The final major of the 2012 PGA season kicks off on Thursday with the world's best golfers headed to Kiawah Island, South Carolina for the PGA Championship. The Ocean Course at Kiawah presents a challenge unlike most courses on US soil. This course is known for producing gusts of wind off of the Atlantic Ocean a la the British Open. The Ocean Course is as breathtaking as it is difficult. There are sure to be plenty of picturesque moments during the week. 16 different men have won the last 16 majors. Will there be a 17th? Well Vegas has pegged Tiger Woods as the favorite yet again at 6 to 1. Luke Donald and Lee Westwood are next at 15 to 1. Both of those men would love to be taken out of the conversation of best player to never win a major. There are a lot of men capable of winning the Wanamaker Trophy. Here is my list of favorites to win the final major of the 2012 PGA season.
1. Jason Dufner - USA (25 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 8th
Best PGA Championship Finish: 2nd (2011)
Average 2012 Score: 69.89
2. Lee Westwood - England (15 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 4th
Best PGA Championship Finish: T3 (2009)
Average 2012 Score: 70.83
3. Zach Johnson - USA (40 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 12th
Best PGA Championship Finish: T3 (2010)
Average 2012 Score: 69.99
4. Adam Scott - Australia (40 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 6th
Best PGA Championship Finish: T3 (2006)
Average 2012 Score: 70.79
5. Luke Donald - England (15 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 1st
Best PGA Championship Finish: T3 (2006)
Average 2012 Score: 70.40
6. Rory McIlroy - Northern Ireland (20 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 3rd
Best PGA Championship Finish: T3 (2009, 2010)
Average 2012 Score: 70.32
7. Dustin Johnson - USA (30 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 16th
Best PGA Championship Finish: T5 (2010)
Average 2012 Score: 70.43
8. Matt Kuchar - USA (30 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 9th
Best PGA Championship Finish: T10 (2010)
Average 2012 Score: 69.66
9. Keegan Bradley - USA (60 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 28th
Best PGA Championship Finish: 2011 Champion
Average 2012 Score: 70.13
10. David Toms - USA (80 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 37th
Best PGA Championship Finish: 2001 Champion
Average 2012 Score: 70.91
Prediction - Jason Dufner. This man has been a model of consistency this year. It all began when he tied for the lead in the 2011 PGA Championship, before losing in a playoff to Keegan Bradley. Since then he has risen to 8th in the World Golf Rankings. After missing the cut in his 1st tournament of the 2012 season, he has made everyone since. That includes 7 top 10 finishes and 2 victories. He has been knocking on the major championship door, and it could be time for that door to be answered. Jason Dufner will be the 17th different man to win the last 17 majors.
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