Brian Harman still undervalued, even after sharing the first-round lead

The BMW Championship's opening round brought both predictable and unexpected twists, underlining the dynamic nature of the FedExCup Playoffs. Among the standout performers, Brian Harman emerged as a prime example of an undervalued contender, defying expectations and showcasing his potential to make a lasting impact on the tournament.

While the pre-tournament favorite, Rory McIlroy, lived up to his reputation by sharing the lead with Harman, it was Harman's resilience that captured attention. Sharing the top spot with McIlroy after carding a five-under 65, Harman's recent Open Championship victory didn't hinder his momentum. Harman's ability to maintain his momentum post-major victory speaks to his consistency and the potential for him to remain a force throughout the championship.

In contrast, the tournament's unpredictable nature was epitomized by Matt Fitzpatrick's dramatic turnaround. Following a lackluster performance at TPC Southwind, where he finished tied for last place, Fitzpatrick redeemed himself with an impressive 66 at Olympia Fields. His resurgence underscores the volatility of golf, where a single round can reshape a player's trajectory.

The North Course's challenging layout and the influence of recent rain prompted predictions favoring "bombers" and long-hitting players. However, the opening round defied these expectations. Both Fitzpatrick and Harman, ranked 55th and 145th in Driving Distance respectively, leveraged their irons and putters to secure their positions atop the leaderboard. This unexpected turn of events demonstrates the need to balance strategic acumen with power off the tee.

As the championship unfolds, the field remains competitive, with a diverse group of contenders vying for victory. The leaderboard features a mix of players who possess the potential to make significant moves in either direction over the next three rounds.

Draws:

Brian Harman (-5, +1600): Harman's ascent to the leaderboard at +1600 emphasizes his underappreciated prowess. Fresh off his Open Championship win, his steady all-around play positions him as a major championship contender. Harman's ability to excel across key categories, such as SG: Approaching-the-Green and SG: Putting, underlines his potential to remain in contention. Despite a less than ideal performance off the tee in the first round, Harman's overall game bodes well for sustained success.

Collin Morikawa (-3, +2200): Morikawa's consistent performance at Olympia Fields showcases his potential to recapture his 2020-2021 form. Known for his U.S. Open success, Morikawa's all-around game aligns well with the course's challenges. His ability to navigate the fairways and maintain consistency across different facets of his game positions him as a strong contender. With his impressive driving accuracy and overall skillset, Morikawa is a player to watch closely.

Fades:

Rory McIlroy (-5, +333): Despite sharing the lead, McIlroy's performance raises concerns. Struggling with accuracy off the tee, hitting only three fairways, he faces an uphill battle in a field that demands precision. While his short game and scrambling skills salvaged his first round, his inconsistency off the tee and average putting performance suggest potential challenges ahead.

Cameron Young (-3, +2200): After an early leaderboard appearance last week, Young's recent form and streaky nature make him a fade candidate. With a lack of top-five finishes in 2023 and a history of erratic performances, Young's +2200 odds may not adequately reflect the associated risks.

As the championship continues, the balance between expectations and unforeseen outcomes remains a hallmark of golf's allure. The competitive landscape promises excitement, with each player's journey unfolding in unpredictable ways, ultimately shaping the trajectory of the BMW Championship.