Caught your breath from The Masters? Good, because it’s time for the second men’s golf major of the season: The PGA Championship.
The 105th edition of the event marks a return to the sprawling fairways of Oak Hill in Rochester, as the New York club plays host to the tournament for the fourth time in its history, and the first since 2013.
Then, Jason Dufner defied his world No. 21 ranking to clinch a stunning surprise victory. Ten years on, any golfer similarly hoping to upset the odds will have to overcome a field stacked with firepower.
Reigning champion Justin Thomas will be out to defend the Wanamaker Trophy he won under dramatic circumstances a year ago in Tulsa, as he capitalized on a devastating collapse by Chile’s Mito Pereira to beat US compatriot Will Zalatoris in a tense three-hole playoff.
Thomas keeping perspective
Victory at Southern Hills last year sealed Thomas’ second career major and second PGA Championship, having clinched the 99th edition of the tournament at Quail Hollow in 2017.
That victory ended a 13-month wait for a win for Thomas. One year on, the 30-year-old finds himself arriving in a similar position, with his Tulsa triumph – his 15th on the PGA Tour – his most recent victory.
A missed cut at The Masters marked a frustrating start to the major calendar for the world No. 13, but Thomas – well-known for playing with his heart on his sleeve – credits compatriot Max Homa with helping him keep perspective amid disappointments.