Who'll roll at Baltusrol?
Seems like we just had and wrapped a major, well, we did. Thanks to the Olympics, (which is another blog in itself since most everyone bailed, pack some "Off" gents), the 4th and final for the year is here.
Of course, I guess we really shouldn't blame a lot of the guys. Reason being there's a lot of golf packed in between the majors, Olympics, Fed Ex Cup and the Ryder Cup, plus a handful of "below the radar" tournaments that most won't tee at unless they're on the Fed Ex bubble.
The PGA in the past had the reputation of being one of the "easiest" to play, no longer the case.
The field is one of the strongest of all the majors featuring more of the Top 100 than any other, not to mention the point total that a lower ranked player can grab in the chase for the Fed Ex Cup, (600).
Also something to keep in mind. The last chance to grab some major points to bump up and get into the Ryder Cup. Just to mention a few, Zach Johnson, J.B. Holmes and Bubba are all on the bubble.
Now let's read between the lines for what could shape up to be some great drama come Sunday.
It's the last chance for one of the "Big 3" to grab a major.
Yes, thanks to Jordan Spieth's meltdown, he, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day have been shut out.
Speaking of Day, his number one status is in doubt. Dustin Johnson with a win and a little help could overtake the top spot. Actually if you want to dig real deep and do the math, Johnson doesn't have to win but finish second, and Day worse than 28th.
As far as Rory, he could park himself with some great company. If he were to pull this off, he would own 3 Wannamkers' in a matter of five years. Tiger was the last to do it with the Masters in years' '01, '02 & '05.
The course itself is something else. A little quirky since it's a Par 70 that could stretch out to 7500 yards. Three of the Par 3's are longer than 200 yards and the two finishing holes? Both are Par 5's with number 17 being 649 yards! Look for the bombers to launch some rockets, especially if they're in contention.
Who has a legitimate shot?
Jason Day's the defender, but I don't think a repeat offender. He and Spieth will get shut out. Dustin Johnson's everybody's fave, playing solid, swing is long but more compact and tight, looks really good.
Even though he's been up and down, hard to argue history. Rory McIlroy will be in the hunt come Sunday as well as Phil Mickelson since he's won on that track and is white hot right now. For a darkhorse, I like Steve Stricker.
It's not the toughest track, but with guys on the Ryder bubble, battle for number #1, along with a points grab for the Fed Ex Cup.
Get ready, "Balty's" gonna be salty.
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