Writer Cup Day 1: Power Rankings

Barstool Sports Writer Cup kicked off this week with Day 1 scramble matches. We saw four exciting, closely played battles over the past three days. If you haven’t watched yet, you’re missing out, Barstool Sports golf content just always hits. From Lil Sas vs. Francis, Ryan Whitney dealing with Big Cat hitting driver on a par 3, to the Fore Play vs. Kirk Minihane showdown. After Day 1 in the three-day event, we’re taking a look at the power rankings of the Barstool Writer Cup.

16. Big Cat

How is it not Big Cat bringing up the rear here, right? From putting from 100 yards out to hitting driver on a par 3… if this were entertainment rankings his “unorthodox golf” would be easily top 5. But talent-wise, Big Cat just didn’t have it in this deep group. He’ll need to find his driver off the deck very soon or he’s not helping his team moving forward.

15. Dave Portnoy

Boss man had some really good shots, no doubt, but overall his game just doesn’t stack up to others on this list. Way too inconsistent, and that could be a problem the rest of the tournament. Already at odds with his caddie, you have to wonder if a change is coming for Day 2.

14. Jersey Jerry

Portnoy’s playing partner scrambled all over the course on Day 1, but Jerry ranks one spot better than Dave thanks to his flat stick keeping the team in the match and almost stealing a half point late. Jerry could be a surprise factor later on. When he gets hot, watch out.

13. PFT

Watching live you might think PFT had a lot of good shots, true. But also way too inconsistent, nearly costing his team a half point. Add in a back injury, and his play will need to be closely monitored the rest of the Cup.

12. Lil Sas

The rust showed early for the former high school golfer. Still, he flashed glimpses of being a dark horse game-changer. He looks unfazed for now, but will that change on Day 2? After this spot, there’s a clear gap into the next tier of the rankings.

11. Trent

Now we’re in the “pushback” zone. Facts are facts, Trent didn’t play well on Day 1, with his partner bailing him out multiple times. That said, he showed signs of life and sank the winning putt. If momentum is real, he might carry it into Day 2.

10. Hank

Top 10, but just barely. For a guy who loves golf this much, 10th feels low, but here’s the thing: Hank benefited a lot from his partner’s play. He’ll need to step up to quiet critics. His short game touch around the greens has to show up soon.

9. Yandle

Now Yands is probably better than this, and definitely better than Biz, but he looked off-balance on Day 1. Known for the mitts, they didn’t show enough in the first match. He’s got top-4 potential, the question is whether he finds it in time.

8. Biz

Yes, his team lost, but Biz hit clutch shots to keep them in it, including both holes they won late. Mechanically his swing is not pretty, but somehow it works. If he drives it consistently the next two days, he’ll be a sneaky difference-maker.

7. Beef

Beef had hands around the green, giving his partner makeable looks all day. But he also had some head-scratchers, including a couple in the drink. He knows the game and will be crucial if his team wants to win, but consistency is key. Another clear gap here, the top 6 all could be the best on any given day.

6. Frankie

Frankie had some really good shots, and pound-for-pound might be the best golfer on this list at times. Day 1 was mostly solid with a sprinkle of bad. His putting was slick, helping take down a team captain. Frankie can stack good holes... watch out.

5. Whitney

This one might be unfair... he was paired with the worst golfer in the tournament. That’s pressure. Others could lean on their partners, Whitney was on an island at times. Still, he’ll be a major factor the rest of the way.

4. Arian Foster

Arian would’ve been top 3 if not for a near collapse late. He’s got the “it” factor to be the best out there. Smooth all-around game, but he admitted himself, he can’t play with his food. Stay locked in, and he’s dangerous.

3. Francis

Known for a meltdown in the last Writer Cup, Francis had a lot to prove. On Day 1, he did just that. In control from tee to green, this was night-and-day from before. Will it continue? A lot may depend on matchups.

2. Kirk

His match didn’t go his way, but man was he consistent. Crazy at times? Yes. Entertaining as f***? Absolutely. He willed a half point that could be huge come Day 3. Kirk never backs down... his game does plenty of talking (unlike basketball).

1. Riggs

Easy pick at the top (and no, not a Nick Turani-influenced pick). Just watch his last shot, that sums up his day. Clutch all around, with a chipping touch that saved strokes. Expect him to hover near the top all tournament.

This is just Day 1, next week could be a whole new story. Potential movers: Lil Sas & Yands, both have game but didn’t show it all yet. Trent too, since he admitted Kirk gets in his head, a new pairing might flip the script. Overall, Day 1 was awesome: action-packed, can’t-miss, and makes you want more now. Day 2 will be huge with 4 more points up for grabs before Day 3’s 8-point singles finale