1. Phil Mickelson
Good thing Mickelson won the 2004 Masters because he really would be hearing it from the critics this year. After finishing a quiet 10th in the Masters, he dropped to a tie for 33rd in the U.S. Open. Then he has a terrible weekend at the British Open, finishing in a tie for 60th. A win at the PGA would change the perception of his season.
2. Retief Goosen
Sundays have been Goosen’s downfall this year. He blew a chance to win the U.S. Open with a horrendous final-round 81 at Pinehurst. Then he had another shot at St. Andrews, but a 74 on Sunday doomed his chances. If Goosen arrives on Sunday in contention, he will need to show he can finish.
3. Chris DiMarco
It’s all been downhill in the majors for DiMarco after losing to Tiger Woods in a playoff at the Masters. With expectations ratcheted up, DiMarco missed the cut at the U.S. Open and was 67th at the British Open. DiMarco will want to return to the form that had him nearly winning last year’s PGA Championship and at Augusta.
4. Davis Love III
He has had a mostly forgettable major season, missing the cut at the Masters and British Open. At the U.S. Open, he opened with a 77, and then finished strong to finish in a tie for sixth. Time is starting for run out for the 41-year-old Love to win another major.
5. Adam Scott
He has earned more than $2 million this year but has yet to meet his potential in the majors. He finished 33rd at the Masters; 28th at the U.S. Open and 34th in the British Open. Scott needs to start making his move in the majors if he is going to reach the next level.
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87th PGA at a glance
When: Thursday-Sunday.
Where: Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course), Springfield, N.J.
Course: 7,392 yards, Par 70 (34-36).
TV: Thursday-Friday noon-6 p.m. TNT. Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. TNT; 1-6 p.m. WBBM-Ch. 2.
Format: 72 holes, stroke play (three-hole playoff if necessary).
Defending champion: Vijay Singh.
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Ed Sherman
