Second Major of the season takes place in New York
When you are ranked as the number one player in the Official World Golf Ranking then all eyes are glued on your form, especially when a Major Championship is up for grabs. Not surprisingly, Jon Rahm has that honour. And the Spaniard is loving it. Watch out for the impressive 28-year old golfer at Oak Hill CC, Rochester, New York, USA where the best players in the world will be conjuring up their ultimate form in the second Major of the year – the US PGA Championship (18-21 May 2023). As winner of the 2021 US Open and the 2023 Masters at Augusta National, Jon Rahm is a really tough act to follow.
America’s Scottie Scheffler is tucked in one place behind Rahm in the World Ranking and the 26-year old would be delighted to win at Oak Hill to resume his World Number One ranking which he held for 35 weeks. Victory in the Masters of 2022 earned him that enviable top spot.
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy won his first PGA Major title in 2012 when he shot a record-breaking eight-shot victory at Kiawah Island. Two years later his rich vein of form continued when he won the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. His first WGC title then followed at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. Thirty-four year old McIlroy then scooped his second Wanamaker Trophy in the US PGA.
But how is the talented player shaping up for this year’s US PGA? Well, he is currently number 3 in the world and is as hungry as ever to add yet another Major title to his collection of four. Last year he was a very happy bunny on day one of the US PGA at the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa. He shot an impressive opening round of 65.
American Justin Thomas will be seeking to defend his 2022 US PGA title. He sneeked a surprising victory over the Chilean golfer Mito Pereira who missed the play-off by one shot. Thomas won the tournament after a thrilling three-hole play-off with fellow-American Will Zalatoris who led the event after 36-holes. Thomas, the 30-year old player from Kentucky, has now won two Majors – the US PGA of 2017 and 2022. He is certainly a player to look out for at Oak Hill CC. Will Zalatoris too!
Originally founded 122 years ago, the East Course at Oak Hill CC in Rochester will provide an exciting venue for this year’s US PGA Championship. And with 156 players teeing-off from around the globe on Thursday, 18th May, the event is bound to be absolutely thrilling! So all I can politely request is: “Please tune in to the golf, sit back and enjoy!”
Wendy Hoad
Editor
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: Is Spain’s Jon Rahm still on form for the 105th US PGA Championship? MINIS (l-r): Serious concentration for Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.