2024 PGA Championship: Its Prep Time

Posted on May 13, 2024
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The PGA Championship returns to Valhalla after last hosting a major in 2014 when Rory triumphed and in 2000 and 1996 before then. A Jack Nicklaus design in 1992 that has become a perennial hoster of majors and specifically the PGA Championship multiple times.

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We come together again for the eagerly anticipated 2nd major of the year, the PGA Championship, with many players just coming out of another Signature Event, sadly golf cannot be more confused in terms of what its objective is. No matter what tour you are on, there is a moan, a frustration, a disappointment. But that steps aside for the majors!

Last year we were treated to a cracker when BK & The Hov toiled it out over the weekend, often only separated by a stroke, till a late stumble saw BK seize control and hold on for his 5th major and 3rd time holding the Wanamaker, a win which vaulted him in the major stakes and creds.

This will be a new week, with new hopes. Weather forecasts are for warmer weather as the week progresses but Thursday might present a softer course and Friday will be wet and windy, per current forecasts. There is a flood warning to start, so expect the rough to be juicy!



Keep an eye open for the majorpunter changes introduced last year, with a no-subs option, adding a 6th pick and the addition of another wildcard. See the updated RULES on the site, which also include a no-sympathy approach to players withdrawing once the first tee shot has gone off.



In 2014, Rory was on a tear, dueling with Lefty on Sunday who led by 2 heading into the back 9 on Sunday, until a Rory eagle on the 10th changed the complexion of the major. Rory had dominated all week, leading after rounds 2 and 3. Bizarrely, its his last major win. He definitely has a good chance this week, certainly his driving of a golf ball will hold him in good stead at Valhalla, but he will need to get that putter hot, just like he did this week at Quail Hollow.

Scoring has always been low at Valhalla, though the course will still test the field but there will be plenty of opportunities if you are miles down the fairway. Valhalla winners over the years all drove it well, with The Big Cat winning in 2000 as part of his Tiger Slam.

The Headliners:
The list of potential winners this year seems lengthy with decent form on various tours, which is refreshing. Additionally, there are plenty of late invites for players otherwise not qualified, specifically from the LIV Tour.

Scottie, Rory & BK are hot on everyone’s lists, but can Scottie be touched? He has taken a much needed break, but is miles ahead of anyone right now. His putter will be the key test for him as usual. Heading into the PGA Championship, all 3 have W’s in their most recent starts, a 3-man shootout come Sunday would be amazing.

BK had a mild form break, but got back on the winners trail in Singapore, with his new putter starting to find its feet.



Then the band of youngsters chasing a 1st major (or a 2nd) is the best list. So much talent in the mix, littering the top of the DATA GOLF RANKINGS with stars like Cambo, X, The Hov, Wyndie, aBerg!, Fitzy, Other Cam, Mr Burns, TKim & Jaco - just awesome talent to pick from. Would be great to see them make the step up at Valhalla!

Obviously a few others amongst the chasers who are well known, but have struggled to break through in the big majors. Tough to keep backing the likes of Cant(p)lay, X & Homa, though it was a good chase for Homa at Augusta and X has been in supreme form with a big gap on W column, he has been in the most final pairings this year outside of Scottie.



The Defending Champ:
BK regained his alpha dog status last year and went into The Masters below the radar due to poor form recently. However, that changes quickly since a recent win in Singapore and suddenly expectations of major number 6 are high again with his confidence sky high.



The Field
The PGA Championship FIELD is arguably the strongest in the majors based on and this year is no different, though with an increased scattering of invitees.



To level it out, there are a scattering of defending champions, who might not fancy their chances like Micheel, Kaymer or John Daly plus those 20 club pro’s, who are pro but not so much of a pro as the rest. And don’t forget about Blockie!

For an in-depth analysis of the top candidates from CBS GOLF and NBC GOLF. with some sneaky and surprising support for JT so take note.



The Course and Surrounds
Valhalla, is a great test, like every major, but will be presenting itself for birdies and eagles too. There is plenty of risk and reward, island greens, par 5 finishes. Its a venue that has always delivered great champions with its undulations and picturesque framing.



Designed and thereafter tinkered by Jack Nicklaus, his own creativity and game would have enjoyed playing Valhalla, so expect it to be fast but long. Par 5’s for players to make a move, par 4’s to test your wits. The course presents some key challenges to shot making, with sloping lies throughout.

Valhalla’s BIG 5 HOLES are going to be pivotal in deciding the eventual champion.

Though not everyone is filled with glee as the PGA heads to Valhalla, with some classic quotes in GOLF DIGEST such as David Duval who stated it was better suited for the Nike Tour.

Potential Favourites:

Scottie
The world # 1, with a new putter in hand has been untouchable in 2024. Last year was top 2 at Oak Hill. Can he go 1 better? He has all the shots and all operating in sync.



Rory
Another venue that he has won at, he likes repeating himself, like he did this past week at Quail Hollow. He has knocked on the door enough to know he has a chance and the way he played this past week, was back to the dominator from a decade before. Been in the press too much for off-course stuff, its now time to land his 5th major.

BK
LIV has not been amazing for his form or performances, though his quality is still there. He will be desperate to show his game is not off.

Rahmbo
LIV has not been amazing for his form or performances, though his quality is still there. He will be desperate to show his game is not off.



The Others:
The list of possible first timers is long, with half the top of the DATA GOLF RANKINGS having never won a major.

Aberg: all the shots, loved being in the mix at Augusta and makes golf look easy with his relaxed demeanour and smile.
Collin: Still so young for a 2 major veteran and regained his major form at Augusta last month.
X: Hard to imagine that he is still chasing a win of any sorts, though he had no way of keeping up at Quail Hollow, just had no gear change, but can’t be far off unless thats him peaking.

As a reminder, keep an eye open for majorpunter changes, with us implementing a no-subs option, adding a 6th pick and the addition of another wildcard. See the updated RULES on the site, which also include a no-sympathy approach to players withdrawing once the first tee shot has gone off.