PGA Championship 2011: 5 Favorites and 5 Longshots to Win Wanamaker

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JOHNS CREEK, GA - AUGUST 08: David Toms signs autugraphs for fans during a practice round prior to the start of the 93rd PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club on August 8, 2011 in Johns Creek, Georgia. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Is this the weekend where an American golfer finally breaks the string of losses in a major golf championship?

As a writer and fan, I sure hope so.

An American golfer has not won a major championship since Phil Mickelson got his third Masters win in 2010 over Lee Westwood.

Since then, there has been a run by foreign-born players who have dominated men's golf.

But at the PGA at Highlands, the string has a good chance to be broken.

Of the top 21 players who finished at the Open Championship, 12 were Americans. Mickelson and Dustin Johnson tied for second overall behind winner Darren Clarke. Players like Zach Johnson, Rickie Fowler and David Toms all finished in the top 10. This could also be a chance at redemption for Mickelson, who is out to prove he can still win another major.

And then, there is Tiger Woods.

Can he put together four solid rounds and remain in contention this week?

There is only one way to find out? And it all starts today.

David Toms- Contender

AKRON, OH - AUGUST 07: David Toms hits his tee shot on the third hole during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational on the South Course at Firestone Country Club on August 7, 2011 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Ge

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

He is such a good story this year, battling back from injury and adversity.

He was on pace to win The Players Championship but lost in a playoff to KJ Choi.

Toms played well last week and looks to take that momentum and challenge the younger crowd and the course this week.

Keegan Bradley- Pretender

JOHNS CREEK, GA - AUGUST 10: Keegan Bradley watches a shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 93rd PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club on August 10, 2011 in Johns Creek, Georgia. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

There were many who watched Bradley stay near the top of the leaderboard for most of the weekend at Bridgestone.

This week may not be as kind to him. He has a solid game, but this is a major championship and the question becomes whether he can put together four rounds of solid golf under these conditions.

Anthony Kim- Pretender

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV - JULY 31: Anthony Kim and his caddie walk down the second fairway during the final round of The Greenbrier Classic at The Old White TPC on July 31, 2011 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Imag

Hunter Martin/Getty Images

We keep waiting for him to become the golfer he can be.

A few years ago he had such promise, and we thought he would be ready to challenge Tiger and the rest of the field as one of the new stars of the tour.

This year in major championships, he has finished 54th at the U.S. Open and 5th at the Open Championship.

We are still waiting for him to break out.

Phil Mickelson- Contender

JOHNS CREEK, GA - AUGUST 09: Phil Mickelson signs autographs for fans during a practice round prior to the start of the 93rd PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club on August 9, 2011 in Johns Creek, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Could the last American male to capture a major champion be the one to break the string that is plaguing American golf?

You bet.

Mickelson is looking for redemption from his failed attempt at Royal St. George's. Mickelson has the game and the determination to prove he can still compete in majors.

And even win them.