PGA Championship Preview

May 15 2019 – THE GOLF SOCIETY

The best golfers from all over the world are headed to Long Island, New York for the 101st edition of the PGA Championship, which used to be the final major in the schedule, but is now sandwiched in between the Masters andU.S. Open. Last year, Brooks Koepka outlasted a charging Tiger Woods to earn his 1st Wanamaker Trophy, his 2nd major championship of 2018, and his 3rd major title overall. Less than 9 months after his victory, he’s set to defend his crown against a professionals-only field, including former PGA Champions Phil Mickelson, Justin Thomas, and Jason Day.

LOCATION

The Black Course at Bethpage State Park :

The Black Course at Bethpage State Park will host its 3rd major championship and first PGA Championship. Known as one of the toughest municipal golf courses in America, Bethpage Black has also hosted two FedEx Cup Playoffs events in 2012 and 2016. With the tournament being moved to May, the focus will be on how the Spring weather will affect the scoring on this challenging golf course.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

The Resurgence of Tiger: Its been 14 years since Tiger Woods has gone into the second major of the season as the reigning Masters champion, and after his stunning victory at Augusta, all eyes will be on the 43-year-old’s chance to win two majors in a season since2006 and the first two majors in a season since 2002. He’s had success both in the PGA Championship and at Bethpage Black: he won the PGA in 1999, 2000, 2005and 2006, and he won his 2nd of 3 U.S. Open titles at Bethpage Black in 2002. If he can re-create the incredible ball striking he displayed at theMasters with a solid putting performance, he has a great chance to earn major championship number-16.

Notables in the Field: There are a variety of storylines heading into the PGA Championship aside from Tiger Woods. Jordan Spieth, despite his struggles, has his opportunity to complete the Career Grand Slam with a victory this week. Rickie Fowler is still seeking his first major championship, and the boisterous New York crowds will certainly give him a boost if he finds himself in contention. There are also a handful of one-time major championship winners whose resumes would be bolstered with a Wanamaker Trophy, including Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Dustin Johnson, and Patrick Reed.