Power of Caring
  presented by CIGNA

Reactions: PGA Championship

Users divided on who will top the leaderboard

Posted: Friday August 13, 1999 06:49 PM

Some users feel that Phil Mickelson is "long-overdue for a win". AP

CNNSI.com asked users who they thought would win this year's PGA Championship and the results were, in a word, mixed. Tiger had his usual supporters, but many users predict an upset. Some of the most interesting responses follow:

Scott Hoch will take it home. Scott Hoch is the most consistent player on tour. Non-ideal conditions will not phase him.
-- Chad Everding, Tampa, Fla.

Tom Lehman is playing well right now. Maybe his putting is a little suspect (holes 17 & 18 he needed to make one of those last week) But I think for the most part He is hitting as well as anyone right now. He also is as long as most guy's and that going to be a major factor this week as well. I think the putts will finally fall and He will get another major championship.
-- Bill Liebler, Goshen, N.Y.

Tiger Woods -- without a doubt. You said it yourself. The winner must have a "combination of raw power and finesse around the greens." Tiger possesses these qualities and more. His length off the tees and magic like abilities around the greens will put this trophy on his mantle.
-- Don Peterson, Ft. Myers, Fla.

I think Vijay Singh will win. He is long off the tee, and hits the ball very consistently. He is also very steady emotionally. The middle whole are fairly basic and should even out among the field, but the player who excels in the long par 5's and par 3's will have an advantage.
-- Brandon Ashby, San Jose, Calif.

Hal Sutton will win the PGA at Medinah. He's just too pure off the tees. If he gets his putter going, watch out! He'll show the "young guns" what maturity is all about. Els and Love III will finish second.
-- Lance Richardson, Ridgewood, N.J.

This year's PGA Champion will be Justin Leonard. Justin will win at Medinah due to his is a straight driver of the golf ball and his is an excellent iron player. He might not be the longest hitter in the field, but he has played solid golf over the past month and he is due to break through and win for the first time this year.
-- David Parker, Greenwood, S.C.

Ken Schall will be the Cinderella story at the 1999 PGA championship. This club pro from Waterloo Iowa is at the top of his game. He has qualified for more than a half dozen PGA Championships in his career. He will surprise many people.
-- Randy Bearbower, Waterloo, Iowa

The nicest guy in all of sports, DL3, is due for another victory. He has ben in the top 10 in all three majors so far this season. At 7400 yards, Medinah will present too formidable a challenge for shorter and medium-range hitters. Davis plays his best on long difficult courses, and has been the most consistent player on tour this year. Can one imagine an entire season passing without him winning a tournament? This is his week. Plus, the PGA holds a special place in his heart given his father's association with the PGA. DL3 all the way!
-- James Pavlick, Southington, Conn.

Tiger Woods should win this year's PGA Championship because the course is set for the long hitters, which he certainly is!! And he has an excellent touch around the green, which also will be a must this year. With a week and a half off he should be well rested both mentally and physically. Some of his tougher challenges this week should be David Duval, Davis Love and Vijay Singh.
-- Mike Rundell, Elmira, N.Y.

David Duval - He is due for his first major win and looking for some redemption after a poor performance in the British Open as well as a loss to Tiger Woods in front of national TV. His power and steady confidence make him a favorite in this year's final major.
-- Matt Foulkw, Salt Lake City, Utah

Jim Furyk. He joins Phil Mickelson in holding the "best player to never win a major" honor. But Jim is hungrier, and long-overdue for a win. It's only a matter of time before he puts his "A game" together for all four rounds, and comes away with a big victory. I like his chances this week.
-- Michael Kresch, New York, N.Y.

Phil Mickelson. Simple: He's due. The man hits the ball farther that the range of several ICBMs, and we all know he can land the ball soft as a feather around the greens. That combination of power and being able to get up and down from a ball washer is what will make Mickelson shine. Duval? Too much hype, he'll never win a major as long as everyone predicts him to every time he steps out. Tiger? Not enough short game. I think Mickelson has the perfect game to fit Medinah. Just wait, you'll see that I'm right.
-- David Thomas, Washington, D.C.

Steve Elkington or Colin Montgomerie. Both can hit the ball of the tee straighter than anyone else, something very needed with the long narrow fairways of Medinah. They have a great short game, and really can combine all the elements needed to win this one.
-- Carlos R. Torres, San Juan, Puerto Rico

I believe that Jesper Parnevik will win. He has been putting like he invented it. On courses like Medinah, putting will be a necessity. He can also put spin on the ball like Minnesota Fats. His control is unreal. I don't think he will take the lead until the last day but I believe he will take the lead.
-- Richard Smith, Kansas City, Miss.

Mike Weir is going to win. He is hot, humble, long, and straight. He played beside Tiger a few weeks ago in Chicago and didn't falter. Tiger has too hot a head to succeed. Duval will come second.
-- Paul Emerson, Orillia, Ontario