PGA Championship

The summer is always when the PGA tour really takes off. Suddenly though, the golfing year is entering their big finish. This week is the last major of the year, the PGA Championship, which will be held at Valhalla. Soon the FedEx Cup Playoffs will be underway too. Then, the Ryder Cup. Exciting stuff!

Today, we’ll just stick to our normal preview:

Key Holes at Valhalla

#2 – “The Ridge” – After a generous opening hole, this par 4 is daunting at roughly 500 yards. Water, bunkers, and trees line the fairway and surround the green. Par is a great score here.

#6 – “The Bear” – Similar to the second hole, this beast of a par 4 plays nearly 500 yards. What makes this hole different is the complex green with a deep bunker on the left and a shaved run off to the right.

#7 – “Players Pick” – As the name indicates, this is a risk/reward hole. There is a split fairway that can make the hole shorter, but it brings water and rough well into play. The other route though clearly makes it a three shot hole. This is also the only par 5 on the front, so players will feel pressure to perform.

#13 – “The Island” – This is a short par 4, but the green is an island which makes it both fun and challenging. Accuracy will rule the day here, particularly with the short iron approach.

#16/#18 – “Down the Stretch” and “Gahm Over” are the key finishing holes, as both are long and challenging. The difference is that 18 is a par 5, so it does allow an opportunity to birdie.

Pick 5 Challenge

For those who are not familiar, for many PGA Tour evens we pick 5 players that we think will do well. Greg leads the tight race this year 488 to 478. We gave each contestant freedom to choose any five players they wish.

Greg's Picks

Rory McIlroy

Sergio Garcia

Adam Scott

Marc Leishman

Jim Furyk

Andrew's Picks

Rory McIlroy

Adam Scott

Rickie Fowler

Justin Rose

Phil Mickelson

Tiger Woods

While it hasn’t been announced, most assume Tiger Woods will not play this week after once again having back trouble (although he’s practicing today). He’ll miss the Fedex Cup and will likely then miss the Ryder Cup as well. The question we ask is: Will he ever win another major?

Greg – No, he won’t. Tiger continues to be riddled with injuries year after year, in some important parts of the body. Suddenly, he’s also fairly old now and is quickly running out of time. I know golfers can age well and still win in their 40’s, but recently it’s the younger guys that have dominated.

Andrew – I’ve said yes to this question for many years, ever since the doubting started. I’m seriously questioning it now (my head is telling me no), but I’m stubborn so I’ll still say yes. He needs to get fully healthy, get his putting back on track, and put the driver away. He should take the rest of the year off resting and working on his game. That way he’ll be ready to roll in 2015.

Intriguing Pairings

Here are three I love:

Bubba Watson/Martin Kaymer/Rory McIlroy – The three major champs in 2014 will be playing together as they typically do at the PGA Championship. Rory in particular is on top of the golfing world after retaking #1 in the world rankings from Adam Scott.

Adam Scott/Jordan Spieth/Lee Westwood – Speaking of Scott, he’s anxious to take back #1 this week. Spieth is one of my favorite young players on the verge of big things, and Westwood is the best player never to win a major. Can it happen now?

Matt Kuchar/Louis Oosthuizen/Justin Rose – The only non-major champion here is Kuchar, but he’s one of the most consistent performers on tour. Likely, someone from this group will seriously be in the mix this weekend, and potentially all three.

Like always, let us know your thoughts. Feel free to pick five guys yourself and compete against us. Let us know what you are looking forward to. And don't miss the action, particularly on Sunday afternoon. Enjoy!

By: The Sports Guys