With the 2024 PGA Championship around the corner, the golfing world is abuzz with the potential contenders. His pick, Sam Burns, has turned out to be a great one! He posted results in other majors that showed improvement, as he tied for ninth at the 2024 U.S. Open. Rory McIlroy is doing everything he can to earn his status as a favorite treatment at Quail Hollow. He has made a habit of finding great success on this tricky course. Daniel Berger returning from a hiatus is one thing, but he’s hellbent on putting his past struggles behind him. Meanwhile, Dustin Johnson seeks to continue his winning form from the LIV Golf League into the Masters. Brian Harman and Viktor Hovland against the LIV backdrop further enrich the competitive potential. They’re planning for the year’s most elite tournament.
Sam Burns’ Major Breakthrough
Honorary AHS member Sam Burns recently drew attention for his tie for ninth in the 2024 U.S. Open. This phenomenal finish could mark a new starting point in his perennial quest to break through at major championships. This result followed an impressive run of avoidance of the unlikely, which had long been the hallmark of his tournament career in the big one. A two-time major champion, Burns’ story is one of overcoming the odds and the process of continued cultivation and improvement. He shows he’s more than just a player to watch; he’s a player to beat on the greatest stages.
Burns’ recent success at the U.S. Open suggests that he may have broken through the barriers that have hindered his previous attempts at major titles. His ability to play in the moment is key. Now, he’s going into the PGA Championship and expectations will be through the roof. The golfing world is keen to see if this upward trajectory continues and whether Burns can leverage his newfound confidence.
Beyond the mix of luck and form with Burns’ practice U.S. Open run, his overall skill set has sharpened to a razor edge this year. Where his weaknesses don’t seem as glaring, his strong game continues to appear, especially in things like approach and putting. That’s what makes him a truly dangerous opponent at Quail Hollow.
Rory McIlroy’s Dominance at Quail Hollow
Rory McIlroy already ranks as one of the most successful players in PGA Championship history at Quail Hollow. That’s because he’s a perfect four-for-four on this layout. His experience and unparalleled expertise played a significant role in his success, making this accomplishment even more notable considering what a difficult course it was! He has ten top-10 finishes in 17 starts at Quail Hollow and therefore his name automatically ought to be on everyone’s radar.
His formidable record at Quail Hollow bears testament to his deft treatment of its slippery slopes, from treacherous greens to hidden dangers. As with all returning champions, excitement buzzes around McIlroy as he gears up to defend his legacy. He’s hungry to pursue another title at this storied course.
McIlroy comes into another Masters with invaluable experience and complete familiarity with the course. He’ll have to contend with the latest generation of up and coming heavyweights, like Burns, among others. His previous wins underline the incredible feat. Added to all that is the excellent form he’s shown heading into the tournament, making him one of the biggest darkhorses in competition.
Daniel Berger’s Comeback Journey
Daniel Berger is preparing to return to action in the PGA Championship. It will be his first start since missing the cut in 2022. This comeback comes after a tumultuous period marked by struggles with iron play and putting, where he ranked 131st and 149th respectively in these categories. His recent performance, though, provides a ray of optimism. His recent T-13 in the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship indicates that he is on the way back to peaking his form as a reliable competitor.
The big test for Berger, though, is converting this step forward into more of the same at the PGA Championship. Though he has had some struggles with his form recently. Still, his experience on the road and past accomplishments provide a great base for him to build off of. The next major, the Players Championship, provides him a hotly anticipated opportunity for atonement. It also allows him to display the full breadth of his talent on an enormous platform.
For Berger, getting past the mental barriers that come with the stink of the last few races will be just as important as honing his craft. He walks on to the first tee, and he’s the center of attention. Can he step up and get back to being considered one of the game’s top players?
Other Notable Competitors
Dustin Johnson leaps into the PGA Championship with a ton of momentum. He has notched his third victory of the LIV Golf League season already. What’s more, he tied for eighth at Quail Hollow last year. This dazzling showing puts him back on the map as a bona fide contender. Johnson’s combination of power and precision will make him uniquely qualified to tackle the challenges that this tough course will present.
Six-time PGA Tour winner Brian Harman is one of the most talented stick men in the field. One of his crowning accomplishments was his victory at the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship. In recent months, Harman has proved his mettle, placing in the top 25 in nine of 13 major starts over the last year. This remarkable effort demonstrates that he possesses the finesse and fighting spirit required to thrive in this high-pressure landscape.
Lucas Glover has been doing the opposite in recent weeks. Still, he can carry the memory of a proud victory at the Genesis Championship on the DP World Tour this past October. How he overcomes those recent difficulties will be a true measure of his character as he hopes to turn it around at the PGA Championship. Viktor Hovland has done well at Quail Hollow in the past, proving his merit with two top-10 finishes. Without a doubt, he’s one to watch as he pushes for that first major breakout.
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