Power Rankings: PGA Championship

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The amalgamation of the modifications made to the Highlands Course at Atlanta Athletic Club since it last hosted the PGA Championship in 2001 reads like a classic "1-and-1a" list of factors on which to focus.

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Renowned course architect and designer, Rees Jones, first placed his stamp on the 41-year-old track originally designed by his father, Robert Trent Jones Sr., in 1994 and '95. That was in advance of the '01 PGA won by David Toms, who might be as well known for acing the par-3 15th hole with a 5-wood in the third round as he is for laying up at the 72nd hole. His 12-footer for par then disappeared for a one-stroke victory. Perhaps overlooked, however, is that his 15-under 265 aggregate is the all-time tournament record. This week's edition is the 93rd.

Re-enter Jones, who returned in 2006 for another renovation. This time, he converted the fairways to Diamond Zoysia grass, which could roll up to nine on the Stimpmeter. The rough now consists of Tifton 10 Bermuda, which is likely to be the story of the week given early reconnaissance from those in the field. By all accounts, it will show no mercy. Three years later, Jones replaced the bentgrass greens with Champion Ultradwarf Bermuda, which withstands the summer heat.

Jones also added another 250 yards to reach a maximum 7,463 on the card, but it will still play as a par 70. Given the length, severity of the rough and greens that are could exceed 12 on the Stimp, long hitters with high ball-flights should fare well as long as they keep it in the short grass. Ballstrikers with above-average scrambling and putting splits will also earn our attention. This week's test will require a balanced approach, unending patience and steely resolve, just what the PGA of America wants in its flagship event.

Very warm conditions will add to this week's challenge. High temperatures will threaten or eclipse 90 degrees throughout and winds are expected to be light. The only relief comes in the form of rain beginning on Friday, with an elevated risk on Saturday.

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Power Rankings: PGA Championship

Rank Player   Comment Luke DONALD Wasted no time in returning to contention in sharing runner-up honors at Firestone where he ranked 48th in distance off the tee, but led the field in greens hit. Also carded the fewest bogeys (three) in the field. Lee WESTWOOD Closed the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational with a bogey-free 65, good for co-low round of the day and a share of ninth place. It's his ninth top 15 in 10 starts dating back to the Masters. Five top-threes in his last eight majors. Jason DAY His share of fourth at Firestone was merely the latest in an impressive list of strong finishes in the biggest events, including a pair of runner-up outings at the season's first two majors. Ranked T2 in greens hit and 14th in putting in Akron. Rory MCILROY Very steady share of sixth at Firestone, where he shot 10-under 68-68-67-67=270 and had just six bogeys all week. It was a welcome rebound following a pair of forgettable finishes in Europe in the wake of his victory at the U.S. Open. Adam SCOTT Cruised to a four-shot victory at Firestone, ranking T15 in fairways, T9 in greens and fourth in putting. Carded only four bogeys as well. Has now won at least once worldwide in every calendar year since 2001, a streak no one else can match. Zach JOHNSON Potential destiny awaits, given that David Toms famously laid up on the 72nd hole here in 2001 and ZJ won the 2007 Masters laying up on all of the par 5s. Top 10s in two of his last three starts. Also third on TOUR in bogey avoidance. Webb SIMPSON Completely unfazed by unchartered territory. Top 20s in his last six starts, including a T14 and T16 at his U.S. and British Open debuts, respectively. Continues to lead the PGA TOUR in the all-around ranking. Also 18th in total driving, 17th in GIR. Steve STRICKER Finished solo 14th at Firestone for his tenth consecutive top 20 since March. Leads the PGA TOUR in strokes gained-putting, birdie average, bogey avoidance and par-4 performance. Sits second in scrambling and adjusted scoring. David TOMS Returned from a hip injury at Firestone and promptly carded four rounds in the 60s to finish in a tie for ninth place. Also co-led the field with 22 birdies. The 2001 champion here ranks fourth on TOUR in fairways and second in greens hit. Dustin JOHNSON Couldn't get anything to fall at Firestone, where he finished T48 and ranked 70th in putting (T22 in GIR). Seeking redemption from last year's gaffe at Whistling Straits. Ranks 35th on TOUR in total driving and 16th in greens in regulation.