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Power Rankings: PGA Championship
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May 14, 2019
By Rob Bolton, PGATOUR.COM
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Inside the PGA TOUR
PGA Championship preview
The new norm.
Only if you were born during World War II might you remember the last time the PGA Championship was contested in May. It was on May 31st in 1949 when any round was last held in the month. Save a spot start in February of 1971, the major has been played in June, July or August ever since.
The transition gives a new generation the experience to identify with the PGA of America's flagship event in its new slot on the schedule for the foreseeable future. It was shifted from August to accommodate the FedExCup Playoffs.
This Power Rankings includes the entire field of 156 at Bethpage State Park's Black Course. Scroll beyond the sections for nuggets on the host track, what it likely will require to win and more.
Related: Tee times | Expert picks | Thomas withdraws from PGA Championship
POWER RANKINGS: PGA CHMAPIONSHIP
RANK PLAYER COMMENT 20 
Louis Oosthuizen Missed last year's PGA with a sore back, so he's even more eager to do one better than a T2 in the 2017 edition. Nothing flashy, but that's the ticket at Bethpage where he was T18 in 2016.Missed last year's PGA with a sore back, so he's even more eager to do one better than a T2 in the 2017 edition. Nothing flashy, but that's the ticket at Bethpage where he was T18 in 2016.19 
Hideki Matsuyama Lurking just outside the top 20 in numerous starts of late but his profile for Bethpage is ideal. Currently third on TOUR in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green and sixth in scrambling.Lurking just outside the top 20 in numerous starts of late but his profile for Bethpage is ideal. Currently third on TOUR in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green and sixth in scrambling.18 
Francesco Molinari Since returning to the winner's circle at Bay Hill, he's added career-best finishes at the Match Play (third) and the Masters (T5). Top 20s in five of his last six starts in the majors.Since returning to the winner's circle at Bay Hill, he's added career-best finishes at the Match Play (third) and the Masters (T5). Top 20s in five of his last six starts in the majors.17 
Scott Piercy In last two starts prior to a bogey-free T2 at Trinity Forest, placed T3 and T13. Leads TOUR in par-3 scoring and ranks 13th in fairways hit, eighth in GIR, 14th in scrambling. T22 here in 2016.In last two starts prior to a bogey-free T2 at Trinity Forest, placed T3 and T13. Leads TOUR in par-3 scoring and ranks 13th in fairways hit, eighth in GIR, 14th in scrambling. T22 here in 2016.16 
Matt Kuchar Bracketed a four-week run with runner-up finishes at Match Play and RBC Heritage. Rested since but he's held position atop the FedExCup standings. Eighth in fairways hit; second in GIR.Bracketed a four-week run with runner-up finishes at Match Play and RBC Heritage. Rested since but he's held position atop the FedExCup standings. Eighth in fairways hit; second in GIR.15 
Tommy Fleetwood The Englishman was a busy man at the British Masters where he finished T8. Sits fourth on the PGA TOUR in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green and second in scrambling.The Englishman was a busy man at the British Masters where he finished T8. Sits fourth on the PGA TOUR in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green and second in scrambling.14 
Jason Day Continues to play through an annular tear in his back. His inconsistency is spiked with a T8 at TPC Sawgrass and a T5 at Augusta National, so he's playing up to the venue. T4 here in 2016.Continues to play through an annular tear in his back. His inconsistency is spiked with a T8 at TPC Sawgrass and a T5 at Augusta National, so he's playing up to the venue. T4 here in 2016.13 
Adam Scott En route to a T4 at THE NORTHERN TRUST in 2016, he led the field in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green. This season, he's 40th in that stat and 15th in Strokes Gained: Putting, with six top-20s.En route to a T4 at THE NORTHERN TRUST in 2016, he led the field in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green. This season, he's 40th in that stat and 15th in Strokes Gained: Putting, with six top-20s.12 
Patrick Cantlay Warrants serious consideration in pursuit of his first major victory given an exceptionally level game from tee to cup. Never buckles. Scorer and scrambler. Tops on TOUR in par-4 scoring.Warrants serious consideration in pursuit of his first major victory given an exceptionally level game from tee to cup. Never buckles. Scorer and scrambler. Tops on TOUR in par-4 scoring.11 
Ian Poulter Showing zero signs of letting up; in fact, he's surging. Four consecutive top-20s upon arrival in three different formats. Four top-25s in his last seven majors. Slots 10th on TOUR in ball-striking.Showing zero signs of letting up; in fact, he's surging. Four consecutive top-20s upon arrival in three different formats. Four top-25s in his last seven majors. Slots 10th on TOUR in ball-striking.10 
Sergio Garcia Chased a runner-up finish (with Tommy Fleetwood) at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with a T4 at Quail Hollow where he led the field in putting: birdies-or-better. Seven top-10s in 2019.Chased a runner-up finish (with Tommy Fleetwood) at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with a T4 at Quail Hollow where he led the field in putting: birdies-or-better. Seven top-10s in 2019.9 
Paul Casey Rebounded from missing the cut at the Masters with a T4 at the Wells Fargo Championship, his fifth top-five in his last nine starts. Ranks ninth on TOUR in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green.Rebounded from missing the cut at the Masters with a T4 at the Wells Fargo Championship, his fifth top-five in his last nine starts. Ranks ninth on TOUR in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green.8 
Xander Schauffele In just eight starts in majors, this is the only one in which he hasn't had a top five. Statistically outstanding but it's his proclivity to strut toward the challenge that's most impressive.In just eight starts in majors, this is the only one in which he hasn't had a top five. Statistically outstanding but it's his proclivity to strut toward the challenge that's most impressive.7 
Justin Rose If only all touring pros didn't know how their games stood as he didn't in advance of a solo third at Quail Hollow. He's 20th in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green and eighth in Strokes Gained: Putting.If only all touring pros didn't know how their games stood as he didn't in advance of a solo third at Quail Hollow. He's 20th in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green and eighth in Strokes Gained: Putting.6 
Jon Rahm Rested since teaming with Ryan Palmer to win in NOLA. The Spaniard continues to thrive as he learns how to contain emotion. Top 10s in last two majors. Second in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee.Rested since teaming with Ryan Palmer to win in NOLA. The Spaniard continues to thrive as he learns how to contain emotion. Top 10s in last two majors. Second in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee.5 
Rickie Fowler Seeking some redemption after failing to slam the door at Bethpage in 2016 when he led THE NORTHERN TRUST after 54 holes before settling for a T7. Seven top-20s in his last nine majors.Seeking some redemption after failing to slam the door at Bethpage in 2016 when he led THE NORTHERN TRUST after 54 holes before settling for a T7. Seven top-20s in his last nine majors.4 
Dustin Johnson Despite big numbers in the finales of the Valspar (T6) and Heritage (T28), he still leads the TOUR in bogey avoidance. T3 (2012) and T18 (2016) in THE NORTHERN TRUST at Bethpage.Despite big numbers in the finales of the Valspar (T6) and Heritage (T28), he still leads the TOUR in bogey avoidance. T3 (2012) and T18 (2016) in THE NORTHERN TRUST at Bethpage.3 
Rory McIlroy Seeking his third PGA title (2012, 2014) and perhaps never more confident with the driver. No. 1 on TOUR in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee and Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green. Also T12 in GIR.Seeking his third PGA title (2012, 2014) and perhaps never more confident with the driver. No. 1 on TOUR in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee and Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green. Also T12 in GIR.2 
Tiger Woods Hasn't played since winning the Masters, and that's just fine. Leads the PGA TOUR in greens in regulation and ball-striking. Four-time PGA champion. Won the 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage.
Hasn't played since winning the Masters, and that's just fine. Leads the PGA TOUR in greens in regulation and ball-striking. Four-time PGA champion. Won the 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage.
1 
Brooks Koepka First of two consecutive majors at which the 29-year-old will be defending a title. Warmed with a fourth-place finish in his debut at Trinity Forest; led field in distance of putts converted.First of two consecutive majors at which the 29-year-old will be defending a title. Warmed with a fourth-place finish in his debut at Trinity Forest; led field in distance of putts converted.WILD CARD
Bryson DeChambeau … In due time, he'll collect on his fair share of leaderboard appearances in the majors, but a T15 in the 2016 U.S. Open remains his only top 20 in 11 starts combined. He's also gone six starts in advance of this week with only one top 20, that a T20 at THE PLAYERS Championship.
CHALLENGERS
There are deleted scenes in every feature film. They were worthy of production, but not everything shot makes it into theaters.
Ranked in order of Rob's confidence (* - former champion; 2016 THE NORTHERN TRUST finish)
Webb Simpson (T48)
Kevin Kisner (T48)
Bubba Watson (T13)
Lucas Glover (T70)
Eddie Pepperell
*Phil Mickelson (T13)
Rafa Cabrera Bello
Patrick Reed (Win)
Matt Wallace
Billy Horschel (T13)
Justin Harding
Henrik Stenson (WD)
Tony Finau (12th)
Jason Kokrak (T7)
Marc Leishman (MC)
Jorge Campillo
Ryan Palmer (T13)
Matthew Fitzpatrick
Sung Kang (T18)
Ryan Moore (T7)
Hao Tong Li
Often the sexiest picks because of rising or even hidden value, each of these guys packs a punch on some level. It wouldn't surprise keen observers if any made noise.
Ranked in order of Rob's confidence (^ - debutant; 2016 THE NORTHERN TRUST finish)
Pat Perez
Thomas Pieters
Kyle Stanley (T74)
Julian Suri
^Keith Mitchell
^Joel Dahmen
Si Woo Kim (MC)
Joost Luiten
Thorbjørn Olesen
Jhonattan Vegas (T22)
Mikko Korhonen
Emiliano Grillo (T2)
^Erik van Rooyen
Chez Reavie (T31)
Mike Lorenzo-Vera
Shugo Imahira
QUESTION MARKS
Half of the field of 156 is split into the two subcategories below. Placement is relative to fit, form and other variables.
ARROW UP
Ranked in order of Rob's confidence (* - former champion; ^ - debutant; 2016 THE NORTHERN TRUST finish)
Gary Woodland (T4)
Kiradech Aphibarnrat
Graeme McDowell (MC)
Jordan Spieth (T10)
Branden Grace (MC)
Steve Stricker (T53)
Kevin Na (MC)
Tyrrell Hatton
Charley Hoffman (T13)
*Jason Dufner (T22)
Russell Knox (T60)
Aaron Wise
^Max Homa
Jim Furyk (T41)
Daniel Berger (T70)
Sungjae Im
Troy Merritt (MC)
Ross Fisher
Richard Sterne
Kurt Kitayama
^Jazz Janewattananond
Brian Gay
^David Lipsky
Brendan Jones
^J.T. Poston
^Tom Lewis
*Y.E. Yang
*Padraig Harrington
ARROW DOWN
Ranked in order of Rob's confidence (* - former champion; ^ - debutant; 2016 THE NORTHERN TRUST finish)
*Keegan Bradley (T53)
Cameron Smith
Shane Lowry
^Lucas Bjerregaard
Adam Hadwin (T64)
Brandt Snedeker (T48)
Byeong Hun An
J.B. Holmes (T41)
Lee Westwood
Michael Thompson
Joaquin Niemann
Ryan Fox
^Corey Conners
Luke List (MC)
*Martin Kaymer
Zach Johnson (T48)
Alex Noren
Ryan Armour
^Kevin Tway
*Jimmy Walker (MC)
^Martin Trainer
Adrian Otaegui
^Lucas Herbert
Charles Howell III (MC)
Danny Lee (MC)
Andrew Putnam
Patton Kizzire (MC)
Beau Hossler
Dylan Frittelli
^Cameron Champ
^Abraham Ancer
J.J. Spaun
Danny Willett
Harold Varner III (T60)
Brian Harman (T22)
Brandon Stone
^Shaun Norris
^Sam Burns
^C.T. Pan
Alexander Björk
Satoshi Kodaira
^Adam Long
^Bronson Burgoon
^Richy Werenski
Chesson Hadley
Kelly Kraft
Michael Kim (MC)
*Shaun Micheel
*John Daly
*Rich Beem
PGA PROFESSIONALS
The 11 PGA professionals in the field who have competed in at least one previous PGA Championship are a combined 1-for-30. Only Rob Labritz (T68, 2010) has survived a cut. In the last seven editions of the major, only three have made a cut. Ben Kern's T42 at Bellerive last year was the best finish by a club professional since Steve Schneiter placed T40 at Baltusrol in 2005.
Ranked in order of Rob's confidence (% - former PGA TOUR member; # of prior appearances in parentheses)
Alex Beach (1)
%Jason Caron (0)
%Craig Bowden (1)
Rod Perry (5)
Ben Cook (0)
Rob Labritz (5)
Marty Jertson (3)
Ryan Vermeer (2)
Stuart Deane (2)
Danny Balin (5)
Casey Russell (0)
Craig Hocknull (1)
Rich Berberian, Jr. (4)
John O'Leary (1)
Justin Bertsch (0)
Brian Mackey (0)
Cory Schneider (0)
Jeffrey Schmid (0)
Andrew Filbert (0)
Tyler Hall (0)
NOTE: Stewart Cink, Davis Love III, Sam Ryder, Charl Schwartzel, Vijay Singh and Justin Thomas qualified but will not compete.
Having hosted the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009, Bethpage Black isn't new to major championships. It's also not a stranger to a strong percentage of PGA TOUR membership as it also served as the backdrop for THE NORTHERN TRUST in 2012 and 2016. As of midday Monday and as noted above throughout the sections, 57 in this week's field appeared in the latter edition.
Bethpage played as a par 71 in its first two spins as the opener of the FedExCup Playoffs (for which it will return in 2021), but it reverts to its familiar par of 70 for the PGA Championship. The seventh hole is reduced to a par 4 measuring 524 yards. That's down 29 yards since the 2016 edition of THE NORTHERN TRUST. The par-4 12th and 15th holes are 14 and six yards longer, respectively, so the overall yardage of 7,459 reflects a nine-yard decrease.
Navigating the 83-year-old test in Farmingdale, New York, requires a blend of a balanced attack, course management and enough muscle off the tee to hang with the big boys who have an advantage. Because the course should set up to yield a winner dipping into double digits under par, distance control and precision on approach are the keys. A taut short game plays a supporting role.
Fescue awaits the most wayward of drives, but the primary concern is the three-and-a-half inch rough framing the relatively narrow and at-times angled fairways. Poa annua greens are varied is size and smaller than TOUR average. The only water hazard fronts the green on the par-3 eighth hole.
Because the tournament is conducted in the spring – versus in June (U.S. Open) or August (Playoffs) – and because of a mild winter on Long Island, the Black Course is poised to launch the era of the PGA Championship in May as if it's been scheduled at this time all along. Yes, many trees won't be in full bloom and apparel will reflect cooler air at this time of year, but the forecast is favorable to spotlight a fair, stern challenge.
Daytimes highs won't escape the 60s and winds might not freshen in earnest until Sunday's finale. Early-week rain will help set the stage for an early low round, but not much in the form of precipitation is expected during the tournament.
ROB BOLTON’S SCHEDULE
PGATOUR.COM’s Fantasy Insider Rob Bolton recaps and previews every tournament from numerous angles. Look for his following contributions as scheduled.
MONDAY: Rookie Ranking, Qualifiers, Reshuffle, Medical Extensions, Power Rankings
TUESDAY*: Fantasy Insider
WEDNESDAY: One & Done
* - Rob is a member of the panel for PGATOUR.COM’s Expert Picks for PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf, which also publishes on Tuesdays.
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