The PGA Championship celebrates its centennial this year, and with it a return to the historic Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. Though Bellerive hasn’t hosted a non-senior major championship since 1992, it did play host to the BMW Championship in 2008, so at least part of this week’s field will have seen the championship setup before. Here are a few players who might be in line to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy in the 100th playing of the PGA Championship.
Justin Thomas
As last year’s champion at Quail Hollow, and winner of this past weeks Bridgestone Invitational, Thomas is the obvious frontrunner to defend at this year’s PGA Championship. Thomas already has three wins on the season, and sits 2nd in the Fed Ex Cup standings, and another major win could make for an even more successful season.
Tiger Woods
Playing in his first PGA Championship since 2015, Woods looks to be in peak form and ready to capture his 15th major title. After a near miss at the Open at Carnoustie, Woods’ has shown that he’s primed to win again on tour. Woods’ ball striking has been his strong suit this season so far, and if his putter cooperates, he will certainly be a force to be reckoned with at Bellerive.
Francesco Molinari
Molinari has been on an absolute tear in the last six weeks, highlighted by his victory at the Open Championship. There is no reason to think that his extraordinary ball striking won’t continue, making a second-consecutive major championship a very real possibility for Molinari. Though it was played at a different venue, Molinari finished in a tie for 2nd at last year’s PGA Championship, and he’ll be looking to improve on that at this year’s tournament.
Dustin Johnson
He’s the top-ranked player in the world, and he’s certainly playing like it this season. Johnson is coming off a runaway victory at the RBC Canadian Open and is already searching for his fourth victory of the season. Johnson is still looking for redemption after his botched victory attempt at Whistling Straits in the 2010 PGA Championship, and if he continues to play at the top of his game, he could be tough to beat at Bellerive.
Jordan Spieth
Despite a lack lustre season leading into July, Spieth proved at the Open that he should never be counted out of a major championship. He held the third-round lead and looked to be in control of his game until the back nine on Sunday. Spieth will be searching for his fourth major title and his first at the PGA Championship. A win this week would complete the career grand slam, putting him in a rather exclusive club. If his putter can stay hot, watch for Spieth to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday afternoon.
Adam Hadwin
Though he had to withdraw from the WGC last week due to a nagging injury, Abbotsford, BC’s Adam Hadwin is still having a strong season and his short game and putting should make him competitive in St. Louis. He’s the only Canadian scheduled for the tournament, and is coming off a fine performance in the British Open at Carnoustie.