The second major of the year is upon us and it has a lot to live up to after the quality and intrigue of Scottie Scheffler’s win at the Masters.
Several storylines will compete for prominence at Southern Hills but most eyes will be on Jordan Spieth as he bids to complete a career grand slam.
The ‘Spieth Slam’ has proved elusive since the World No8 won his third major title at Royal Birkdale back in 2017.
Back then Spieth was 23 years old, a dominant force and only the second player after Jack Nicklaus to win three of golf’s four majors before the age of 24.
He has been through a lot in the intervening years and the landscape has changed with the likes of Rahm, Scheffler and Morikawa jostling for position at the top end of the game.
Despite the various frustrations and setbacks of recent years, Spieth remains popular because he is relatable. He is a fascinating mix of genius and vulnerability.
His win at last year’s Texas Open ended a winning drought dating back to the 2017 Open and recent form suggests he will be in the conversation this week.
He heads into the second major of 2022 on the back of a win at last month’s RBC Heritage and last week’s runners-up finish at the Byron Nelson.
Southern Hills will also favour good iron play and scrambling and Spieth ticks both boxes.
His game and form suggests he is primed to compete at the business end on Sunday, but there’s no doubt the mental pressure and expectation on his shoulders will be huge.
It is the same pressure that Rory comes under every time he bids to complete a career grand slam at Augusta. The scrutiny will be intense, but it will be a thrilling watch if he pulls it off.
Another major storyline is the fact Phil Mickelson won’t be there to defend his title after withdrawing from the tournament last week.
Mickelson, who became the oldest winner of the US PGA last year, hasn’t played since February after criticism of his comments about the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour.
He missed the Masters and has now told the US PGA he won’t be teeing it up in Tulsa.
What’s going on? Well, it’s hard to say and only Phil, his wife and team will know. Until he clarifies his position, we are in the realms of speculation.
There is, of course, a suggestion that he will make his return when the LIV Golf Series’ inaugural event tees it up at the Centurion Club on June 9, but only time will tell.
I do fear his time on the PGA Tour is over. If so, it would be a sad ending for a player who has provided us with a wealth of entertainment over the years.
All signs point to Lowry charge
Shane Lowry is teeing it up at the USPGA championship on the back of a solid season so far.
Since February he has recorded a runners-up at the Honda Classic, two T3s at the Masters and RBC Heritage and three other top-15 finishes.
Shane has done everything except win and in many ways it is similar to his run-up to Royal Portrush in 2019 when he had a T3 at the Heritage and T2 in Canada.
If he is going to get over the line this week he will need to be on his game and have an element of luck, but the key is being brave if or when the opportunity arises.
Lowry will be fresh after a three week break and it’ll be interesting to see how he adapts to making his return at a major.
He isn’t renowned for fast starts. I don’t expect him to fire out of the blocks, but then again he doesn’t need to. Steady early doors then attack the middle of the tournament.
Like Jordan Spieth, the demands of Southern Hills will suit his game. The fairways will be relatively forgiving while iron play and getting up and down will be key.
Lowry is equipped to capitalise and just like at the 2019 Open, he will be coming in under the radar, which can only be to his benefit.
At Royal Portrush Rory McIlroy stole all the pre-tournament hype, but Shane reproduced his pre-tournament form and - once again - that will be crucial this week.
If he can mirror his recent form, he will be in the mix.
McIlroy is battle-hardened for Tulsa test
Rory McIlroy will be excited about his chances in Tulsa.
Compared to the three other majors, the USPGA is more like a regular tour event and if he focuses on doing the simple things well, he will contend.
I expect the back nine on Sunday to take on a life of its own and the biggest challenge for Rory is making sure he is in the mix.
He endured a bit of a grinding week in difficult conditions at the Wells Fargo in his last outing at the start of the month but still recorded a fifth-place finish.
Tulsa will provide another stern test, with some wind forecast, but his recent experiences in Washington will have him battle-hardened for this week’s test.
Sometimes a demanding warm-up tournament equips you better than a low scoring one.
There is always more spice and interest when our players are contending at a major and hopefully McIlroy and Shane Lowry are on the leaderboard come Sunday.
I’ll also be keeping a close eye on Seamus Power.
The 35-year-old has hit a sweet spot - six top-15s, including a T3, T4 and T5 in his last 13 outings - and he will be in a very positive headspace in Tulsa.
Seamus did very well on his maiden outing at Augusta and has everything to gain this week.
BETTING SLIP
USPGA CHAMPIONSHIP
Jordan Spieth - 14/1 EW
Recent form suggests it could be a historic week.
Max Homa - 40/1 EW
Wells Fargo champion, but next step is to win a major.
Tyrrell Hatton - 50/1 EW
World No24 is capable of finding his best stuff this week.
Harold Varner - 80/1 EW
T3 at RBC Heritage and capable of finding a placed finish.
Adam Scott - 80/1 EW
Has been threatening form and offers good each way value.
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