The 2021 PGA Championship starts Thursday from Kiawah Island, and the top golfers in the world will be attending.

Amongst the top golfers in attendance will be Rory McIlroy who nine years ago won this same venue. Rory put up quite the performance nine years ago when he fired a bogey-free Sunday, then won the whole thing by 8 strokes. Now the question is, will he be able to do it again?

In addition to Rory’s chances at contending for the 2021 PGA Championship is 24 year old Collin Morikawa. The 24 year old has been sensational to watch and last years’ performance at TPC Harding Park leads a bright future for this young man’s career in the game.

So in this Ocean Course, who are some of the likely favorites to win it this year? Allow me to share with you my top 5 picks for this years’ Championship.

Favorites To Win!

Jon Rahm – Spain 

Personally, I have always been a huge fan of this guy. The way he displays his talent on the course is so unique and his love for the game in incomparable. Jon Rahm has been playing some of the best golf in his career thus far, the only problem being he hasn’t been able to turn his play into victories! In this years’ Masters Tournament, Rahm did a really great job and managed to finish in the top 10, but the Spaniard wizard needs to be able to find a way to turn his play into trophy victories.

Coming into Kiawah Island, he is my first pick as I think his style of play is just a moment of bliss away from finally being victorious. Rahm is in my opinion, by far one of the best there is in an Island setting with the wind working in his favor. The only thing that could be a concern for Rahm is keeping his emotions in check as he tends to have a quick fuse when things don’t go his way. If Rahm can maintain his focus and composure, I wouldn’t be surprise to see Rahm winning this thing.

Jordan Spieth – USA 

Speaking of people who have been at the top of their game, here is another one! Jordan Spieth has been on an absolute tear. In fact, just at the AT&T Byron Nelson, one demanding course with tough weather in the middle of things, Spieth managed a top 10 finish. The Dallas native additionally won the Valero Texas Open last month as well and tied for third in the Masters tournament. Spieth is likely gunning for this Championship I would think.

The important factor for Spieth will be keeping his focus and taking his time at each hole.

Contenders!

Xander Schauffele – USA

If there is anyone that could contend for the PGA Championship as well, is this guy right here.

Schauffele really was a great feat to watch at the Masters Tournament. A few mistakes earlier in the tournament were the cause for him not to win the green jacket. However, Xander is absolutely at the top of his game and if there is anyone calm, cool and collected at tough courses is him. I feel at times people disregard just how good this guy can really be. Golf fans, if you are participating in golf pools this weekend, please definitely keep this guy in mind. A safe better would know that going with Xander is as safe as it can get.

Additionally, here is a guy who has played in windy conditions his whole life and done just fine if not excellent against those conditions.

Rory McIlroy – United Kingdom.

Is there a major where this guy isn’t a favorite to win it? McIlroy, currently holding the 7th spot in the PGA Tour world ranking is the 10-1 favorite according to the latest 2021 PGA Championship odds in Las Vegas.

Rory as mentioned, won this course 9 years ago where he managed to keep his focus and drive intact. Yeah, 9 years ago he managed a bogey-free day and even finished strongly but can he do it again? My concern with Rory is not just so much the start, its how he finishes and I think he faces a tough battle in this course. However, when the pressure is there for him to perform and display his talent, Rory is undeniably good at that. Wouldn’t be surprise to see Rory come out on top and facing his challenges head on, especially in this course.

Long Shot Candidate

Bryson DeChambeau – USA 

If you are looking to go with a wild shot and guess the winner of this years’ championship, here is a name for you.

Bryson was a top contender for the Masters Tournament championship this year and boy were people left with a head scratching performance. For some reason though, some other sports websites and even the live betting board in Las Vegas have Bryson at 14-1 odds. Personally, I would advise to stay away from this pick as his performances have been lack-luster. However, if there is a person that could potentially muscle his way out of a tough situation and course, it could be Bryson DeChambeau.

Who knows, maybe he can surprise us all and be the long shot candidate! If you want to risk it and make a bold prediction, go for it!

Good luck to all participating in this years’ PGA Championship, and if you are in a golf pool, bet safely!

~Diego Galvis (@Diego_TheDJ On Twitter)