The PGA Championship
Well golf fans, we have made it to our second major of the year, The PGA Championship heads to Kiawah Island, South Carolina, but before we get to our second major there is a lot to unpack about what took place last week at the AT&T Byron Nelson. Last week K.H. Lee won with a jaw dropping 25 under par score. Lee’s journey was less than easy, Lee beat out numerous top ranked players on his way to his maiden PGA Tour victory. On top of the field giving him pressure, Sunday’s final stretch proved to be extremely difficult. From the 14 hole on rain and wind tested the very best players. While last week was a great event and awesome for TV I personally am not a fan with the fact that 25 under par wins and not only the winning score but the majority of the field being at 10-12 under par. I think the golf course played way too easy and it didn't offer the players the challenge they were expecting or looking for. In a perfect world I like when 6-10 under par wins the golf tournament. This just proves to me that it's a tough course that requires exceptional play for all 72 holes. Not to say that K.H. Lee didn't play exceptional golf for 72 holes, but the fact that even when you missed a shot you could easily find it and get it close to or on the green. Where at some of the tougher courses the PGA goes to when you miss a shot you are instantly penalized. Nevertheless K.H. Lee played flawlessly and he delivered in incredible fashion.
I really hope this week is exciting because there is nothing better than a major championship that comes down to the wire. There are a few fun things about The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. For starters it's the longest golf course to be ever played in a PGA Championship. Now the question remains, will the course actually play that long. This week the course is topping out at 7,800 yards. Now I don’t know if more length is the answer but it shoulder be interesting to see how the players manage their way around the course. The next interesting piece of the puzzle is the wind. Throughout the practice rounds the players were already battling the elements. The wind was gusting up to 40 mph. For anyone that hasn’t played in those types of conditions, it’s really really hard. I think the elements will give the players the most trouble this week, personally I don’t think the course would be challenging enough without the elements. With all that being said the field this week is just as impressive as every thought it would. This is why majors are so fun to watch, the players that are being showcased are the best in the world and it's just downright fun to watch. (Mike)
This might be a real hot take, but I think Rickie Fowler is going to make some noise this week. He has been pretty bad out there lately, but he needs to turn it around before it is too late. I think I speak for many, when I say it would be great to see Rickie in contention on a big stage again. (Tyler)
Pick’s of the Week:
Mike: The only issue with these fields is that making picks is extremely difficult. This week it took me quite some time to decide which direction I took, So here goes. This week’s winning pick goes to Jordan Spieth. Look, we all know he's back and Jordan is coming out a really good week at the AT&T Byron Nelson. His putter has been his money maker as of late. He's so confident with his stroke, it's beginning to look a lot like the younger Jordan is back with a vengeance. This week is also a potentially big week for Jordan because he can complete the career grand slam with a win this week. There is a lot at stake for Jordan this week and he is more than capable of coming out on top.
My notable this week to miss the cut goes to Brooks Koepka. Brooks has not been himself after the knee surgery. Now I completely think he will win more events and more majors, but I just don’t think his body is ready, especially with his performance at The Masters six weeks ago. This week especially precision and length are key and Brooks won’t be able to maintain that level of play with this way his knee is.
My favorite pick and final pick is underdog pick of the week. Now even though this is a major there are plenty of underdogs in the field that are flying under the radar. My underdog pick of the week goes to Lee Westwood. Now Lee was on an absolute heater during the Florida sewing which was quickly followed with a cool off period. However he’s had some time to relax, sharpen up his game and come back ready to seal the deal. Keep in mind however with the length of this course Lee is going to have to have his irons really dialed in to get it done this week. (Mike)
Tyler: My big notable to miss the cut is Tony Finau. I did not like the fact that he was oblivious to the use of rangefinders until a reporter asked him about it. That does not seem like a guy that is locked in to me. I also would love to pick Bryson here, but every time I do, it seems like he wins, so I will not tempt fate.
I really hope us, as the fans, get to see the wind change directions throughout the week and see some pretty gusty conditions. I like seeing the best golfers in the world struggle to make par. That is when golf is at its best. I think somewhere around -10 to -12 will win, but I think it will be a grind. I am excited to see what guys that are borderline Ryder Cup players do this week. There are a lot of points up for grabs and the closer we get to September, the more these points matter. The other big thing I am looking forward to this week is how the young guys perform out there. They can all hit it a mile and are either good or elite iron players so a tournament like this really plays into their hands. I expect a few of them to be contending heading into the weekend before Rory pulls away. (Tyler)