Harrington celebtrates winning his second consecutive Claret Jug
After Padraig Harrington became the first European to retain the Claret Jug in more than a century it begs the question; Can a European now win a major in North America without the presence of Tiger?
The last man to achieve such a feat was Jose-Maria Olazábal almost 10 years ago when he took home the green jacket in 1999, the second time he became the Master’s champion, going down as one of the great European players in recent history. Now with a number of very successful Europeans playing on the PGA Tour in North America it could be time for someone to follow in Ole’s footsteps.
The final major, the USPGA Championship, is coming up in August and the possible European contenders are as follows.
Padraig Harrington
The obvious choice would be the Irishman who is currently one of the most successful European golfers in major championships. Although he will have to recover from the wrist injury which almost forced him to pull out of the Open at Birkdale if he’s to compete at Oakland Hills.
Current odds: 16/1
Sergio Garcia
The Spainiard was looking to make it a historic sporting treble for the Iberian country after the successes of Euro 2008 in football and Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon at Birkdale, but it wasn’t to be as he slipped to a disappointing 17 over par and tied for 51st place. Despite this he will be optimistic going into the USPGA where in the past he has come second and joint-third.
Current odds: 14/1
Lee Westwood
After adjusting his swing and under-going a strict fitness program the Englishman will hope to have a realistic chance at the course in Michigan. Westwood will take inspiration from his third place at this year’s US Open as he looks to win his first major.
Current odds: 22/1
Ian Poulter
The 32-year-old achieved his best finish in a major, finishing runner-up at Birkdale. He will look to build on this at Oakland Hills and gain a place in Nick Faldo’s Ryder Cup team with another top-ten finish.
Current odds: 33/1
Henrik Stenson
Another impressive performer at Birkdale (tied 3rd), who plays on the PGA Tour. He will look to use this to his advantage going into the last major of the season.
Current odds: 28/1
Justin Rose
Last year’s European Order of Merit winner hasn’t had a good year thus far but will take heart from his performance last year in the upcoming tournament, where he was tied 12th.
Current odds: 30/1
Robert Karlsson
Finishing in the top-ten of each major so far this year is no mean feat putting him in good stead for the tournament at Oakland Hills.
Current odds: 40/1
Paul Casey
Tying seventh at Birkdale was his best finish in the Open Championship which will give him confidence going into USPGA.
Current odds: 40/1
Looking at the contenders Karlsson may be best-placed to make a challenge after being very impressive so far this year. Although it should be remembered that a European has never actually won the tournament but with Tiger out this is the best chance that European players may ever have.
