It has taken us 63 holes to have any idea who actually might win this PGA Championship, but it finally appears the champion will come down to two guys, a previous major winner and Mr. Oh So Close.Ben Curtis and Sergio Garcia have established themselves on this marathon Sunday as the guys to beat and as others hopefuls have struggled, these two have found themselves tied in completely different fashion.
Garcia went out in four-under 31, with putts dropping a la 1999. Curtis played solid, but gave a shot back on the difficult par-4 8th hole leaving him in a tie with Garcia at three-under.
Garcia, who has never won a major championship in all his glory, has arguably looked as good as he ever has on the links today. Solid tee shots, masterful iron shots and some, gasp, clutch putting has the Spaniard right where you'd like to be placed on a Sunday afternoon at a major championship. It isn't just his game either. Sergio has lurked around the links with a look about him that is different. It's almost like he "gets it" today.
If Curtis claims this title he will cement himself as a "tough conditions" golfer. The cream tends to rise to the top and that is what Curtis is beginning to make of his legacy. Already a major champion in most unexpected fashion at the 2003 Open, this will be one that he took hold of and didn't let go. An incredibly tough golf course, even worse conditions and the fact that you're already jinxing yourself by wearing Detroit Lions gear, Curtis and his new quirky swing seem to be in complete control on a course most would like to irrigate with some yummy, fresh gasoline.Garcia will play 35 holes today and Curtis 36 when it's all said and done, and for once, the conditioning that everyone has loved to talk about might really matter. If that's the case, you'd have to give the edge to El Nino, who looks as good as he ever has. Mailing in the goofy attire he tends to sport, the all black compliments his complete persona.
The first pump after his nine-footer on the par-4 8th hole to save par is all you need to know about Sergio right now. He can see it, he can smell it and now he looks like the man that can do it.
As these guys make their way to to the Killer Corner of 16,17 and 18, pars will be birdies and bogeys will be pars. Whoever can manage this back nine around even par should be in great shape to have their name engraved directly under Tiger Woods.




