When it comes to Woods – although it always seems possible he’ll look like his old, dominant self – nothing about Whistling Straits will do him any favours. He is ready to win his first Major; however, he will be close this year, but will not be able to close the deal.
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But it became the story five years ago, when Dustin Johnson’s drive on the last hole found one of the more than 1,000 defined bunkers at Whistling Straits, with Johnson holding a one-shot lead.
Spieth lamented his inability to find the firm fairways on the South Course following a third-round 72, but he had no issues off the tee Sunday.
Not knowing the rule proved damaging for Johnson in 2010.
Johnson returns to Wisconsin this week for another PGA Championship at Whistling Straits with his reputation cemented even more firmly – extravagant talent, 10-cent head.
If he has a strong enough showing, he could add the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina to his schedule in a bid to qualify for the US PGA Tour s FedEx Cup playoffs.
The bearded Irishman, ranked 48th in the world, registered four birdies and several clutch par saves in a flawless display on a tree-lined layout where danger lurked at every corner to post an 11-under total of 269.
In fact, Woods is the only player to win the PGA Championship in back-to-back years since the event changed to stroke play. They do a tremendous job, and it’s obviously my favourite tournament to come to and play in for many different reasons. “So I have kept that part of the game sharp”. All bunkers inside the ropes will be raked each morning prior to play as normal. That should keep the focus on the actual tournament, which starts Thursday amid plenty of hype. Nicklaus and Tom Watson had an equally celebrated rivalry throughout the ’70s, but they produced only two memorable duels: the 1977 British Open at Turnberry, and the 1982 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.
On Friday, McIlroy hinted strongly at his journey to Whistling Straits by posting a picture of the interior of a private jet with a British passport front and center on a table.
It may be just five weeks since Rory ruptured ligaments, ultimately denying him the chance to defend his Open title at St Andrews, but those fearing that he is rushing back too soon and risking further injury should remember he is a very capable man surrounded by the right people.
A victory this week would bump Jordan Spieth into the No. 1 spot for the first time, and give him something that’s never been done, by anyone. We all want to be in the top 50 and I’m some way off that, but heading in the right direction by playing the majors and being around those (top) guys again.
The US Open has long been Phil Mickelson’s white whale. It happened in 2006 (Tiger Woods), 2008 (Padraig Harrington), and 2014 (McIlroy).
McIlroy, an 11-time PGA Tour victor, hasn’t played since he tied for ninth at the U.S. Open in June.
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Johnson blamed his final miss, from 4 feet, on the conditions: “It just bounced and missed left”. When it was last played there, in 2010, McIlroy finished one shot out of a play-off. And that infamous bunker on #18, where Dustin lost it, that has been covered by a rather sizable spectator tent.
