|
Written by Bryan Spitzer
|
|
Thursday, 07 August 2008 |
|
As the PGA Tour begins its final major of the 2008 season the FedEx Cup and Ryder Cup leader boards are surprising, to say the least at the top of the FedEx Cup Points sits Kenny Perry one of the games best drivers of the golf ball while being one of the streakiest putters around. His decision to play in events which play to his strengths have certainly paid off despite the double points and bonus points awarded for the Ryder and FedEx Cup's, respectively. Perry, now with three wins is a lock for Ryder Cup next month being contested in his home State of Kentucky.
As for the PGA Championship there will be no Three-peat and quite possibly a first time major winner as the week in-week out contenders through out the summer are a group of 20/early 30 something's who have racked up an impressive 12 wins since the WGC CA at Doral. Leading that pack is Anthony Kim with two big wins (Wachovia, AT&T ) already this season and a T7 at the Open Championship. Kim, this summer season has positioned himself to make a legit run at the PGA Championship having gained a lot of experience in pressure situations from the past two majors. He ranks among the top 15 in driving, scoring, and eagles, where all three will become necessity to win at Oakland Hills. Among the rest, Phil is always a factor and the win last week by Vijay, his first in '08 will surely propel him as he had less less than a stellar major/big tournament record this season, averaging worse that 60th for the three previous majors.
Oakland Hills, will as always be dramatic and provide some much needed excitement for the tour. The final three holes may very well decide the tournament as it did for Gary Player in the ' 72 PGA where he stuck a 9 iron from under a willow tree to about 4 feet, went on to make the birdie and won the Championship. On the front side, the course boasts two 490 yard+ par 4's, both uphill and both commanding long irons to heavily guarded, severely sloped putting surfaces. On the back 16, 17, 18 poses one of the toughest finishes with a relatively short, in length par 4, an uphill 17th requiring a hybrid, or fairway wood to a firm, slick green complex and then a huge decision on the tee at 18, driver or fairway wood leaving a long iron draw stance into the monster's shallowest green, well protected by four bunkers. As in year's past this group of holes will play a dominant role in determining the outcome on Sunday evening.
|
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 07 August 2008 )
|
(1) 
