Time to break outside the box.
Time to turn our backs on “the usual suspects.”
After all, going into this fourth and final major of the season, we’ve had not one or two but three first-time winners in the majors of 2016.
So what’s in store this week at Baltustrol?
Let’s start by getting sentimental.
The year was 2005 and it was the 87th PGA Championship staged at, where else? Baltusrol.
It was Phil Mickelson shooting four-under par to edge Steve Elkington and Thomas Bjorn. Davis Love III finished behind them at two-under along with some guy named Tiger Woods.
Of those contenders, only Mickelson is doing anything as of late and he’s done quite a lot for a guy age 46.
So why not go with Mickelson as our favorite to win the 2016 PGA Championship.
How about another duel between Mickelson and Stenson on the final day, down the stretch, this time Mickelson pitches in for eagle at the 18th to win his sixth major title?
That’s our “sentimental pick” — PHIL MICKELSON.
HENRIK STENSON: Stenson declared the “floodgates open” after his win two weeks ago at the Open Championship and the way he is striking the golf ball, why not a second straight major? Stranger things have happened in this game.
J.B. HOLMES: We’re still “outside the box.” They say no one ever remembers who finished second in a major but everyone remembers Nicklaus finished second to Watson at Turnberry and they’ll remember that Mickelson finished second to Stenson at Royal Troon. What they won’t remember is that J.B. Holmes finished third.
SERGIO GARCIA: If this isn’t outside the box than nothing is. Garcia should take inspiration from Stenson’s win, although Sergio shouldn’t wait until he turns 40. Step up now, Sergio!
DUSTIN JOHNSON: He has been a factor virtually every time he shows up the past three months. Why not show Jordan Spieth that someone else can win two majors in the same season. We LOVE D.J.’s chances this week, especially with the two finishing holes at Baltusrol both being par fives.
THE USUAL SUSPECTS:
JORDAN SPIETH: Spieth has been incredibly unimpressive since he turned into an 18-handicapper on the 12th tee at the Masters. He’s stunk it up in the next two and now he’s accusing the press of being negative. His game has been negative. Can’t find a fairway and when he misses putts, he’s just another guy out there with his name on his bag. Time to step up Jordy!
JASON DAY: Finished strong at the Canadian Open after a second round 76. He simply hasn’t stepped it up so far in the majors. Can he repeat this week? Probably Not.
RORY MCILROY: Had a decent showing at the Open Championship but was wiped out in the jet wash of Stenson and Mickelson like everyone else. Rory’s game just hasn’t fired on all cylinders this season. Yet.
We have no confidence that any of the usual suspects will win this week.
WONDERFUL DARKHORSE CONTENDERS:
JIM FURYK: Why not one more major for the old warhorse. He simply needs to make a few more putts.
SHANE LOWRY: Got a taste of final round pressure at the U.S. Open. He has enough game but does he have the moxy?
ZACH JOHNSON: We want him to have more majors than Johnny Miller.
ADAM SCOTT: Needs four good days with the putter. Hasn’t had that in any of the majors this year.
JASON DUFNER: Does the Duff still have it? Maybe, maybe not.
BRANDEN GRACE: Plenty of game but is on the Spieth track in the majors so far.
PATRICK REED: He needs to stop telling us how good he is and start showing us.
KEVIN NA: The guy is an ATM machine. Always in there but never wins. How about this as the Cinderella story of the major season?
That should give you something to contemplate this week.
The lads at CBS like to call it: “Glory’s Last Shot.”
It is, unless you get excited about golf in the Olympics.
