PGA Championship 2011: 5 Youngsters Who Can Make an Impression in Atlanta

With so many of the world’s top players showing great form at the WGC Bridgestone last week, the 93rd PGA Championship this week could go the way for one of many players.

Much of the attention will be focused on the established players such as Woods and Phil Mickelson to win at the Atlanta Athletic Club. But some of the game's younger players have been making their presence felt and there are a number of emerging talents that will be looking to join Rory McIlroy, who won the US Open in June at the age of 22.

Here, we look at the best players under the age of 23 currently making a name for themselves in Golf and who it would be no surprise to see high up the leaderboard in Atlanta this week.

Rory McIlroy: Age 22

Following his astonishing record-breaking victory at the US Open in June, McIlroy is the favorite to win a second major by winning the PGA this week.

The young man from Northern Ireland also had one arm in the sleeve of a green jacket at Augusta in April, only for it to be wrenched away following a final round collapse. He proved, however, by winning at Congressional that his collapse did not impair his mindset and he will be highly motivated to win this week.

He certainly 'flies the flag' of the game's younger players.

Jason Day: Age 23

Following two runner-up prizes at the Masters and the US Open, this young Australian has risen to No. 8 in the World Rankings and quite deservedly, is amongst the favorites to claim a first major this week.

Tied for 10th place in the PGA Championship 12 months ago, the 23-year-old clearly has the perfect temperament for playing big events.

He was tied fourth last week at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational which followed an impressive fifth in the Byron Nelson a tournament in which he had won 12 months earlier. He was also sixth in the Players Championship at Sawgrass earlier in the season.

Rickie Fowler: Age 22

Another young player with an ideal temperament for golf on the biggest stage, as his exploits in the 2010 Ryder Cup proved.

Since making a name for himself at Celtic Manor, Fowler has gone on to record top-10 finishes in three WGC events. He was fifth at last month’s British Open and heads to Atlanta in great form after his tie for second place at the WGC Bridgestone.

Although the Oklahoma State alum has no outright tour victories yet to his name, it is difficult to see the 22-year-old having to wait too much longer for that first taste of success.

Matteo Manassero: Age 18

Only 18 years of age but with already two European Tour wins to his name, this young Italian is set to take the golfing world by storm over the next few years.

Although he has yet to impress in the majors—his best finish so far was his tie for 13th at the Open Championship in 2009 where he was the top amateur—Manassero has shown great consistency and a maturity way beyond his years.

It is not expected that he will win this week, but the course certainly looks like one that he will relish and a top-10 place could be his reward.

Ryo Ishikawa: Age 19

Tied for fourth place at the WGC Bridgestone, this 19-year-old Japanese star is already a nine-time winner on the Japan Tour and played very well when tied for 20th place at the US Masters in April.

He followed that up with a top-30 finish at the US Open and a number of top-three finishes in Japan.

He is in great form and this course should suit his game, provided he can overcome his often seen poor choice of shot selection.

Like Manassero, it would be a surprise to see him win the PGA Championship, but he is more than capable of being in contention at some point during the four days.