MARTIN KAYMER: Doral marks the young German’s debut as the world’s No.1 player, but he’s deserving of the throne with seven wins in the past 104 weeks that make up the rankings window. Hard to believe that 106 weeks ago, he was just making his WGC debut.LEE WESTWOOD: Former rankings No.1 ran hot-and-cold at last week’s Honda Classic, including a Saturday finish in which he bogeyed each of his final four holes. The English pro hasn’t finished higher than 15th in five starts this year.
GRAEME McDOWELL: If the U.S. Open champ is close to the lead on Sunday, bank on him. McDowell already has two PGA Tour course records in his two Sunday rounds, including last week at Honda. His Sunday scoring average in 2011 stands at 64.33.
TIGER WOODS: Three-time Doral champion has played just one competitive round in the past five weeks — a first-round ouster at the WGC Match Play, courtesy of Thomas Bjorn. His two stroke-play events bring this disconcerting stat: Sunday rounds of 74 and 75.
PHIL MICKELSON: Two top-10 finishes in his first three starts had Mickelson’s up-and-down stock rising, but slipped to 35th in Los Angeles and bounced in the second round of the WGC Match Play. Used last week to help launch arthritis-awareness campaign.
RORY SABBATINI: New Honda Classic champion makes Doral his ninth consecutive start, but has yet to run low on gas. New putter in Sabbatini’s bag helped him zero in on mid-range putts at PGA National. Also tied for fifth one week earlier in Mexico.
Y.E. YANG: Former PGA Championship winner made sure Sabbatini earned his victory, closing a five-shot deficit to one on PGA National’s back nine before falling short. Yang also reached the quarterfinals of the WGC Match Play one week earlier, so he’s humming.
ERNIE ELS: Defending WGC-Doral champion struggled last week at Honda Classic, including an opening 75 and Saturday 78. That prompted him to put in some extra work back home at the Bear’s Club in Jupiter. Sounds awfully similar to last year’s setup.
CHARL SCHWARTZEL: After pushing Els to the crown a year ago, South African took out PGA Tour membership for 2011 and tied for 14th at last week’s Honda. He also happened to be Els’ houseguest last year, but is opting for his own rented digs during this stretch.
GEOFF OGILVY: Three finishes of 21st or better in four starts this season, having missed the season’s first month after cutting his finger on a piece of coral before the Tournament of Champions. The Aussie ended Tiger Woods’ reign at the Blue Monster in 2008.
