Golf Majors: Predicting the Major Winners in 2016
By Ryan Andrade
The PGA Championship
Dates: July 28-31
Venue: Baltusrol GC, Springfield, NJ
Winner: Branden Grace (-6)
South African Branden Grace takes “Glory’s Last Shot”
After an American sweep through the first three major PGA championship contests, South African Branden Grace takes the PGA Championship and gets the first major of his career.
So yes, I am not picking Jason Day or Rory McIlroy to win a major in 2016. I want to see Day play with more of a chip on his shoulder and I want to see Rory show me he can be consistent with the putter. They might make adjustments as the major seasons heat up, but as of now I feel confident with the winners I’ve chosen.
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Back to Grace. He figures to be the new face of South American Golf. As Ernie Els’ career comes to an end, he will be the guy that shines through. You might say what about Louis Oosthuizen or Charl Schwartzel? Both have won a major, but Grace has really burst onto the scene and shown his potential.
Just look at Grace’s 2015 for example, he had two top-5’s at the majors. He was tied for the lead on the 16th hole at the U.S. Open before he made one bad swing and sent his 3-wood out of bounds. He also was a perfect 5-0 in his Presidents Cup matches and showed the ability to thrive under pressure. Grace is an excellent ball striker and possess and exquisite short game. That will play into his hands at Baltusrol.
I’m pretty confident in saying that you’re not going to see 20-under-par when the PGA Championship heads to Springfield this year. Last time it was hosted at Baltusrol it was Phil Mickelson who took home the Waunamaker Trophy back in 2005. He finished at 4-under-par for the tournament. The weather will make an impact as whether we see firm and fast fairways or more softer conditions. When this course gets wet, the rough gets absolutely nasty.
Grace is off and running this year, as he took home the Qatar Masters for the second year in a row. He seems to be in the mix on Sunday every time he tees it up. I think he takes “Glory’s Last Shot” in 2016.
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Let’s hear your comments – who do you pick to win the four golf majors in 2016?