Paddy Morgan previews this week’s PGA Championship at Oak Hill

ROCHESTER, NY - MAY 16: Jon Rahm speaks to the media before the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/PGA of America)

Jon Rahm has an opportunity to win his second major in a row at the PGA Championship.

Rory McIlroy won the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014 and has a chance to win his first major in nine years.

Jordan Spieth will become the sixth golfer to complete the grand slam by winning all four majors if he wins at Oak Hill. Seventeen golfers from the breakaway LIV Tour are due to participate at the PGA Championship this week.

Justin Thomas is looking to defend his title after winning the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills. There are plenty of storylines and you can always guarantee drama at a major.

Oak Hill will be an examination mental test as the length of the course is 7,400 yards. Matt Fitzpatrick loves a battle as he won his first major in 2022 at Brookline. Harbour Town is a narrow golf course but that didn’t affect Fitzpatrick as he won the RBC Heritage in April.

Fitzpatrick had a great chance of winning the PGA Championship in 2022 at Southern Hills until a final round of 73 forced him to settle for a tie for fifth.

Every part of Fitzpatrick’s game is impressive especially the extra yards that he has gained off the tee and the world number seven will be hard to beat this weekend. Fitzpatrick’s favourite club is his nine iron as this club was very effective in winning the US Open and RBC Heritage. My opinion is that Fitzpatrick will win the PGA Championship.

Xander Schauffele finished in the top 10 at 2023 The Masters in April. RBC Heritage was a success for Schauffele as he finished fourth. The American had a great run in trying to win the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow but had to settle for a runner-up finish.

Schauffele has never won a major but always seems to find his best game on difficult golf courses. My opinion is that Schauffele will finish in the top five.

Dustin Johnson finished in a tie for eighth in the 2013 PGA Championship which was also played at Oak Hill.

Johnson won the latest LIV Tour event after shooting two rounds of 63. Johnson has the best chance of doing it for the LIV Tour. My opinion is that Johnson will finish in the top five.

Tyrrell Hatton has recently joined up with Shane Lowry’s ex-caddie Brian “Bo” Martin. Hatton finished tied third at the Wells Fargo Championship. He played the weekend in 13 under at the AT&T Byron Nelson as he finished inside the top five. Hatton is in good form and has a good chance of finishing in the top five this week.

Adam Scott finished tied fifth at 2013 PGA Championship which was also played at Oak Hill. Scott turned professional in 2000 and it’s remarkable how well he is continuing to perform. The Australian shot three rounds in the 60s as he finished in a tie for fifth at the Wells Fargo Championship. He continued his good form at AT&T Byron Nelson as he finished in a tie for eighth. My opinion is that Scott will finish in the top 10.

Padraig Harrington is one of the best when it comes to scrambling and getting the best out of your round. Harrington is in the field as he won the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills in 2008. The 202 PGA Championship was a successful one for Harrington as he finished in a tie for fourth at Kiawah Island.

The Dubliner is in good form as he finished tied fifth at the Regions Traditional Championship on the Champions Tour. A bit of a long shot but my opinion is that Harrington will finish in the top 10 this weekend.

Hopefully, Rory McIlroy can let the golf do the talking and have a good week. It would be also great if either Shane Lowry or Seamus Power were to feature on the leaderboard by the end of the week.