The PGA Championship is probably the most unique and different of the four majors. It's not a country open, like the British and US Open. It doesn't share the same prestige as the Masters either. So what exactly makes it special and deserving of the title "major"? The answer is who's playing and what's at stake. It typically boasts the second best field in a professional golf tournament, just under The Players. We'll be seeing the best of the best players this week play some of the best golf in the world.
The rewards of winning the PGA Championship are perhaps what draws such an elite field. To start, the winner takes home $1.8 million; one of the biggest prizes offered on any pro Tour. They also receive an invitation to the next five Masters, US Opens, British Opens, and Players Championships as well as a life time invitation to the PGA Championship. On top of that, the winner receives a five year membership to the PGA and European Tour. It's clear now why a win this week could provide endless possibilities for a player's career.
The Straits Course at Whistling Straits was designed by Pete and Alice Dye in 1998 and is links-esque in style and beauty. It sits on the coast of Lake Michigan and features many of the typical links concepts such as rolling greens, deep bunkers, and changing weather. In fact, in has over 1000 bunkers (some of which may not even look like bunkers, see below) and even has a flock of sheep running around. It's about as links as you can get on this side of the Atlantic and it's sheer beauty and vastness makes it one of the nicest looking courses in the world, in my opinion. This will be the 3rd time the Straits course has hosted the PGA Championship (2004 and 2010) and it's also hosted the US Senior Open in 2007. In 2020 it will host the Ryder Cup. There's no doubt it will be challenging players this week, as it measures at just over 7,500 yards.
Now our picks this week were based on a three things: determination, momentum, and probability:
1) Dustin Johnson
2) Jim Furyk
3) Jason Day
For a good portion of his career, Dustin Johnson has been in the news and under fire at some point. After his leave of absence, many questioned whether he would win again. But he was determined to do so and he did. What happened at Whistling Straits in 2010 with Johnson is probably remembered more than that actual winner himself (Martin Kaymer of course). In case you've forgotten, on the 18th hole in 2010, Dustin Johnson grounded his club in a supposed bunker, which he did not know was one, resulting in a two shot penalty. If it weren't for this penalty, he would have been in a playoff and may have won. It seems that this, plus his recent shortcomings at the US and British Open, may make Johnson more determined than ever to win a major this week. Plus that bunker isn't in play this year...
For Furyk, he's coming off a good past few weeks. He finished solo 4th at the Canadian Open and finished T3 at the Bridgestone Invitational last week (which he led at one point). He also has three other T5 or better finishes this year and a win. He'll be looking to ride this momentum for a win this week.
And finally, Jason Day and majors go hand in hand. He always seems to play well in majors, no matter what; it's a defining aspect of his career actually. Here's a stat you'll enjoy: in the last two years, Day's finished T10 or better in about 55% of the majors (6 of 11, two of which were the 2015 US and British Opens). That means that going into this week, Day has better chances of finishing in the top 10 than not. And that, frankly, is an amazing stat.
Play kicks off tomorrow morning and remember that since this is a major, we'll be having daily coverage posts of each of the four rounds. Be sure to stay tuned and let us know who your picks are this week by commenting below.
-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews
The Straits Course at Whistling Straits
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