PGA Championship Leaderboard 2012: Slow Starters Who Will Make Strong Push

Getting off to a slow start in a major golf tournament doesn't necessarily mean disaster. Sure, it doesn't help, but there are certain individuals capable of making a strong push after starting slow.

These three golfers will do just that:

Lee Westwood (E)

Lee Westwood finished third in the 2009 PGA Championship. He has the experience to make a strong push on Friday before the weekend begins.

Westwood is a former No. 1 and his experience in major competitions, and on tour, will prove to work to his favor in one of the biggest tournaments of the year. 

Despite being consistent, Westwood hasn't been able to capitalize on birdie opportunities. He sits at even par, but still finds himself several strokes behind the leader.

It's only a matter of time before Westwood sinks his birdie opportunities. 

Dustin Johnson (-1)

Dustin Johnson is another veteran player who has seen his opportunities in the opening round. He's capitalized on a few birdie chances, but his bogeys are the No. 1 reason why he sits at 1-under par.

Despite his slow start, Johnson will make a strong push Friday towards the top of the leaderboard.

Johnson has never finished better than fifth at the PGA Championship. If he can hit some of his birdie chances, limit his bogeys and hit the fairway with consistency, a better finish is on his radar in 2012.

Angel Cabrera (+3)

Argentina's Angel Cabrera hasn't performed at a high level in 2012 and he's struggled at the PGA Championship (never finishing better than 19th), but he has the talent and game to play well in the upcoming days.

For Cabrera, it's about piecing the correct puzzle together. Hitting the fairway, being consistent on the green and building confidence from Rounds 1 and 2. 

Cabrera hasn't built confidence thus far, but Round 2 will be important for his chances of competing in this tournament. He'll bounce back in a big way Friday which will at least put him into semi-contention by Saturday. 

PGA Championship Leaderboad via ESPN.com

T1. Carl Pettersson  -5 

T1. Joost Luiten  -5

T1. Rory McIlroy  -5

T4. Gary Woodland -4

T4. Cameron Tringale -4

T4. Peter Hanson -4