PGA Championship 2011 Golf: The Top 5 American Golfers at Highlands Course

Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

America is winless where it counts. Not the Ryder Cup, but the majors this year.

Each major has featured a number of contending Americans, but they have been defeated time and again, especially by those from Northern Ireland.

While things may not be booming for American golf there are plenty of respectable players that we should be proud of for representing the Stars and Stripes.

Let's take a look at the top Americans featured in this week's event.

No. 5: Dustin Johnson

Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Had his game stayed at last year's, Johnson would be a much higher pick. However, he is barely scraping this list and makes it on based on major performances.

At the most recent Open Championship, Johnson vaulted himself into contention, before being shut down by Darren Clarke.

There is somewhat of a "major" factor that Johnson is going to take advantage of this week. He's been in these situations before and knows what it will take of himself to win.

No. 4: Rickie Fowler

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Although Rickie failed to capitalize last weekend, it wasn't his fault Adam Scott played spectacular golf.

Fowler played all four rounds in the 60s, with 100 total putts.

The thing that needs to tighten up is the iron set. With the best putting in the tournament Fowler very well should try to hit a few more greens or just place his shots closer.

You can't do much better than 25 putts per round, and that's something to pride yourself on, America.

No. 3: Matt Kuchar

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Once again it's Matt Kuchar having a quiet year. But look at the stats. Other than being winless, Kuchar has a second, third, eight total top tens and 13 top 25s in 16 cuts made. 

It's the picture of consistency for Matt Kuchar who is so often overlooked. After a spectacular season last year (which he is on pace to have the same numbers) Kuchar came back to show that he's not a one and done player.

Kuchar just sits inside the top 10 waiting for the right tournament. This week could easily be it.

No. 2: Phil Mickelson

Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Phil may be having a rough year, but coming into a major you have to respect his abilities. He is another guy like Tiger who enters majors knowing that no matter where his game may be, he can win.

Phil has been at the top four times prior to this week. He knows what it's going to take to win this week. And had Phil not ended poorly in Sandwich, we may have had an American winning a major.

Nobody can deny Phil the chance of winning this week unless it's Phil himself.

No. 1: Nick Watney

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Nick Watney is by far America's best hope. Watney has two wins, plenty of top 10s and the chance to keep the Wannamaker on American soil.

Last year Watney's final round struggle was overshadowed by Dustin Johnson and his now infamous bunker incident.

That could play for Watney—who didn't have his name talked about and his game questioned. Instead he could go quietly and re-tune what he needed to do.