2023 PGA Championship - Preview

Another Major—already?

The Major championship season being compressed into a four-month period feels like modern-day agony to golf fans for much of the year. However, whilst in these four months, it is pure, unabashed golfing nirvana!

With many vying for the coveted Wanamaker trophy, and a highly charged golfing environment, there promises to be plenty of mouthwatering storylines to follow.

With Majors come limited edition releases. Be sure to check out the PGA Championship Bag from TaylorMade, available now.

Oak Hill CC - East Course

The Oak Hill Country Club is no stranger to major pedigree, having hosted a number of majors and a Ryder Cup. However, having gone through a restoration from Andrew Green and his team, it will paint a different picture than the last time it was on the biggest of stages.

The layout of a few holes has changed, trees have been removed, and penalising bunkering has been added. These alterations present an opportunity for creativity to blossom.

However, thick rough will present a challenge to many players with the thick rough likely giving advantage to the longer hitters!

Players to watch

World #1 Jon Rahm

It has been love at first sight for the Spaniard and his Callaway Paradym Driver. He is currently the number one ranked player in the world and has taken the 2023 season by storm and feels as if every time he tees it up this year, he wins. Now a two time Major champion after his recent success at Augusta, he will be looking to add another Major trophy to his seemingly ever-growing collection.

Scottie Scheffler

The Robin to Rahm's Batman! If Rahm doesn't win in 2023, Scheffler appears to be in the running for the top spot. However, the 2023 Players champion's recent output has decreased due to certain unusual putting. Expect to see Scottie in or close to the final group on Sunday, though, if he manages to get his Scotty Cameron finding the bottom of the cup!

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy's chances at the 2023 PGA Championship may be uncertain, as he has struggled in the 2023 season so far. The four-time Major champion missed the cut at Augusta and withdrew from the RBC Heritage, resulting in a $3 million fine from the PGA Tour. However, McIlroy has been known to bounce back from tough times and will be looking to regain his 2022 form, where he was near the top of all four major leaderboards. Only time will tell if recent equipment adjustments to his TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver will be enough to help him compete with the world's best golfers at Oak Hill.

Justin Thomas

Justin Thomas may have struggled to recapture his Major-winning form so far this year, sliding to 67th in the FedEx cup rankings, but the reigning PGA champion is not one to be written off. A year is a long time in golf, and Thomas will be looking to defend his title and prove his worth as one of the world's top golfers. With his talent and determination, it would be unwise to count him out at the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill. If there is something you can count on, it will be a fresh and exciting collection of FootJoy shoes on display from the reigning champ!

Brooks Koepka

Brooks Koepka is the bookies' favourite from the LIV golfing contingent, and it's easy to see why. He looks to be back healthy following a prolonged injury stretch, which is translating into a recent run of form. He even led for a prolonged stretch at this year's Masters, demonstrating his undeniable talent. As a previous PGA Champion, Koepka is no stranger to the bright lights of Major Championship golf. He will undoubtedly be looking to add a third Wanamaker and fifth Major title to his impressive collection at Oak Hill CC. Keep an eye out for him during the 2023 PGA Championship, as he shapes to be a serious contender for the title.

Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson was not a player we thought would make the list of top contenders for the 2023 PGA Championship. Since making his move to LIV Golf, his results had been lacking, and it seemed his competitive days in Major Championships were over. However, a barnstorming finish at Augusta shot Mickelson up to second place, followed by strong showings at LIV Golf events. This begs the question, can Phil Mickelson break his own record as the oldest player to win a Major? Leftie's performance at Augusta showed that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level, and if he continues his recent form, he could be a serious contender for the Wanamaker Trophy. A true representative to all left-handed golfers!

Aussie Aussie Aussie

Cam Smith

Cameron Smith, the 2022 British Open champion, is working into his groove this season. Although he expressed feeling prepared heading into the Masters, his performance indicated otherwise. However, his recent performances at LIV events indicate a shift in momentum. Smith's short game, powered by his trusted Vokey wedges, is always a threat, but if he can also get his driver in check, he has a real chance of contending at the PGA Championship.

Cam Davis

Cam Davis has had a big couple of years, culminating in a maiden President's Cup appearance last year, and he is showing no signs of slowing down. With the ability to go on birdie runs, Davis is a player to watch out for during the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill. If he can get into a groove and start making birdies, his name could quickly creep up the leaderboard. Keep an eye on Davis, as he has the potential to surprise everyone and make a deep run in the tournament.

Jason Day

Jason Day is experiencing a career resurgence this year, and his game is certainly trending in the right direction, culminating with a win from the weekend just passed! Coupled with top 10 finishes aplenty, Day's success can be attributed in large part to his resurgence off the tee, with thanks to his PING G430 LST. The question now is, can he add a second Wanamaker Trophy to his trophy cabinet? The Australian golfer has proven himself to be a tough competitor in Major Championships, so if Day can maintain his current form, he could be a serious contender for the title at Oak Hill. Keep an eye out for him during the tournament, as he can go on a deep run. The burning question, can his body handle backing up this week?

Lucas Herbert

Lucas Herbert is another in-form Australian golfer who is coming into the 2023 PGA Championship with some momentum on his side. He recently secured a win in Japan in the latter part of April, which is certainly a confidence boost for the young golfer. The question now is whether he can continue this winning form and have a run at the PGA Championship. With recent success on his side, Herbert could be an outside contender for the title at Oak Hill. Look for him in some statement pieces from adidas.

Min Woo Lee

Min Woo Lee is a young and talented golfer who has been making great strides in his career lately. He will undoubtedly be looking to continue his ascent by performing well at the 2023 PGA Championship. While no one can doubt Min Woo's talent and aggressive stroke play, it can sometimes get him into trouble on the course. However, if he can keep the big numbers off the scorecard and find a good rhythm, this Callaway staffer could pose a real threat to the competition.

David Micheluzzi

David Micheluzzi is a talented Australian golfer who has received a late invite from the PGA of America to participate in the 2023 PGA Championship. This will be his first start in a Major Championship, but his recent success in winning the Order Of Merit has given him playing rights on the DP World Tour, setting him up for more opportunities in the future. While he may be a newcomer to the big stage, Micheluzzi's game is certainly worth keeping an eye on. Look out for his name in the coming years as he continues to develop his skills and make his mark in the world of professional golf.

Adam Scott

Adam Scott has had a long and successful career, but he's facing some fatigue due to a busy 2023 schedule. However, with his iconic swing, if he can get his putting game on point, he could be a real contender for the PGA Championship title. As an Aussie icon, he'll have plenty of Aussie support from fans rooting for him to add another major championship to his already impressive resume.