Finau's stock is definitely rising. Two years ago he was ranked just inside the top-80 of the OWGR. Today he's ranked #31 in the world. For Tony, I think it just comes down to experience and being able to keep himself composed in the biggest tournaments coming down the stretch when the pressure is the greatest. Lots of talent, hits the ball a long way, has a distinct advantage because of how easily he generates distance. Might need to work on his putting a bit, as the rest of his game seems fairly good.
I just hope he doesn't complicate things with trying to change his golf swing. Many have gone that route, only to struggle to get back to the level they were at before the swing change occurred. He's in a great place in his career, and just needs to go through the experiences of being in contention in majors and figuring out how to be comfortable playing his game under that degree of pressure. And put in the needed work with making a few more putts inside of 6 feet.
Tommy "Fairway Jesus" Fleetwood has figured this stuff out already. He's shown that he's prepared to take that next step regarding majors. He just seems unflappable in the bigger tournaments. Fleetwood entered 2016 ranked 153rd in the world. He moved inside the top-10 world rankings a year later, and a year later - he's still holding steady.
Two players, who no one gave a second thought about just a few years ago. I'm buying Fleetwood's stock too.
Zach Johnson near the top of the leaderboard this week after two rounds doesn't surprise me. Stay away from the penal fairway bunkers, leave the ball in a good position around the greens if he doesn't hit the green... solid putter.
But Kevin Kisner... he currently controls the cutline. He's plotted his way around the course, putted well, and doesn't take on certain shots that don't fit his game.
It'll be interesting to see the leaderboard tomorrow evening. Tiger's safely into the weekend, Mickelson, barring a meltdown his last few holes, should be around for the weekend as well.
Level par currently is 8 shots off Kisner's lead. The closing stretch at Carnoustie isn't easy. It's still very much in the air, and the same sentiments will likely reflect tomorrow evenings' thoughts the same, with only one round left to play the next day. That back nine is tough. Lots can happen.