European Hopes...

A little known fact about Padraig Harrington's win at Oakland Hills at the USPGA Championship last year was that Harrington was the first European to lift the sizeable trophy.

In its 90 year history the trophy has only been lifted by a non-American on 11 occasions and Vijay Singh, Nick Price and Gary Player all won it twice themselves.

So this year can there be a change around yet again and can the momentum gained from Harrington's win last year be carried forwards?

Well, call be pessimistic... but I doubt it very much. 

Tiger Woods is on fire at the moment, and combine that with the form players such as Kenny Perry, Steve Stricker and Hunter Mahan, I believe it will be very difficult for a European to muscle in on the action.

Compare this with also the disappointing and poorly timed injury of Paul Casey who has been playing superbly, especially in America this year and twice runner-up Sergio Garcia's continued lack of form. It looks as if once more Harrington will be the one carrying European hopes.

Ross Fisher and Lee Westwood along with TPC winner Henrik Stenson may have something to say to these words, but the worrying lack of conviction shown by both Fisher and Westwood at the Open at Turnberry does make me worry.

Here's hoping that I'm wrong, but my money would be on a solid American player picking up their first Major over a European doing the honours.... I really do hope I'm wrong though!

Where next? USPGA Championship Golf Monthly competitions USPGA latest news