money list with two wins and two runner-up finishes. At the Senior Players Championship, he came back from six shots behind to begin the final round and picked up his first major.
Don't forget …
Tom Lehman: The home-state favorite is co-designer of the course and is playing well. Contended last weekend at the Senior British Open until a Sunday 75, and finished fourth at the U.S. Senior Open.
Corey Pavin: The only other player besides Langer to finish under par in Wales. He was runner-up in the 2013 3M and has rebounded from a series of injuries to regain his form.
Steve Stricker: Technically in semi-retirement, Stricker turned 50 in February and has finished no worse than 13th in five Champions Tour events. The short-game master should thrive on these pillowy greens.
Under the radar
Kevin Sutherland: He's done everything but win on the senior circuit, and this season has nine top-10s in 13 starts. In his past two visits to Blaine he has finished second and third.
Billy Andrade: Two of his three top-10s this season have come in majors, including a tie for third in the Senior British Open. Played the weekend 69-68 in less-than-ideal conditions in Wales.
Stephen Ames: Since his opening-round 72 in 2015, Ames has played the next five rounds in Blaine 23 under par. Comes in rested after skipping the Senior British Open and with top-10 finishes in his past four events played.
BRIAN STENSAAS
