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Medinah Country Club - Medinah, Illinois

Welcome to the new Medinah. The PGA Championship returns to this historic course outside of Chicago and it is going to be quite the test for the greatest players in the world. Not only is this the longest course in major history but tight fairways, re-contoured greens and tall vegetation are going to pose a huge challenge. Let's not forget the weather, which should be dry and hot and we could see a similar setup to the U.S. Open by weeks end.

The PGA Championship traditionally puts together the three major champions of the year for the first two rounds. That means the big story is the pairing of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, along with U.S. Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy. Woods and Mickelson are known to not get along, although both deny that claim, so many are interested to see how they interact in the first two rounds. Both are so focused on their games however that there won't be any interaction to try and read into.

Woods is the obvious choice and everyone's choice to win his 12th major but there are plenty of other contenders that we need to speak of. The American's have dominated the Championship as they have won eight of the last nine Wanamaker Trophies with Vijay Singh being the lone exception. Across the pond, they are getting edgy as Europe has been shut out since Paul Lawrie won the 1999 British Open. Here is a look at the top four players who look to have the best shot and also the smallest odds.

Tiger Woods (+270) Not only did he win at this venue the last time a major was played here in 1999 but the recent form he has displayed makes him the top choice as well. Coming off two wins since missing the cut at the U.S. Open, he is firing on all cylinders. Woods has posted top-fives in six of his last seven major championship starts including three victories and he can make some more history at Medinah this week as no one has ever won the PGA Championship twice on the same golf course.

Phil Mickelson (+1200) Since the final hole debacle at Winged Foot, Mickelson has been 65th at the Western Open, 22nd at the Open Championship and missed the cut last week at the International, one of his favorite places. Despite winning last year with a closing-round 2-over 72, has posted his last three final rounds in the PGA above par (72, 74, 75). Mickelson's 16 top-ten finishes in majors since 2000 is tied with Woods for the most during that span.

Jim Furyk (+1400) Furyk has been nothing short of consistent with nine top-ten finishes in 18 starts, including six in the top three. He hasn't finished worse than fourth in any tournament since the U.S. Open, a four-tournament streak that includes two majors. He has only missed two cuts this year, and he's never finished lower than 33rd in the events where he's completed all four rounds. He hits it straight, has a great short game and even though he's not the longest of hitters, that should not hurt him here.

Ernie Els (+1600) Els could be back as he is playing some of his best golf of the season after a slow start. He finished in third place at the Open Championship and prior to that was 9th at the Barclays event at Westchester. He finished great at the International and when he plays well, this type of U.S. Open type venue fits him well. However, he has closed with an over-par round in his last four PGA Championships with a final-round scoring average of 73.00 during that period.

About the Author

Matt Fargo is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at www.procappers.com/Matt_Fargo.htm