3 Unlikely Heroes that Could Shine at the PGA Championship
By Matt Cochran
The 97th PGA Championship heads to Whistling Straits this week, as it hosts the tournament for the third time in its history. The normal power rankings are filled with the top players in the world like Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, etc., but who are some guys who could shock the golfing world?
While many of the experts are busy talking about the favorites, it’s important to remember about the unpredictability that comes with the sport of golf. Who could have expected Y.E. Yang would hold off Tiger Woods for the 2009 PGA Championship?
With that being said, here are three golfers who could make their way up the leaderboard this week in Wisconsin.
Brooks Koepka
Aug 7, 2015; Akron, OH, USA; Brooks Koepka acknowledges fans as he walks of the green of the ninth hole during the second round of the World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club – South Course. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Brooks Koepka is looking to be in great form heading into Whistling Straits. He picked up his first win of his career at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and has built on his confidence ever since.
He’s entering the PGA Championship after contending in almost every one of his last five tournaments and placing top 20 in each of those events, including three top 10s.
After tying for third at the FedEx St. Jude Classic, Koepka tied for 18th at the U.S. Open and then tied for 10th at The Open Championship. His other major finish was at the Masters where he tied for 33rd.
He’s coming off a tie for sixth at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and has plenty of confidence to go along with it. Brooks is one of the longest hitter on TOUR, coming in at sixth overall, which is going to be essential at 7,790-yard Whistling Straits course.
He’s crept his way up the leaderboard of a major championship before, so don’t be surprised to see his name up there again. It’d be nice to see him holding the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday at 40-1 odds.
Steve Stricker
May 9, 2014; Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA; Steve Stricker walks off the 9th tee during the second round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass – Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Forget his two missed cuts in eight tournaments for a second or that his best finish was 27th at the Crowne Plaza Invitational. Forget the fact he is eight months removed from back surgery that removed a bulging disk. Embrace the fact that this week at Whistling Straits will be a homecoming for Steve Stricker.
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The PGA Championship is back in the state of Wisconsin where Stricker was born and raised. He’s a fan favorite wherever he may go and that will certainly be the case for him this week.
He placed tied for 18th back when the tournament stopped by Whistling Straits in 2010, but didn’t play during the previous time in 2004.
While many ride the hot hand of golfers entering this week, I’m going with the sentimental pick. I think there’s still some gas left in Stricker’s tank and he will embrace the outpouring support he receives from his hometown this week. (150-1 on Bovada.com)
Ernie Els
Aug 24, 2014; Paramus, NJ, USA; Ernie Els tees off on the fifth hole during the final round of The Barclays golf tournament at Ridgewood Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Big Easy. Ernie has the tendency to have one solid round heading into the weekend of majors, but can never really string together four consistent rounds. However, I think this is the week Els can get something going.
The last time the PGA Championship stopped by Whistling Straits in 2010, the Big Easy posted 68-74-69-73 to tie for 18th. When it was hosted at this track in 2004, he did even better, tying for fourth with rounds of 66-70-72-73.
There’s something the Big Easy likes about this Pete Dye course. Maybe it’s the par 5s, going a combined 12-under in those two years
Els’ best finish at a major this year was a tie for 22nd at the Masters, but I think his record with this course will play to be a big advantage for the Big Easy. Just look how happy he is out there. (200-1 on Bovada.com)