The PGA Championship is a major event in the golf world, and this year's edition at Aronimink Golf Club has already seen some surprising turns. As the tournament progressed, it became clear that several notable European golfers would not be making it to the weekend. Among them were Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland, both of whom are projected to miss the cut.
Fleetwood, ranked No. 6 in the world, entered the tournament in good form after a tied fifth finish at the Truist Championship. However, his performance at Aronimink took a turn for the worse. He started on the back nine and quickly found himself in trouble, making a double bogey on the par-3 14th hole. Despite a lone birdie on the par-5 ninth hole, Fleetwood's scorecard showed a 5-over-par 77, which projected to be his second missed cut in the last 10 PGA Championship starts.
Hovland, on the other hand, has had a middling season leading up to this tournament. This will be his first missed cut in seven PGA Championship starts, and he has only one top-10 finish this season. The difficult, windy conditions at Aronimink didn't help matters, as Hovland found himself 6-over-par after two rounds, well above the cutline.
The struggles of Fleetwood and Hovland are particularly notable given their recent form and rankings. Fleetwood's early exit is a surprise, especially after his strong performance at the Truist Championship. Hovland's inability to capitalize on his opportunities this season is also a concern, given his potential as a top-tier golfer.
The PGA Championship is a tournament that often sees unexpected results, and this year's edition is no exception. The high cutline and challenging course conditions have made it difficult for even the most seasoned golfers to make the weekend. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see if any of the projected cutters can turn their fortunes around and make a run at the title.
In my opinion, the performance of Fleetwood and Hovland highlights the unpredictability of major golf tournaments. It serves as a reminder that even the best golfers can have off days, and sometimes, the course can be the deciding factor. As the tournament unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how the remaining golfers adapt to the challenges of Aronimink and who will ultimately emerge victorious.
