Bill Haas on verge of bounce-back win; first since 2015

Perhaps you’ve been aware of Bill Haas’ recent struggles, and perhaps not. There are many professional golfers to keep track of after all. Either way, Haas has struggled.

After winning six times from 2010 to 2015, Haas has not won since. And since the start of 2018, Haas has finished in the top 10 twice and missed the cut 16 times in 40 events. He’s dropped to no. 377 in the world ranking. Sixteen months ago, in the middle of these struggles, Haas was the passenger in a fatal car crash, in which he lost a friend and took a short leave from the Tour schedule.

This week, all of that matters AND doesn’t at the same time. Haas is one shot back after 54 holes at the John Deere Classic, chasing a breakthrough that would ensure some job security he likely didn’t know he needed just years ago.

Once one of the steadiest players in the world, Haas spent 355 straight weeks (more than five years) in the world top 50. He even won the FedEx Cup in 2011. But in 2019, he’s been competing with a below average driver. Same for his putter. These were two facets of his once rock-solid game.

This week, his game is all there. Even his normally-average approach game. Haas has hit 43 of 54 greens in regulation this week, ranking 9th in strokes gained: approaching the green. Never an aggressive birdie-making machine, Haas has played much like his old self. He played bogey-free golf Saturday for a smooth 64.

Three birdies in his last four holes.@BHaasGolf is 1 shot back. pic.twitter.com/bxnXXie0BW

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 13, 2019

So, where does it leave him? Haas trails Cameron Tringale and Andrew Landry by just a single stroke. He’ll tee it up from the penultimate group Sunday afternoon alongside Adam Schenk.