Preview: The 2019 Majors

Suddenly like a bolt of lightning, this year’s majors all ramped up in anticipation and excitement with Tiger’s amazing victory at the Masters.

The 2019 Majors will be staged at four iconic venues, which should produce some phenomenal golf and worthy champions. The storied venues include Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland (The Open), Pebble Beach Golf Links (U.S. Open), Bethpage Black (PGA Championship) and, of course, Augusta National (Masters).

Here’s a review of the courses and favorites to win:

The Masters at Augusta National (April 11-14)

[NOTE: The following was written BEFORE the Masters so you might say we had an inkling Tiger was going to make history.] It’s one of the most anticipated Masters in recent memory because Tiger Woods has come back with serious game and is being mentioned as a favorite to win. America loves great comeback stories and Tiger raising his arms in triumph on the 18th green on Sunday is an image many golf fans want to see. Woods will have to beat a strong field that includes betting favorites Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose. Nothing gets golf fans more enthused about playing golf than this wondrous celebration amid the lush, green, carpet-like fairways framed by azaleas, magnolias and dogwoods

PGA Championship at Bethpage Black (May 16-19)

One of America’s most well known public courses, Bethpage Black on Long Island in New York, is ranked No. 37 on Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. Designed in the mid-1930’s to be the “public Pine Valley”,  the course is a tough, rigorous test for the Pros. It will also host the 2024 Ryder Cup. The top contenders include Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy

U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links (June 13-16)

One of the most beautiful courses on the planet hosts this year’s U.S. Open and all eyes will be on Brooks Koepka, the two-time defending U.S. Open champion. Koepka has that rare blend of sheer power off the tee, superb distance control with his irons and a crafty touch around the greens. Whether you’re lucky enough to attend in person or watch on television, the overwhelming visual appeal of the course makes it a joy to watch. Now, when you add in the pressure and prestige of a Major, it makes it even more dynamic. Top contenders will be Dustin Johnson, Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.

Open Championship at Royal Portrush (July 18-21)

The 148th Open played at the Dunluce Course at Royal Portrush is Northern Ireland is special as the Open has not been played in Ireland since 1951 and it’s only the second time in its history to be hosted outside of England and Scotland. A Harry Colt masterpiece that he redesigned in 1932, it sits on a rocky promontory that juts into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s named after the ruined Dunluce Castle that stands sentry over the course. Tiger Woods will certainly be considered a favorite to win, however, the sentimental favorite for the local citizenry is native son Rory McIlory who grew up near Belfast and has played the Dunluce frequently. He once shot a 61 on the course in 2005. Other betting favorites include Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose and Jordan Spieth.