After a year of major uncertainty and event restructuring, the PGA Championship is back on schedule as the storied event returns to the delight of golf fans worldwide. And yes, there will be fans, roars, and drama on the treasured shorelines of Kiawah Island.
The Course
This year’s championship will be played on the resort’s Ocean Course, the same track the PGA of America selected to host in 2012 when Rory McIlroy lapped the field en route an eight-stroke victory. Designed by legendary course architect Pete Dye, the par-72 Ocean Course can be stretched to a hearty 7,676 yards, which even by today’s standards puts up a lengthy test for the game’s elite, especially when the coastal breezes whip up. Golf history fans will also recall that the 1991 Ryder Cup, dubbed “The War by the Shore,” was battled out on the famed course. Needless to say, there’s a lot of history on these fairways, and there’s certainly more to be made this week.
The Contenders
It doesn’t bode well for the rest of the field that the guy who won here last time has seemingly resurrected his game one the eve of the tournament. Of course, we’re talking about Rory. It’s been seven years since his last major championship victory, which is somewhat inconceivable, but the Northern Irishman looks prepared to end his major drought. Fresh off his win at The Wells Fargo Championship, it won’t surprise many to see his name lurking atop the leaderboard come Sunday.
And then there’s Justin Thomas, whose only major victory came at this event in 2017. The 28-year-old Kentuckian is one of the most consistent players on tour, and although his experience at Kiawah is limited, The Players champion shows up ready to win at every event he tees it up. Will JT double up on his major count this week? We’ll know on Sunday night.
Of course, who can forget Jon Rahm, the fiery Spaniard whose laudable T-5 performance at the Masters proved too little, too late. A former world number one, Rahm continues his quest for his first major championship, which at this point in his career seems to be only a matter of time. With 12 professional wins, will Kiawah Island be the site of lucky number 13?
Canadian Content
Corey Conners, whose quickly become one of the game’s preeminent ball strikers, will be teeing it up for a chance to win his first major, as will fellow countrymen Mackenzie Hughes and Adam Hadwin.
The “Other” Pros
The PGA Championship is the only major that prohibits amateurs from participating, and instead reserves spots in the field for club or teaching professionals—20 of them this year—which makes for great storylines as they proudly represent their home clubs on one of golf’s biggest stages. Although they won’t seriously contend, it would be great to see a few made cuts by the PGA of America professionals, with the telecast providing some well earned recognition for all their efforts both on and off the course. And in case you’re wondering, the best finish by a club professional in the modern era came in 1971 when Tommy Bolt finished 3rd.
Quick Hits
Defending Champion: Colin Morikawa
Course: The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Par: 72
Date: May 20-23
Lowest Tournament Score: 268 (-20) by Jason Day in 2015 at Whistling Straits
Next Year’s Host Site: Southern Hills, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Limited Edition Gear
THE ISLAND
The Limited Edition RADSPEED Island Driver commemorates the season’s second Major Championship held at the Kiawah Island Ocean Course. The design features a blue and white colorway that takes inspiration from traditional seersucker and the blue ocean and pristine white sands of the Charleston coast.
Pro Championship Bag & Headcovers
The bag’s blue color and wavey texture are inspired by the venue, which sits adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean in Kiawah Island. Golden accents are a nod to the region’s famed Carolina Gold BBQ. An outline of the state rest on the upper part of the bag and is segmented by regional BBQ influences. Continuing to pay homage to the rich cuisine of the state, the driver and putter head covers were inspired by sweet tea, while the fairway and hybrid covers feature ingredients for Low Country Boil.
The bag itself depicts sea oats on the ball pouch, which is a native plant visible throughout the course. A pineapple Metal T logo on the valuables pouch signifies hospitality and state’s long history with the tropical fruit. Two raindrops on the upper pocket honor the course’s late architects, Pete and Alice Dye. As this historic championship returns to the Carolinas, we are reminded that is unique for many reasons. Firstly, it gives everyday club pros the chance to test their game against the world’s best players. These club pros are often golf’s unsung heroes, giving lessons, checking players in for tee times and doing all the little things to help golfers find more joy in the game. In honor of those men and women, the 2021 TaylorMade Pro Championship Staff Bag features a bold “Team TaylorMade” logo on the bag strap. It’s a reminder that club pros and tour pros alike are valuable members.
PUMA Palmetto
Paying homage to the classic styles of the South, the Palmetto Collection debuts our first technical seersucker fabric with performance elements needed for the golf course. Designed using the state tree of South Carolina, these pieces will keep you feeling cool, classic and styling on and off the course. So grab your sweet tea and rock these sweet looks all summer long.
Ignite Fasten 8 Seersucker Limited Edition Spikeless Golf Shoe
The newest edition of the IGNITE FASTEN8 franchise has a revolutionized PWRCage support system that will have you ready to take your game to the NXT Level.
The TPU structure of the PWRCage helps provide unparalleled support around the midfoot while the laces integrated webbing straps help wrap the midfoot for a secure fit and a full-length IGNITE Foam midsole, wrapped in SoleShield for added durability, provides unparalleled comfort and energy return to help you feel and play your best all day long.