Fantasy Crystal Ball: 91st PGA Championship

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We arrive at Hazeltine for Glory's Last Shot, the final major of 2009, and the last chance for Tiger Woods to hoist a major trophy this season.  The field will be witness to a major played on the longest layout in the history of the sport - just 26 yards shy of the unfathomable 7700 yard marker.  With the course playing some 300 yards longer than in 2002, Hazeltine is a bit of a different animal.

The final leaderboard in '09 will also likely pay little resemblence to that from '02.  Rich Beem won't win.  Chris Riley won't finish third.  The only guys in the top ten from '02 that I think have a chance to be there again are Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh, and Tiger Woods.

That said, the longer Hazeltine of today will likely bring some modest length hitters into the equation.  Much like the way that the Masters rewarded great wedge play from its '03 and '06 champions, Hazeltine will on its par 5s.  Three of four measure over 600 yards and will give those wedge magicians a chance to hold the bombers at bay.

I would be foolish to not pick Tiger Woods again this week.  Having won two in a row, five overall this season, and finishing second here in 2002 makes Woods the obvious choice.  That's all I will say about him.

Rather, I'd like to focus on making some less than conventional picks.  After all, who could have guessed that Kenny Perry or Tom Watson would contend at majors?  No one saw the three eventual '09 major winners coming at the beginning of the week - except the astounding Bob Bubka.  That guy has some kind of Ouija board when it comes to major championship prognostications.

TNT's Billy Kratzert was a guest on The 19th Hole podcast this week (subscribe now!) and he suggested Tom Lehman.  It's a good pick.  Lehman contended this year in Tampa, is from Minnesota, and can still get it done.

Along that line, how about Steve Elkington?  A former champion of the event at Riviera, Elk hasn't shown much form this season - but has had a nice little run of Top 25s lately.  Remember, I'm throwing darts here, people.

As for someone that actually stands out for playing well, why not Ross Fisher.  The guy has done very well in the majors this year.  His child is born and he's been in a final group of a major now.  It might be time for him.

I will again throw out Retief Goosen for the points.  He won't win until he learns to stop choking, but he will contend.

Heading back to the "midwest connection" crew, of course you have to like Steve Stricker.  Solid season so far with two wins and eight top 10s -  and he's from Wisconsin.  To a lesser extent, eye Jerry Kelly for your team.

We haven't heard much from Mike Weir this year and this PGA marks ten years since Weir was paired with Woods on the final day at Medinah.  His place atop the headlines the next day was usurped by an up-and-comer named Sergio Garcia.  But Garcia's game is going nowhere fast.  Weir may have a chance.

Finally, my personal darkhorse this week is Chris Wood.  The kid may have only proven himself in the Open Championship - with back to back top ten 10s in two starts - but I think it is time for the Englishman to make a splash in the States.

Best of luck with your picks!