Columnist Peter Benton: Singh should be favorite to win

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005 | 9:43 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

On paper, Tiger Woods, with victories in this year's Masters and the British Open, plus a second-place finish in the U.S. Open, appears to be the man to beat at the PGA Championship, which starts Thursday. However, my personal odds and selections are as follows:

6-1, Vijay Singh: Has not placed worse than sixth in any of this year's majors, and because of his accuracy off the tee (compared to El Tigre's), I give him the nod to repeat as champion.

8-1, Retief Goosen: OK, so he completely blew up in the U.S. Open, but followed that with a T5 in the British, so he is obviously back on track.

10-1, Padraig Harrington: an abysmal record in this year's majors with missed cuts and a did-not-play in the British Open.

12-1, Tiger Woods: I don't think this two-time champion will be able to handle the narrow fairways as they are nowhere near as forgiving as those at the British Open. Unless his accuracy improves, I can see him settling for a top-10 finish.

15-1, Sergio Garcia: Has not had a good record in this event, having missed the cut in three of the last fours, but had a T3 and a T5 in the last two majors.

18-1, Luke Donald: He has not shown consistency in this year's majors. A smooth swinger who possesses a terrific putting stroke.

20-1, David Toms: Not a spectacular year by his standards -- particularly in the majors -- and his play in the New York area has generally been less than spectacular. Did win in 2001.

25-1, Phil Mickelson: This chameleon appears to be either very good or very average, and to win here he has to be more careful with club selection and more consistent with his putter.

28-1, Darren Clarke: If this burly, colorful Irishman tees it up, don't count him out. Has two U.S. PGA victories and 12 others worldwide.

30-1, Jim Furyk: Failed to make the cut in last month's British Open and will no doubt be out to redeem himself.

35-1, Kenny Perry: Having an excellent year with consistency in all facets of his game being the key.

40-1, Adam Scott: Former Rebel golfer has disappointed so far in the 2005 majors but could make amends here.

45-1, Mike Weir: Appears to have been hiding all year and it could be now that the 2003 Masters champion reappears.

50-1, Justin Leonard: Disappointing playoff loser to Singh last year, but has a revamped swing and attitude.

50-1, Colin Montgomerie: Monty placed second behind Tiger in the British and at his age he is running out of time.

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