European Hopes...

Did you know that Padraig Harrington was the first European to win the USPGA? Will his win last year lead to a prolonged period of success for Europeans... I wouldn't hold your breath

Sergio Garcia could lead the hopes of the Europeans at the USPGA Championships

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!

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Thomas Patrick Clarke
Sports Digital Editor


Tom Clarke joined Golf Monthly as a sub editor in 2009 being promoted to content editor in 2012 and then senior content editor in 2014, before becoming Sports Digital Editor for the Sport Vertical within Future in 2022. Tom currently looks after all the digital products that Golf Monthly produce including Strategy and Content Planning for the website and social media - Tom also assists the Cycling, Football, Rugby and Marine titles at Future. Tom plays off 16 and lists Augusta National (name drop), Old Head and Le Touessrok as the favourite courses he has played. Tom is an avid viewer of all golf content with a particularly in depth knowledge of the pro tour.