Emerging Contenders: Pga Championship Sleepers
The PGA Championship often throws up surprises, with players who may not be considered among the favorites emerging to challenge for the title. This year’s field is no different, with several players capable of causing an upset.
One player to watch is Kurt Kitayama. The 30-year-old American has enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, winning the Scottish Open and finishing in the top 10 in three other PGA Tour events. Kitayama is a long hitter with a good all-around game, and he could be a threat at Southern Hills if he can keep his driver in play.
Another player to consider is Sepp Straka. The Austrian won the Honda Classic earlier this season and has been in solid form since then. Straka is a good putter and scrambler, and he could be a factor at Southern Hills if the conditions are tough.
Finally, keep an eye on Cameron Young. The 25-year-old American has had a meteoric rise up the world rankings in the past year, and he is now ranked inside the top 30. Young is a long hitter with a great short game, and he could be a contender at Southern Hills if he can find his best form.
Kurt Kitayama
– Recent strong performances: Won the Scottish Open, finished in the top 10 in three other PGA Tour events
– Strengths: Long hitter, good all-around game
– Course history: Has never played Southern Hills
Sepp Straka
– Recent strong performances: Won the Honda Classic
– Strengths: Good putter and scrambler
– Course history: Has never played Southern Hills
Cameron Young, Pga championship sleepers
– Recent strong performances: Has had a meteoric rise up the world rankings in the past year, is now ranked inside the top 30
– Strengths: Long hitter, great short game
– Course history: Has never played Southern Hills
Course Analysis for Sleepers
The PGA Championship is known for its challenging courses, which often favor players with specific skills and experience. By analyzing the characteristics of the course, we can identify players who may have an advantage based on their playing style or past success on similar courses.
Factors to consider include the length of the course, the hazards it presents, and the greens’ speed and slope. Longer courses may favor players with strong driving distance, while courses with numerous hazards may benefit players who are accurate and strategic with their shots. Fast and sloping greens may favor players with excellent putting skills.
Length
The PGA Championship course is typically long, measuring over 7,000 yards. Players with strong driving distance will have an advantage on these courses, as they can reach the greens in fewer shots and have shorter approach shots.
Hazards
The PGA Championship course often features numerous hazards, including bunkers, water hazards, and rough. Players who are accurate and strategic with their shots will have an advantage on these courses, as they can avoid the hazards and keep their ball in play.
Greens
The greens on the PGA Championship course are typically fast and sloping, making it difficult to make putts. Players with excellent putting skills will have an advantage on these courses, as they can make putts from a variety of distances and angles.
Historical Trends and Underdogs
Pga championship sleepers – By analyzing historical PGA Championship data, we can identify golfers who have consistently performed well as underdogs. These players possess unique strategies, mental fortitude, and the ability to thrive under the pressure of major championships.
One notable trend is the emergence of players who excel on specific course types. For instance, golfers with strong ball-striking skills often perform well on courses with narrow fairways and challenging greens, while those with exceptional putting abilities may have an advantage on courses with large, undulating greens.
Past Underdog Success Stories
- Y.E. Yang (2009): Yang, ranked 110th in the world at the time, stunned the golf world by defeating Tiger Woods in a playoff to win the 2009 PGA Championship. His victory was a testament to his ability to handle the pressure and execute underdogs.
- Keegan Bradley (2011): Bradley, then a rookie, overcame a four-shot deficit in the final round to win the 2011 PGA Championship. His victory highlighted his mental toughness and ability to perform underdogs.
- Jason Dufner (2013): Dufner, ranked 21st in the world at the time, won the 2013 PGA Championship by two strokes. His victory was a testament to his consistent play and ability to perform well in major championships.