PGA Championship 2015: Predictions, Live Stream and TV Coverage Hub for Thursday
The fourth and final major of the golf season gets underway when the best golfers in the world tee off Thursday at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.
While the PGA does not usually have the high profile of the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open or the British Open, there is every chance that this could be the most memorable of this year's majors.
The Whistling Straits setting has quite a bit to do with it. It is a dramatic course with more than 1,000 bunkers and has views of Lake Michigan on every hole.
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Jordan Spieth is attempting to win his third major of the season, while Rory McIlroy is attempting to return from a ruptured ankle ligament to defend his PGA Championship title. McIlroy was unable to do that in the British Open because his injury prevented him from teeing up.
"Forget Tiger vs. Phil — Rory McIlroy vs. Jordan Spieth is golf's new rivalry -… http://t.co/DKzJwkgnI3 #Sports pic.twitter.com/QxbtvFx52m
— #SocialMedia NC (@greensboro_nc) August 13, 2015"
Five years ago, Martin Kaymer won the PGA Championship in a playoff over Bubba Watson. Dustin Johnson would have been in that playoff if he had not taken a two-stroke penalty for grounding his club in a tiny bunker on the 72nd hole. Johnson, who had additional heartbreak at this year's U.S. Open, will try to right those wrongs this time around.
"Dustin Johnson when asked how many times he's thought about "bunkergate" since 2010: "About as many times as I've been asked the question."
— Kelly Tilghman (@KellyTilghmanGC) August 12, 2015"
Tournament Info
Location: Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wisconsin
Dates: Thursday, Aug. 13 - Sunday, Aug. 16
Purse: $10,000,000
Live Stream: PGA.com
| Date | Round | Time (ET) | Network |
| Aug. 13 | 1 | 2 - 8 p.m. | TNT |
| Aug. 14 | 2 | 2 - 8 p.m. | TNT |
| Aug. 15 | 3 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | TNT |
| Aug. 15 | 3 | 2 - 7 p.m. | CBS |
| Aug. 16 | 4 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | TNT |
| Aug. 16 | 4 | 2 - 7 p.m. | CBS |
Full list of tee times available courtesy of PGATour.com.
Jason Day certainly has a chance to break through and win the first major of his career, while Rickie Fowler has been having a sensational season and may be ready to add the Wanamaker Trophy to his personal trophy case.
"Jason Day on winning a major: "The more opportunities that I give myself, sooner or later, it's going to happen." http://t.co/jJZVX5824M
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) August 12, 2015"
Other top golfers to watch here include Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Jim Furyk and Louis Oosthuizen. Golf fans who are hoping Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson can find his best form may be disappointed. While Lefty has had a few close calls—he tied for second at the Masters and tied for third at the FedEx St. Jude Classic—he has not been at his best in his last three tournaments. Tiger has been off form throughout the season.
"He’s ready for another. Louis Oosthuizen wants a second major after major seconds: http://t.co/wjMJrzltkR pic.twitter.com/ifGwI1BWb1
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) August 11, 2015"
Prediction
Give full credit to McIlroy for returning to competition at this demanding and hilly course. It will be challenging for all players to make it through 72 holes here, but it will be especially tough for McIlroy, who suffered an ankle injury in July. He will almost certainly feel the strain after 36 holes, assuming his game is sharp and he makes the cut. We expect McIlroy to make the cut, but he will fade over the final 36 holes.
Watson appears to be in excellent form as he gets ready to take on this classic course. He ranks second in FedEx Cup points this year and is the third-ranked golfer in the world.
His distance off the tee is prodigious (315.8 yards per drive), and he hits the ball farther than anyone except Dustin Johnson. Watson is much more than a huge hitter, and when he is dialed in, he can string together birdies and put fear into the hearts of the rest of the field. We expect that to happen here, as Watson should be among the leaders down the stretch on Sunday.
However, when it comes to winning the Wanamaker Trophy, we expect Spieth to come through once again. While he did not win the British Open, he played quite well across the pond and finished in a tie for fourth place.
Spieth's ability to hit his best shots when it matters most makes him the golfer to beat in this tournament. He is not the longest hitter, as he averages 292.5 yards with his driver. However, he is brilliant tee-to-green, and once he is on the dance floor, he can get on a tremendous roll. Spieth averages 4.58 birdies per round, and that's the best mark on the PGA Tour.
Spieth has proved he can keep his cool in the most stressful situations. Commentators marvel about a 22-year-old who apparently doesn't feel the pressure. However, we disagree with the assessment. The reason Spieth plays so well in the spotlight is that he has had the success and confidence that few golfers have. It's not a function of age at all.
Spieth simply has the most talent of any golfer in the field, and that's why he will win the PGA Championship.
Stats courtesy of PGATour.com.
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