2008 PGA Championship Preview
The 90th PGA Championship at Oakland Hills has many storylines. Some have had success and others have been haunted by demons.
It was four years ago when some of the world’s best assembled for the 2004 Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills but there may just be some proof in the pudding of those results.
Phil Mickelson comes into Oakland Hills having handed the Bridgestone Invitational to Vijay Singh and his wonky putter.
Oakland Hills may not be a good set up for Mickelson, who went a disastrous 1-3 in the 2004 Ryder Cup (at Oakland Hills) including two losses paired with Tiger Woods, being left out of Saturdays four-ball and losing to Sergio Garcia in singles on Sunday.
Yes, match play is different than stroke play but the bottom line is Mickelson can’t be confident coming in to this one.
Sergio Garcia has had several close calls in majors in his career. This may be the place for Garcia to break through. Garcia went 4-0-1 in the 2004 Ryder Cup including the aforementioned victory over Mickelson. With Tiger not in the mix at a place where he’s had some success, The Players champion will look to hoist the trophy come Sunday.
Two-time British Open champion Padraig Harrington is on a high after his title defence. Whether or not he settles in time to make a run here, we will know shortly, however, he too had success at the 2004 Ryder cup with a 4-1 record.
My pick for the week will surprise many, but I don’t think it should. Lee Westwood has been to put in these terms the bridesmaid of 2008 if you will.
He finished third at the US Open, second last week at Bridgestone WGC, and 11th at the masters. That's three strong finishes in three of golf’s strongest fields, in a WINLESS season.
Westwood went 4-0-1 in the 2004 Ryder Cup. Sounds like a good place to notch your first win of 2008 and make it your first major as well.
Who will claim “Glory’s Last Shot”? We’ll find out Sunday.
