Prepare for a brutal PGA championship

Let me put it this way, this week’s PGA Championship is going to be the toughest in the 94-year history of the tournament.

The highest winning score ever was one-under par 287 by Larry Nelson in the 1987 edition. But this year, unless and until we get four calm days at the Ocean Course of Kiawah Island, I would be very surprised if a sub-par score wins the tournament.

The Ocean course, which was purpose-built to host the 1991 Ryder Cup, is a Pete Dye design, and we all know his reputation. Dye can create some incredibly tough tests for golfers, and Kiawah is no exception. It has consistently featured as one of the most challenging courses in the US ever since it was opened.

It’s not just the incredible length of the course – it can play to 7,676 yards (7km) if the PGA of America decide to use the maximum yardage — but also the fact that there are 10 holes that run alongside the Atlantic, and wind is always a huge factor. Not only can it blow very hard, but the prevailing wind can also change within minutes.

The course is actually quite straightforward, and everything is right there is front of you. There are no hidden dangers, but you still need to play the course strategically. And like any other tournament, anyone chipping and putting well will have a major advantage.

The par-3 17th hole at Kiawah may not be as famous as Dye’s other 17th, the island green at TPC Sawgrass, but it could achieve similar status after this week. At 223 yards, it is a long hole, and depending on the wind and tee and pin position, you may require anything from a seven-iron to a three-wood, or even a driver. And the hole is a carry over water, with a couple of gaping bunkers protecting the back part.

The practice round on Tuesday was severely disrupted by a thunderstorm, and I have been told that similar weather can be expected over the course of the championship.

Tiger Woods is the overwhelming favourite to win the tournament, and if he can play like he did over the weekend at WGC-Bridgestone last week, I think he has a great chance of winning his 15th Major. Woods said he was struggling with his putter on the first two days at Akron, and that is something he cannot afford to do this week.

I also like the chances of Dustin Johnson this week. He is exceptionally long off the tee, which is always an advantage on a course as long as this.

But he is also blessed with local knowledge as he has played the course several time growing up in the nearby town of Columbia.

I am looking for a good outing. I love playing courses where wind is a factor. Last week’s outing in Akron wasn’t the best for me and I struggled a bit with the driver, but the control looks much better this week. My best finish in a Major is at the PGA Championship, so let’s see what comes my way this time.

(Jeev Milkha Singh is a four-time champion on the European Tour)