The US PGA

The US PGA is the poor relation of the 4 majors. It’s the last to be played and can clash with the Olympics though next year it is scheduled for May. Rory McIlroy is supportive of this. Rory is not a boastful character but he must be mindful that his first major , the PGA at Winged Foot was eclipsed by the London Olympiad. Rory is the favourite as he has won at Quail Hollow but the course has since changed: 4 holes are totally new, the greens and grass have altered too. Rory seems too a grounded man ( except for his putting) but his 4 majors were achieved in times. of turmoil; a public and expensive falling out with his management company which put pressure on his close friendship with Graeme McDowell and the breakup of his relationship with Caroline Wozniacki. So the recent severance with long time caddy J B Fitzgerald should not be an issue

More value lies with the longer odds offered on Ricky Fowler and Dustin Johnson.

You never know with DJ, who has lost his Mojo since falling down the stairs prior to the Masters, but he remains the best natural golfer on the planet and his power game is suited to the course. Mental attitude is never going to be an issue with Jordan Spieth who has such a cool temperament for someone of 24. Could he be the sixth and youngest to win the Grand Slam? The other five are Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. It’s interesting who did not make inclusion namely such titans as Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead, Tom Watson and Lee Trevino.

Ben Hogan could have won the full set in one year. But in 1958 the British Open and PGA coincided and the latter was a matchplay event of 5 days of 36 holes. Hogan conquered Carnoustie in stormy weather with 4 rounds each lower thna the one before

After a horrific car accident Ben Hogan never regarded himself as strong enough to take on the PGA though he won 10 more events.

The PGA will be shown on BBC which will delight the anti-SKY brigade but not me.

The live broadcasting will not be on telly until 6 pm and I enjoy SKY’s presentation.

Hopefully BBC will have Peter Alliss and not Chris Evans. Jay Townsend is becoming the curmudgeonly Geoff Boycott of golf commentary.

I am a huge Iain Carter fan for his measured and knowledgeable take and no doubt a lady will be found to satisfy diversity.