PGA Championship

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🏆️ PGA Championship Preview 🏆️ 

This is the 105th edition of this event, one of golf’s four major championships. It’s the third oldest behind the British Open and U.S. Open. The plans for the PGA Championship were created on January 16, 1916, at a meeting of a group of PGA Tour professionals, including Walter Hagen. Their vision was to create a national championship that would rival the U.S. Open in terms of importance. Their dream came to reality just months later as the first PGA Championship Match Play event was played at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY, that year. Englishman Jim Barnes took home the inaugural crown.

After the inaugural tournament, the event took a two-year break from 1917 to 1918 because of World War I. The break-in action didn’t phase Jim Barnes, as he went on to win the PGA Championship in its return to the Tour in 1919. Since the two-year hiatus, The PGA Championship has only seen one other break in 1943 due to World War II. The most significant change in the event’s history occurred in 1958 when the format changed from Match Play to 72-hole stroke play.

The famed Wanamaker trophy, awarded to the winner of the PGA Championship, can trace its routes back to the beginning of golf equipment. In the early part of the 20th Century, A.G. Spalding & Bros. was the predominant maker of golf equipment; however, Rodman Wanamaker sought to create a company that would rival Spalding in the golf industry. Though his plan ultimately failed, his dream will always be remembered as he was the one who first sponsored the PGA Championship and the trophy that today bears his name.

The 105th PGA Championship tees off at the iconic Valhalla Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus-designed masterpiece known for its demanding layout and rich history. As the world's best golfers converge on Louisville, Kentucky, several storylines are captivating fans and bettors alike.

🎭 McIlroy's Rollercoaster

Rory McIlroy, a four-time major champion, has been on a tear lately, with wins at the Wells Fargo and Zurich Classic. His past performance trends suggest he's primed for another major victory. However, recent personal turmoil, including a high-profile divorce filing, raises questions about his focus and mental state. Will the off-course drama affect his game? Or will he channel his emotions into a triumphant performance? Considering his divorce has been brewing for some time, we are optimistic in Rory’s play at Valhalla.

🤔 Scheffler's Uncertain Return

Scottie Scheffler, the world's number-one golfer, took a two-week break leading up to the championship, a decision that has raised eyebrows. While the reason was a joyous one – the birth of his first child – many wonder if the time off will impact his sharpness, particularly in his short game and putting. Can Scheffler quickly regain his dominant form, or will the rust show on Valhalla's demanding greens? We don’t foresee a Scheffler win at Valhalla given his short time away.

🏌️ Other Players to Watch

Jordan Spieth, seeking to complete the career Grand Slam, enters the tournament with a nagging wrist injury. The pressure to win at Valhalla, where he has a history of near-misses, could add to his woes. Meanwhile, Hideki Matsuyama and Will Zalatoris withdrew from recent events with injuries, casting doubt on their fitness for this challenging course. Will they be able to overcome their physical setbacks and contend for the title?

⚔️ LIV Golf's Contenders

Brooks Koepka, fresh off a victory in his last LIV Golf start, could be a formidable force at Valhalla, a course that rewards power and accuracy. Jon Rahm, known for his prowess on long courses, is another LIV golfer to watch. Don't discount Phil Mickelson, who boasts a strong track record at Valhalla and seems to thrive on the big stage. Could a LIV golfer steal the show at this prestigious PGA Championship?

⛳ Valhalla's Formidable Test

Valhalla is a beast of a course, stretching over 7,609 yards with a par of 71. Its unique layout features a flat, open front nine reminiscent of a links course, contrasting sharply with the back nine's tree-lined fairways and elevation changes. This variety demands versatility from players, who must adapt their strategies throughout the round. Long, accurate drives are essential, as are precise iron shots into the firm, fast greens. Scrambling and putting prowess will be tested around the undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers.

📊 Key Stats to Watch

Given Valhalla's demanding nature, certain stats become crucial for success. Strokes Gained Tee-to-Green is a good indicator of overall ball-striking ability, while scrambling and putting stats are essential due to the course's challenging greens. And with the potential for rain in the forecast, par breakers (birdies and eagles) will be critical for those vying for the Wanamaker Trophy.

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🏁 Valhalla's Farewell?

This could be the last major championship at Valhalla for a while. The PGA of America recently sold its stake in the course, and its susceptibility to inclement weather in May raises questions about its suitability for future championships. Will Valhalla get a fitting send-off, or will Mother Nature have the final say?

The PGA Championship at Valhalla is shaping up to be a thrilling tournament with plenty of intrigue and uncertainty. The challenging course, coupled with the diverse storylines surrounding the players, promises a captivating four days of golf.

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Looking at our key stats from above, we plugged them into our proprietary Golf IQ Composite ranking tool to give you a peek at the top 10 players based on selected criteria. Feel free to create your own listings based on your own criteria.

Key stat of the week

• It’s really sad, but the big thing of the week could be poor weather. Just look at the long-range forecast, and you can see that each day will be very wet, and storms could roll in and cause many delays. So, patience will be needed this week.

Here are some more key stats to look to for this week:

• Important to see who is the best total driver of the ball going into the week and then checking to see who hits the most greens on the PGA Tour.

• There is a need for patience. This is one of those courses where par is your friend, so don’t look for low scoring.

• Does a non-marquee guy have a chance this week? Last year was the story of Club pro Michael Block, and the big question is, is there another story like that out there? I don’t think so, and frankly, the days of John Daly, Y.E. Yang, Rich Beem, and Shaun Micheel winning are over. Our winner will be a big name.

With that, here are players to watch for at the PGA Championship…

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