Excitement for the year’s second major is certainly building as the world’s best get ready to descend on Valhalla for the PGA Championship.
Typically dubbed the best field in golf, there are several storylines that add further intrigue ahead of the PGA Championship’s first visit to the Louisville venue in ten years.
On Tuesday, the tournament confirmed that 16 LIV Golf stars would be competing after late invites were handed out to Talor Gooch, Dean Burmester, Patrick Reed, Lucas Herbert and Adrian Meronk.
It’s clear the PGA Championship organisers are eager to keep the tournament’s reputation of having the best field firmly intact.
With the LIV Golf contingent once again adding another narrative at a major championship, The Golfing Gazette has taken a look at three breakaway tour players who could rival Scottie Scheffler at Valhalla.
Three LIV Golf stars could rival Scottie Scheffler at Valhalla
Scheffler is looking for his first PGA Championship, and if he does secure victory, it would be his fifth title in six starts. It’s pretty dominant stuff from the 27-year-old, and it will be intriguing to see if any of the LIV boys can compete with him.
Nevertheless, here are three players who could give the two-time major winner a run for his money.
1. Brooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka is coming off a really impressive two-shot victory at LIV Golf’s Singapore event.
The 34-year-old appears to be peaking at the right time and has the pedigree in the majors, having picked up five in his career to date.
His performance at Sentosa was particularly eye-catching. Koepka has always been an excellent ball striker, but his 100 per cent scramble rate around the greens prevented any significant blemishes on his scorecard.
Another ominous sign is the American’s putting. After switching to a mallet ahead of The Masters, he has openly admitted that his work with the short stick is beginning to “heat up”.
Right now, he has to be Scheffler’s biggest competition.
2. Cameron Smith
Red-hot Aussie Cameron Smith is also a name to consider. Like Koepka, the 30-year-old has major pedigree after winning The Open in 2022.
Furthermore, Smith is coming off an impressive outing at Sentosa, finishing just two shots adrift of the lead.
With his team, Ripper GC, winning back-to-back LIV Golf events, Smith is heading to Louisville with momentum. The Australian is more than capable of producing another hot streak during the year’s second major.
3. Joaquin Niemann
LIV Golf’s big-hitting Chilean, Joaquin Niemann, has been consistent this season, topping the breakaway league’s individual championship after seven events.
25-year-old Niemann has two LIV wins this season, coming in Mayakoba and Jeddah. Furthermore, he has finished in the top ten five times.
He’s arguably the most consistent player heading to Valhalla and could undoubtedly give Scheffler something to think about.
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