Kiawah Island's record length won't be only challenge at PGA Championship
Most of this week’s conversation leading up to the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island Golf Resort has been about the length of the course. It’ll play at 7,876 yards, the longest PGA Championship — and major championship — in terms of scorecard yardage.
Naturally, a lot of people are predicting that means whoever can hit the ball the farthest — i.e., Bryson DeChambeau — is most likely to win.
Not necessarily the case, said Real Golf Radio’s Brian Taylor. He joined me for Wednesday’s “Breakfast With Benz” podcast in advance of Thursday’s first round in South Carolina.
“I wouldn’t go with straight bombers paradise,” Taylor said. “It’s going to be an interesting experiment. Bryson hits these moon balls. You’d think throwing moon balls around Kiawah with all the wind, it wouldn’t be a good combination.”
Taylor said DeChambeau’s iron play could make up for any issues the wind may cause him with the driver. But when it comes to those trying to hit it long, there’s a certain style that may be better suited for this weekend’s major championship.
“I think you’ve got to pick guys who flight it down,” Taylor said. “I think guys like Cameron Champ (third in driving distance on the PGA Tour this year) with his distance and low ball flight will do well this week.
“Dustin Johnson should play well. Tons of length, a lower, flatter ball flight … I think it’s guys who hit low and penetrating and utilize their distance accordingly.”
The wind won’t be the only challenge, Taylor said. Especially because it may not be as windy in Kiawah in May as it was in August 2012 when the PGA was last there. According to a recent Golf.com post from Jessica Marksbury, some on the tour called that event — and that course — “the hardest they’ve ever played.”
Taylor said other trappings exist beyond Mother Nature. The Pete Dye-designed layout is a bear. PGA player Tony Finau told him Kiawah Island plays like a U.S. Open venue, with traditional Dye-inspired challenges.
“He sets up really difficult golf courses,” Taylor said. “His M.O. is to create sightlines off the tee to make it look like there is nowhere to go. So you really have to be committed.”
Golf Digest has at times ranked the Ocean Course as the most challenging in America. And not just because of the issues presented at the tee.
“You would say it’s a ‘linksy’-style golf course,” Taylor said. “But it’s not ‘linksy’ in the sense that you can run it up on the greens. The greens are still elevated so you still have to get the ball up in the air, take on the wind and try to hold it.”
Taylor said other players to watch include Finau, Viktor Hovland and Jordan Spieth.
Also in our podcast, Taylor tells us why Rory McIlroy may be a threat to end his seven-year major championship drought. He has reasons why defending champ Collin Morikawa ought to be a threat to repeat. And 10,000 Listen: Tim Benz and Real Golf Radio’s Brian Taylor break down this week’s PGA Championship
Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via X. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.
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