Our PGA Championship Picks: A 2011 Grand Slam of New Major Winners

Andres Davidsson

by Andres Davidsson, TheGolfStream’s playing analyst.

As usual, we are putting forward our top-five favorites to win the next upcoming major, The U.S. PGA Championship, to be held at The Atlanta Athletic Club on 11th th 14th of August. This is the last major of the year, and the least wanted.

This marks the third major that is held annually on U.S. soil, with only one taking place outside The United States – The Open Championship (British Open). Although an idea that may not be popular west of the Atlantic, is it perhaps time for us to consider the standing of this fourth and final major of the year, keeping in mind the growing strength of players from other corners of the world. Is there a way for us to throw Australia and Asia in the mix?

I have picked out five players that I will believe have a chance to contend for the PGA Championship. None of these have ever won a major, and how fitting this is, with the other three championships of 2011 going to new major winners; Charl Schwartzel, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke, a South African and two from Northern Ireland:

Dustin Johnson

He showed a new side to himself when it comes to shotmaking in the strong winds and bad weather at the Open Championship. He was ever so close last year, and now sports a tee-shirt saying: “What bunker?”. It is his time now. His putter was cold at Firestone, but I am sure it will be on this week.

Luke Donald

Another fine play at Firestone. Stellar iron play, but with a few missed putts from short range. The man will get one major sooner or later, but is it this one he wants? I think yes. He wants to get the monkey off his back and show the rest of the world that he is worthy of the World Number One spot.

Brandt Snedeker

Straight hitter of the ball, good putter. He might surprise us here. I have the feeling he will do well.

Matt Kuchar

Has been a steady player for the last two years now and he will be in the mix, but he has not been in the spotlight this year like last year. He is coming in under the radar.

Lee Westwood

Played well at Firestone. His putting is getting better and he played four rounds of good golf this week.

This event’s Dark Horse will be Fredrik Jacobson.

TOPICS: PGA Championship

ABOUT: Edwin Roald

Edwin is a golf course designer and writer whose independent design work now spans a decade and half-a-dozen countries. An avid golf historian, Edwin has devoted his entire education and career to golf, and has recently campaigned a departure from the eighteen-hole tradition, hoping to help revitalize participation in golf.

Leave a Reply

  • (will not be published)