PGA Championship 2012: Everything You Need to Know About the Day Ahead

It's put up or shut up in the final major of the golf season.

Players have one more opportunity to claim the ultimate prize, something everyone works towards. 

The PGA Championship started Thursday, and while it isn't receiving much attention because of the Olympics, NFL Preseason and MLB pennant race, it deserves more recognition because this is the last major of the year. 

Here's everything you need to know about the day ahead: 

When: August 10, second day of tournament. 

Where: The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Watch: Friday from 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. ET, TNT; You can watch the PGA Championship Saturday & Sunday on CBS from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. ET.

Live Streaming: PGA.com/PGAChampionship

Players to Watch

Tiger Woods

Are you tired of hearing this guy's name? Are you tired of hearing why he's a contender? Well, despite not winning major tournaments, Woods is getting closer and closer to claiming one.

His past tournaments have seen him perform well early but tail off Saturday and/or Sunday. Yes, the same Tiger Woods who used to dominate and scare the field if he was in contention on the final day.

Obviously this isn't the same Tiger Woods, but he still deserves to be mentioned because golf isn't the same when we aren't talking about Woods.

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has taken a step back this year. Golf fans claimed McIlroy as possibly the next Tiger Woods. 

Just another example of how sports fans jump to conclusions. 

McIlroy has struggled significantly this year, including missing the cut multiple times. He has struggled in all facets of his game, including his strengths at times. 

Confidence in golf goes a long way, and McIlroy's confidence level was not great heading into this tournament. 

Luke Donald

It's time for Luke Donald to win a major championship. Let's be completely serious here, the best player in the world should be a player who has won a major before.

Donald has continuously played average golf in major events throughout his tenure at World No. 1. He can't get over the hump.

It's time for Donald to finally play up to his lofty ranking. The Englishman being No. 1 just proves golf needs Tiger Woods on top of his game.