Jim Furyk. Again, if you notice a theme here, it will be with the flat stick. For the most successful part of his career, Jim Furyk used an Odyssey Two-Ball that he rolled with great efficiency. There have been variations of the theme but the heel shafted Scotty Cameron mid-mallet that Furyk has been using recently doesn't look like a perfect fit for his stroke. Furyk is sneaky long, a great iron player and can grind with the best of them. He needs to bury it in the hole when he's on the green (really who doesn't?) and what you'll notice with some guys is that sure their best efforts find the bottom of the cup, but with the great putters even their not so best efforts get jarred.

Padraig Harrington. I'll admit, I thought he'd be a one and done player in terms of major championship victories, but you have to look at the total body of work in achieving those two wins. In the first one he survived nerves, the course, Sergio Garcia, expectations of a nation and a playoff to win. In his second, he persevered, especially on the final nine holes to take control of the event and win it going away. There is a mentality and mindset there that cannot be overlooked. There are times when Harrington may be too analytical and get in his own way, but Oakland Hills will be a distraction enough for the two-time defending Champion Golfer of the Year.

Steve Stricker. A couple of weeks ago, while playing Erin Hills I heard a distinctive voice on an adjacent hole. The group that I was in was heading up No. 9 while on the 18th tee I heard the cadence of one Dennis Tiziani. I've had the pleasure of playing with Tiz in a couple of media events in the '90s and it's always a thrill. He's a great guy, a wonderful instructor and oh, by the way, the father in-law of one Tour's best players, Steve Stricker, who also happened to be playing in the group with him also heading up No. 18. Personally, I'd like to see Strick win a major. He is without question one of the best putters the tour has ever seen. It's his ball striking, especially off the tee that gets him wayward. However, Oakland Hills is a classic design with great site lines and should provide SS with a comfort level that he can take advantage of on the greens.

Here are some of the "other" names that could figure into the equation this week from Oakland Hills and the 90th PGA Championship:

Geoff Ogilvy. Great long iron player, high ball flight, streaky putter. Can grind out pars with the best of them.

DJ Trahan. Until recently, a reach, but played well at Torrey Pines and enjoyed the experience. Some players' games translate better to the majors than in the week to week grind of the tour.

Stuart Appleby. As gifted as they come. Streaky putter who played well last week at Firestone but couldn't convert the putts needed to end up on top.

Rocco Mediate. Long enough off the tee. U.S. Open experience was invaluable. Has the attitude necessary to put it all together to go with a game that doesn't need to be 20-under to win it. A smiling grinder.

Woody Austin. Again, a player that doesn't need to get to 20-under to win it. Has the game to really low, isn't afraid of going deep. Has respect for but isn't awed by the venue, the competition or the course. A great competitor.

Anthony Kim. Has the game and the swagger. Young and not intimidated by those around him or where he is. Belt buckle may be larger than the Wannamaker trophy.

Stewart Cink. An admitted head case. Decent putter with the broom handle. Solid game all the way around. A quiet grinder.

Adam Scott. Has an awful lot of game but hasn't showed up at the big events ... yet. Needs to make more than his share of putts to contend.

Robert Karlsson. Tied for seventh at Augusta, T-4 at Torrey Pines, T-8 at Royal Birkdale. If he can do it there, he can do it anywhere. I don't see the trend not continuing.

Lee Westwood. Has had chances in '08 but still one putt or two fairways away from becoming a legitimate contender.

Darren Clarke. A dark horse. Recently solid and steady. Has played well. Needs to get off to a good start to aid focus.

Henrik Stenson. Solid game. Can play at a high level. Can play well at strong courses and set ups.

With Major championships it's all about not only getting breaks but taking advantage of them, and one of those breaks this week in particular, is that Tiger Woods is not in the field. From a player perspective, the opportunities that arise from driving the ball well all week from the tee box and rolling it well on the greens will determine who takes home the Wannamaker Trophy from the 90th PGA Championship from Oakland Hills.