This year's PGA is being played at Oak Hill's East Course, a classic design by legendary designer Donald Ross. According to the PGA Tour post Ten Things to Know about PGA Championship:
Oak Hill didn't start hosting big championships until 1956, though it has staged some big moments. It's where Lee Trevino first emerged as a major champion in 1968, and where Curtis Strange went back-to-back in the U.S. Open in 1989. Europe turned the tide in the Ryder Cup with a comeback at Oak Hill in 1995. And even when it had a surprise winner in Shaun Micheel, he clinched the 2003 PGA Championship with a 7-iron to 2 inches on the last hole.Add this little fact: Of ALL the majors played at Oak Hill, Jack Nicklaus (1980 PGA) holds the scoring record at -6. If Oak Hill stays true to form, we'll have a low-scoring major and perhaps an unexpected winner.
So here are my 5 picks -- the guys I believe are most likely to win the 2013 PGA Championship at Oak Hill:
- Tiger Woods: I have to have Tiger on my list. Tiger is playing well tee to green and seems to be putting pretty well also.That's the recipe for a 15th Tiger major. Besides, he won the WGC-Bridgestone last week; why not a back-to-back win?
- Phil Mickelson: Likewise, I have to give Phil a vote of confidence. He accomplished the never-before-seen back-to-back Scottish Open/Open Championship and, like Tiger, is playing as well as ever.
- Angel Cabrera: It's hard to get a good hold on how Angel's playing at any particular time; he's a streaky player. But as evidenced by his 2007 US Open win at Oakmont, he's got cojones grandes when the going gets tough.
- Matteo Manassero: Matteo may not be long enough for most short lists, but I like the way he's been playing this year. One good week of putting may be all it takes for him to grab his first major.
- Steve Stricker: Perhaps the ultimate long shot. Why isn't Steve a favorite at every major? It's simple -- he doesn't really make that many birdies. In fact, he's one of the worst on Tour when playing the par-5s! Stricks desperately needs a great week with his wedge... but if he gets it, he could walk away with his first major.
- THU Aug 08: TNT 1:00-7:00p
- FRI Aug 09: TNT 1:00-7:00p
- SAT Aug 10: TNT 11:00a-2:00p, CBS 2:00-7:00p
- SUN Aug 11: TNT 11:00a-2:00p, CBS 2:00-7:00p
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