PHILADELPHIA — A Surprising PGA Championship
This was the major that caught us all off guard. Jon Rahm spent Monday and Tuesday worried that something was wrong with his game, troubled by the widespread expectation of a 15-to-20-under winner at Aronimink, while he envisioned a much tougher challenge.
We all presumed this PGA Championship would be claimed by a superstar, as had been the case with the previous seven. With four of golf’s top talents near the leaderboard as they approached the last nine holes, no one managed to seize control.
Ultimately, it was a relatively unknown Englishman, Aaron Rai—who had never been deeply in contention during a major—who captured the title, challenging our expectations. So, let’s dive into this fascinating tournament.
A Playoff between Putting and Driving
You and your friend are both correct during different phases of the tournament. It was a strange week, with opinions shifting from Monday to Sunday. Thursday and Friday showcased challenges as players grappled with dense rough that hindered their drives. The fairways appeared wide but felt much narrower, demanding precise approaches similar to those at Augusta National. On Saturday and Sunday, frustrations became apparent, leading to a less dynamic final stretch as top players struggled on tough greens.
Rai’s Winning Strategy
While some criticized the tournament as merely a putting contest, Rai’s victory stemmed from his ball striking. His approach shots and strategic play allowed him to navigate tough pin placements better than many of his competitors. For instance, he excelled with his bunker shot and made substantial putts when it mattered most.
Course Setup and Player Strategies
Aronimink’s setup allowed for multiple successful playing strategies. Players like Cameron Smith thrived despite hitting only three fairways, showcasing the importance of recovery skills. However, it remains true that many long hitters performed well throughout the tournament, emphasizing that while accuracy is useful, distance still provided significant advantages.
Future of the PGA Championship
The PGA Championship still lacks a definitive identity compared to other majors. If the PGA were to stick with its current schedule, it risks becoming too similar to the U.S. Open. A more coordinated effort could give each tournament a unique character. While this week proved the event can be a rigorous test for all types of golfers, it’s clear that for many, the PGA Championship doesn’t yet have the same prestige as its counterparts.
Players’ Perception of the PGA Championship
Ultimately, players tend to prefer winning a PGA Championship because it carries the weight of being a major title. However, many would contend that the Players Championship is a superior event. The distinction between the two might influence future players’ aspirations.
