The 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills produced Dreams for Some and Nightmares for Others!
Mito Pereira Flirts with First Major Championship
As Mito Pereira climbed the leaderboard during the 2022 PGA Championship, the young Chilean also climbed into bed quite early each night. On Saturday, Dylan Dethier of Golf Magazine tweeted out “Mito Pereira told me he only got 9.5 hours of sleep last night, down from his weekly average of 11.” Initially, I was astounded at his hours. Second, I wonder how much sleep Webb Simpson and Tony Finau get with their full gaggles of geese. Third, no wonder Mito seemed composed as he chased the major sensation, a feeling he has yet to experience. Finally, this sloth-like statistic led me to think about who left Southern Hills well-rested versus those facing nightmares after the year’s 2nd major championship.
Jordan Spieth Sleepless in Southern Hills!
Standing alone atop the leaderboard of disappointment, we find Jordan Spieth. The 28-year-old from Dallas came into Southern Hills playing inspiring golf. After a playoff win at the RBC Heritage, Spieth took his talents to TPC Craig Ranch where he lost by one stroke to the world's sexiest golfer, K.H. Lee. Unfortunately, the magic from the kid did not travel to Oklahoma. Beginning Thursday with a lackluster 2-over-par 72, Spieth never seemed to find his footing in the controversial sand. Out of the 79 competitors who made the cut, Spieth ranked 77th in strokes-gained-putting. On Saturday, Spieth summed up his performance when he blew a drive way right, kicked his driver down the fairway, and moaned to Mikey about his play. Finishing at 4-over in a tie for 34th, Jordan Spieth will have to wait another year to try and win his first PGA Championship.
Rory McIlroy's Rollercoaster of Emotions!
Deservedly so, I imagine Rory McIlroy went to bed on Thursday dreaming of holding the Wannamaker trophy come Sunday. During the first round, Rory pimp stepped his way across Southern Hills shooting 5 under. Driving the ball like a stallion, McIlroy hit multiple tee shots in the upper 300-yard range and complemented his bombs with tight wedges. He did not card a 5 on Thursday and golf Twitter essentially called off the PGA. McIlroy’s first-round 65 is his lowest opening-round score in a major since the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional. Remember how much he dominated that one? However, Rory’s dream turned into a nightmare he has repeatedly experienced since 2014. Shooting a one-over 71 on Friday and a four-over 74 on Saturday saw McIlroy fall out of contention. Specifically, the hefty par threes at Southern Hills ate Rory’s lunch. He shot 7 over for the week on those nine holes. In the end, Rory neglected the media after both the third and fourth rounds and described his emotions in one word: dejection.
No Sleep Til Brookline for Will Zalatoris and the 2022 US Open!
When we talk about favorites at major championships, Will Zalatoris must be a part of the conversation with 5 top 10s in 7 starts. Moving quickly, Willy Z carded a 4 under 66 on Thursday and followed it up on Friday with an even better 65. He lead the field in putting through Saturday and showed great resolve to get back in the tournament late on Sunday. Birdieing the 17th and nailing a slippery downhill par putt on 18, Zalatoris stamped his position in the playoff. Once in extra holes, he finished second to JT with class and extra motivation for the future. As Thomas tapped in his major winning putt, Zalatoris applauded the now two-time major champion. Speaking with Amanda Balionis Renner after the defeat, Zalatoris said “I love the pressure. This is what you live for." Sound like Brooks Koepka to you too? Overall, Will Zalatoris’ game only rises when the conditions toughen up. I am positive he went to sleep on Sunday with his head held high and Brookline in his sights.
Justin Thomas' Unexpected Prize from Winning the 2022 PGA Championship!
Ultimately, Justin Thomas faced the challenge and answered the bell. After a deflating 4 over on Saturday, Thomas found himself 7 strokes back from the leader, Mito Pereira. He went on to bury a 64ft putt on the 11th on Sunday followed by the swaggiest club twirl on 17 to seal the victory. Leaving Tulsa with a list of honors, Thomas can look forward to an invitation from Ryan Palmer to partner up at the Zurich Classic. The older PGA Tour pro tends to slut himself around for a good pairing in New Orleans. From Rahm to Scheffler, Ryan Palmer plucks all of the big hitters. Congrats, JT and rest easy knowing you fought until the end. Never again will I bet against a player so capable of conjuring unshakable magic. Cheers!