This PGA Championship could have been simply awful were it not for rain. With how things were going through the first 36 holes and a cut at +8, Oakland Hills was ready to crown a champion at about +5. Then, Mother Nature stepped in and the rain soaked the course to make it still firm, but playable. Were it not for the rain and the cool temperatures, this could have been a terrible finish.

In terms of performance for the year, the best major setup clearly went to the Davis staff at the USGA. It’s not even close. Birkdale was not setup very well, but was fairly adaptable in practice. Augusta National was not setup well and was not adapted at all in response to the windy conditions. Oakland Hills got saved, but was on pace to be the worst.

Therefore, here we have:
1. US Open – Torrey Pines
2. Open Championship – Royal Birkdale
3. The Masters – Augusta National
4. PGA Championship – Oakland Hills

Last year, I would have said:
1. PGA Championship – Southern Hills (particularly after the 2001 US Open)
2. Open Championship – Carnoustie
3. The Masters – Augusta National
4. US Open – Oakmont

How a year changes things!

In my monthly column over at Sports Central, I talk about the seriousness of slow play. I know, it’s my crusade topic for this season. But, I talk about it in light of the 5 hour rounds of the final pairings at the Masters and the Players Championship. Also, I talk about how Tim Finchem appears to be stepping up to the plate with some options. Last, I mention how everyone wins if those options are implemented regardless of trying to clean up slow play.