Week 6 Power Rankings: Stonebrae Classic

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Mar. 31, 2009

Editor's note: Dave Lagarde has been a PGATOUR.COM correspondent for all things Nationwide Tour since 2005. Each week, Lagarde will size up the field and provide his top five players going into the tournament, based on factors such as the player's strengths, the course setup, recent performances, etc. | POWER RANKINGS: Shell Houston Open

The Nationwide Tour hits the City by the Bay this week for the brand-new Stonebrae Classic at the TPC San Francisco Bay in Hayward, Calif. This is the second event on the Nationwide Tour's domestic schedule after last week's Chitimacha Louisiana Open Pres'd by Dynamic Industries, which Bubba Dickerson won in a playoff.

The Stonebrae Classic carries a purse of $600,000, with $108,000 going to the winner. There are already five players (Vance Veazey, Alex Prugh, Alistair Presnell, Steven Alker and Bubba Dickerson) over the $100,000 mark this year, and a win this week would assure any of them a PGA TOUR card for 2010.

With all that said, let's see who Lagarde thinks can succeed in the 2009 Stonebrae Classic.

Power Rankings: Stonebrae Classic

Rank	Player		Comment
		Bubba DICKERSON	Have to love the way he rallied on the final nine to score his first Nationwide Tour victory at the Chitimacha Louisiana Open. Look out now that the former U.S. Amateur champion has broken through that humbling emotional barrier.
		Vance VEAZEY	He can go one of two ways following a backbreaking three-putt on the final hole last week that cost him a spot in a playoff. This veteran, who has taken over the top spot on the money list, will use the downer as an upper.
		Michael SIM	This Aussie should be refreshed and ready following two weeks off from his pair of top-five finishes in Australia and New Zealand. There is a victory in his future this season, and look for him on the PGA TOUR in '10.
		Brian VRANESH	This Johnny-come-lately PGA TOUR rookie learned several invaluable lessons last week. The most important: He can compete on any tour. This should have a great carryover effect. The fact that he has some local knowledge of the TPC of California is a plus.
		Martin PILLER	Rookie who made it through all four stages of the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament continues to show that he possesses high-quality game. His final round 66 in Louisiana could be a springboard to another solid performance this week.