PGA Championship Contenders: A Grand Slam Aspirant, England's Top Golfer, and a Longshot at 150/1 Vie for Quail Hollow Victory
The PGA Championship: A stage for surprising champions (Informal, straightforward style)
Curiosity surrounds the 2023 PGA Championship, as the competition always attracts a fierce lineup of golfers. Nevertheless, history has shown that unsung heroes can grab the limelight and win the Wanamaker Trophy.
Down the years, players like Jimmy Walker, Jason Dufner, Martin Kaymer, and even the 50-year-old Phil Mickelson have made a quiet impact and come out victorious. This year, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler headline the field, with Xander Schauffele defending his title. But, as many know, there are some big names loitering in the background, waiting to make their move and cause an upset.
Joaquin Niemann (35/1)
Niemann has been one of the form players in recent months and sealed his third LIV Golf victory in Mexico City at the end of April. The odds aren't in his favor for a major win, but the Chilean's performance in that tournament has given him hope that he can replicate that form on the grandest stage.
Tommy Fleetwood (40/1)
Fleetwood's long wait for a victory on American soil persists this season. However, the Englishman has been on the cusp of victory in numerous events, finishing T4 at the Truist Championship, T5 at the Genesis, and 7th at the RBC Heritage.
Patrick Cantlay (40/1)
Cantlay is yet to claim a major title, but he's consistently shown he has the skill to compete with the best. His lack of success in the majors can partially be attributed to underperforming when it matters most. However, the 33-year-old has had an encouraging season, with plans to change his major record at Quail Hollow.
Jordan Spieth (50/1)
Spieth is another player who is on the cusp of joining the ranks of the Grand Slam winners. With Rory McIlroy achieving the feat at the Masters, Spieth now has an opportunity to quickly make it seven. Spieth won the Masters, US Open, and Open Championship in quick succession years ago, but it's been eight years since he last claimed a major title. His recent performances suggest that he could be on the cusp of a major win.
Other Potential Dark Horses
There are several lesser-known golfers who could spring a surprise in the upcoming PGA Championship, such as:
- Russell Henley (80/1): Henley is a less glamorous name, but he's an undisputable talent on the PGA Tour. He claimed the biggest win of his career at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and often performs well in majors, making him a potential major winner in waiting.
- Aaron Rai (150/1): Englishman Rai has had a solid season and finished T27 at The Masters. He also claimed his maiden PGA Tour win at the Wyndham Championship last year and is expected to make a bigger impact at majors.
- Daniel Berger, Keith Mitchell, Keegan Bradley, Wyndham Clark, Seawu Kim, and Tyrrell Hatton are also potential dark horses worth keeping an eye on.
In the realm of unexpected winners, Joaquin Niemann could make a strong impact with his impressive form, despite long odds of 35/1 for a major win. Tommy Fleetwood, despite a prolonged wait for a victory on American soil, has been close to victory multiple times this season, making him a potential surprise contender. Despite not yet claiming a major title, Patrick Cantlay consistently demonstrates the skill to compete with the best and plans to change his major record at Quail Hollow.
Jordan Spieth, also on the cusp of joining the Grand Slam winners, could quickly make it seven with the opportunity presented by the PGA Championship. Another less glamorous name to watch is Russell Henley, an undisputable talent on the PGA Tour, known for performing well in majors and being a potential major winner in waiting. Additionally, Englishman Aaron Rai, with a solid season and a T27 finish at The Masters, could make a bigger impact at majors following his maiden PGA Tour win.
Other potential dark horses include Daniel Berger, Keith Mitchell, Keegan Bradley, Wyndham Clark, Seawu Kim, and Tyrrell Hatton, who could capitalize on their talent and spring a surprise at the PGA Championship. These lesser-known golfers should not be overlooked and may make their mark on the grandest stage of golf.
