The men’s major season has already opened with another compelling chapter, with Rory McIlroy’s win adding to the Augusta National history books.
The world No 1 and world No 2 occupied the top two places on the leaderboard, with McIlroy’s back-to-back wins matching the two Green Jackets that hang in Scottie Scheffler’s locker.
Five of the top six came from the top 10 in the world rankings that week and I believe we are in for another exciting major championship, with many players in form heading to Pennsylvania.
Highlights from the final round of The Masters, where McIlroy held on to successfully defend his title
The PGA Championship returns to Aronimink Golf Course, where Gary Player triumphed when it was last held there some 64 years ago. This fine course was carved and created by a legendary Scotsman, Donald Ross, and celebrates its centenary in two years’ time.
Many of you who have watched Sky Sports through the years will remember Aronimink for Justin Rose’s win in the AT&T National in 2010 and Keegan Bradley’s extra-time win over Rose in the 2018 BMW Championship.
Aronimink traditionally has generous fairways, so it will be interesting to see how the PGA of America sets the course up this week. This venue has produced low scoring in the past, with Tiger Woods and McIlroy both recording 62s.
Can McIlroy claim back-to-back major titles and lift the Wanamaker Trophy for a third time?
Woods completed the back nine in 29 here in 2018 and McIlroy’s 62 included two bogeys. I suspect and hope they will shrink the fairways a little, as I think we all like to see accuracy – as well as distance – rewarded.
Like many courses of this age, it has undergone changes. Ron Pritchard, a noted architect from Philadelphia, was hired in 2003 to ‘recapture’ the classic design of Ross that had been diminished over time.
In 2017, the excellent Gil Hanse completed further renovation in time for the BMW Championship a year later. Now these enhancements have bedded in, this grand venue is ready for another major week.
Big week ahead in Pennsylvania?
The leading five in the world rankings are all enjoying fine seasons, each heading into the second major with at least one victory in the first four months of the calendar year.
Scheffler continues to produce remarkable consistency. McIlroy has his sixth major and should be rested and fresh ahead of what would be a third PGA Championship title.
Cameron Young has come of age since last summer and the resurgence of Matt Fitzpatrick has been thrilling. He was outside the world’s top 80 a year ago, was 22nd at the start of the year and now sits handsomely inside the world’s top five.
Highlights from the final day of The Players, where Cameron Young shot a four-under par 68 to win at TPC Sawgrass
Just behind him is Rose, who will be relishing a return to a course he obviously feels comfortable on and one that suits his eye. I think it’s fair to say that one of these top five will hold the Wanamaker Trophy aloft on Sunday. However, we know predictions are at times foolish!
It’s worth mentioning the form of Jordan Spieth has been better recently and a win would have him as the seventh member in the Grand Slam club, so there’s plenty to look forward to. You will all have your favourites and choices and there will be some good value lower down the list.
Jordan Spieth won The Masters and US Open in 2015, then claimed The Open in 2017
After his – in several ways – disappointing Masters, this is a course which will suit Robert MacIntyre. I’m sure after his antics at Augusta, MacIntyre will be focused on a professional performance to re-enter the top 10 and open his major account.
Tyrrell Hatton continues to knock on the major door and many feel one will open soon. His accuracy in approach work is up there with the best in the game and should the fairways be generous, that department could well be the key to success.
Could Tyrrell Hatton be the next first-time major champion?
Golf back together in fractured men’s game
The headlines over the past couple of weeks have been about LIV Golf and the announcement of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund financial support coming to a premature end. I don’t believe this comes as a shock, as LIV is arguably no further forward since its inception around four years ago.
It’s widely reported that it has invested a minimum of $5bn and was losing hundreds of million dollars a month. $400m bought Newcastle United who, despite an average season, have had considerable success since the Saudis’ takeover.
Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir explains what is next for LIV golfers after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed it will end its funding at the end of the 2026 season
Newcastle secured Champions League participation and their first trophy in over half a century, with the alliance producing positivity and results on the field and financially.
The Saudis have vast reserves of money, but they are also business people. Financially, LIV is struggling and the prospect of profit ahead is far from encouraging. What happens to their players now is in the hands of other Tours.
Strict and clear sanctions were put in place for those who chose LIV Golf over their respective tours. Brooks Koepka received an olive branch from the PGA Tour, which he gladly accepted.
Eamon Lynch tells Golf Today on the Golf Channel that a return to the PGA Tour or DP World Tour for Jon Rahm or Bryson DeChambeau could prove to be very difficult
A month ago, Jon Rahm turned down a request from the DP World Tour to continue being a member and therefore eligible for Ryder Cup participation. After the LIV announcement, he immediately rejoined after paying his fines that were barely a dent on the reported $400m signing on fee.
It’s true that almost every golf fan, viewer and spectator wants to see the best players playing against each other more often. That may be the outcome in the months ahead, but negotiations must be fair for those who stayed and supported their tours.
With LIV Golf’s future in doubt, Paul McGinley believes the PGA Tour needs to reward the players who stayed loyal to them
It’s hard to believe, let’s say, at The Players next year, McIlroy and Rahm are tied for the lead after 54 holes. One has amassed considerable sums of money through exceptional play during supporting his tours, while the other has $400m – plus winnings – for leaving to join another. I’m not sure that would be completely fair.
Months of negotiations will follow, no doubt, with many meetings – some for and some against. Let’s hope the fractures that have taken place in the game begin to heal and the powers that be find an amicable solution.
In the meantime, let’s enjoy the next major and the two that follow the PGA Championship – the US Open from the delightful, rugged, Shinnecock Hills and The Open from Royal Birkdale, one of the world’s finest venues.
Who will win the PGA Championship? Watch throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage from the opening round begins on Thursday from 12.30pm on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.
