McIlroy has not officially confirmed his participation in the year’s final major, but he will play barring a last-minute setback, and is expected to have a practice round on Saturday.
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Spieth will have a close-up view of one of his biggest rivals for the crown — defending champion and world number one Rory McIlroy — as they are grouped together for the first two rounds along with American Zach Johnson — who triumphed last month at the British Open where Spieth was unable to capture the third major of the year. Adding to the challenging conditions, the course is anything but flat.
Beem, who will be combining his Sky Sports commentary role with playing in the tournament this week, is adamant that McIlroy can overcome any rust in his game to get himself into contention for the title on Sunday. Woods has missed the cut in the past two majors, and it wasn’t even close. In both cases, a playoff was required to determine the victor. After making what Johnson thought was a bogey to join a playoff with Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson, a rules official explained Johnson’s mistake and that he would need to take a two-stroke penalty for grounding his club in a bunker. Does McIlroy fill Woods’ role of top draw in the game?
“They move over time”, Willis said.
Numerous pundits have outlined their picks and they are obvious.
Jordan Spieth is edging closer to McIlroy’s world No 1 spot and he is acutely aware of the threat. I recently finished another season of instruction for my junior golf camp, and I have to tell you the staff at Coldwater could not have treated us better. “When you have a megaquick first putt, nine times out of 10 you won’t hit the second one as hard as you want, won’t have quite the same acceleration”. He was No. 1 in the world in 13 of the 18 times he’s played the PGA Championship and was out of the top 10 only once – No. 30 in 2011 in a season marred by injuries. Take Dustin Johnson at the British Open for example.
He was among the leaders in driving distance at the National, and length off the tee could be crucial at Whistling Straits. Johnson played well at the Masters and US Open.
This was one step short of winning a Major, earned him a three-year exemption on the PGA Tour and propelled him into the FedEx Cup – truly life-changing stuff. “I’ve been practicing for the last sort of week and a half”. He is the total package and definitely knows how to win.
The PGA Championship victor – Rickie Fowler.
The rules will again be posted in the locker room and other pieces of literature for players, said Dirk Willis, Director of Golf Operations at Whistling Straits. His performance in the 2015 Majors did not match his 2014 performance, yet he seems to be in the mix for most tournaments.
Spieth closed with a 4-under 66 on Sunday at the Bridgestone Invitational, his last round before heading to Whistling Straits for the PGA Championship.
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Lee fired a final round two under par 68 to finish at five under for the tournament, six shots behind the victor, Irishman Shane Lowry.
