2023 PGA Championship Preview: Contenders, Course and What to Expect at Oak Hill

The 2023 PGA Championship Preview

The PGA Championship is one of golf's four major championships, and the 2023 edition is shaping up to be a thrilling one. As the second major on the calendar each year, the PGA always delivers excitement and crowns a worthy champion. Let's take a look at what to expect at the 2023 PGA Championship.

When and Where is the 2023 PGA Championship?

The 2023 PGA Championship will be held from May 18-21 at the historic Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. Oak Hill has hosted numerous major championships throughout its illustrious history, including three previous PGA Championships in 1980, 2003 and 2013. The course was originally designed by legendary golf course architect Donald Ross and poses a formidable challenge for the world's best players.

Who are the Favorites?

Heading into the 2023 major season, there are several big names at the top of the oddsboards to take home the Wanamaker Trophy. Newly minted Masters champion Scottie Scheffler has quickly become one of the world's premier players, and the American will look to add a PGA Championship to his resume. Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth are other perennial contenders expected to be in the mix.

Two-time PGA Champion Justin Thomas is always dangerous in the major championships. Other past PGA winners like Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa and Jason Day cannot be overlooked at Oak Hill. And of course, Tiger Woods cannot be counted out if healthy and in form leading up to the tournament.

The Course

Oak Hill Country Club's East Course was originally designed by Donald Ross in the early 1900s and poses a stern test for the game's best. Generous fairways give way to challenging approach shots to well-protected greens. The par-70 layout stretches over 7,300 yards and demands precision and shotmaking ability.

Key holes include the monster 667-yard par-5 fourth hole, the uphill par-4 ninth, and the lengthy par-4 13th. The closing stretch features the "pig's ear" par-4 17th which bends sharply left around a bunker complex. Players must execute well down the stretch to conquer Oak Hill.

Who Will Emerge Victorious?

Winning a major championship requires peak performance for all four rounds. While anything can happen over the course of a pressure-packed week, Scottie Scheffler's meteoric rise to world #1 makes him a strong contender at Oak Hill. His incredible ball striking and poise beyond his years could earn Scheffler his second major title of 2023.

Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy is another leading candidate, having won the 2014 PGA Championship along with two PGA Tour events already this season. And Jordan Spieth's resurgence puts him in the mix as he chases the career grand slam.

In the end, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill should deliver yet another memorable major championship. The Upstate New York course will identify a worthy winner to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy come Sunday evening.

Key Storylines at the 2023 PGA Championship

Beyond the competitive drama to crown a new PGA Champion, there are several other intriguing storylines to follow at the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill.

Tiger's Health

The biggest variable in every major championship field is the status of Tiger Woods. The 15-time major champion continues to work his way back from serious leg injuries suffered in a 2021 car accident. If Woods can return healthy in time for the PGA, his legendary shotmaking could put him in contention once again.

Mickelson's Defense

In one of golf's most shocking wins, Phil Mickelson became the oldest major champion in history by winning the 2021 PGA at age 50. But Mickelson took a hiatus from golf after controversial comments, and it remains to be seen if he will defend his title at Oak Hill.

Young Guns Rising

Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm have staked their claim as world beaters, but a host of young stars like Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, Cameron Smith and Will Zalatoris hope to breakthrough for a first major title at the 2023 PGA Championship.

Ryder Cup Implications

With the Ryder Cup arriving in 2023, strong play at the PGA Championship could impact Captain Zach Johnson's squad selection for the Americans and Padraig Harrington's European team. PGA points will be up for grabs all season long on the road to Rome.

New Oak Hill Memories

Oak Hill has carved its place in major championship lore over past decades. The 2023 PGA Championship will write the next chapter at the famed Donald Ross layout, crowning a new winner to etch his name alongside legends like Nicklaus, Woods and more.

The Bottom Line

The 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club will be one of the most hotly anticipated tournaments of the year. With a host of golf's biggest stars in contention, the season's second major shapes up as a can't-miss event for any golf fan.

Will Scheffler cement himself as world #1? Can Rory McIlroy reclaim his 2014 form and earn a fifth major title? Will Tiger stun the golf world once more? The answers await at Oak Hill, where the 2023 PGA Championship will deliver compelling competition and produce the next great champion.

FAQs

When is the 2023 PGA Championship?

The 2023 PGA Championship will take place from May 18-21 at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York.

How can I get tickets to the 2023 PGA Championship?

Tickets can be purchased through the PGA of America's website. Weekly grounds passes, single day tickets, and premium ticket packages are available. Act fast as tickets are likely to sell out for the major championship.

How many majors has Rory McIlroy won in his career?

Rory McIlroy has won four major championships in his illustrious career so far - the 2011 U.S. Open, 2012 and 2014 PGA Championships, and 2014 Open Championship. A win at the 2023 PGA would give him five majors.

How many times has Oak Hill hosted the PGA Championship?

Oak Hill Country Club has hosted the PGA Championship three times previously - in 1980, 2003, and 2013. The 2023 PGA will mark the fourth time Oak Hill has held this major.

Who are the favorites to win the 2023 PGA Championship?

Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas are among the betting favorites for the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill. Tiger Woods could also contend if healthy and in form.