2. Hideki Matsuyama
If it weren’t for Spieth’s quest for the career grand slam this week, Hideki Matsuyama’s storyline of becoming the first Japanese major champion would be a solid narrative. A blistering course-record tying 61 propelled him to victory last week in Akron, and the confidence that espouses from that likely can make the quick plane trip down to North Carolina.
Matsuyama’s course history at Quail Hollow is closing in on that top spot — 30th, 20th, 11th — and his current form is impeccable. It would be more surprising to see Matsuyama not contend this week than the reverse.
