Firestone Country Club-South Course, Akron, Ohio

Designed by Bert Way in 1929 and redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1960.

7,400 yards, Par 70

Fairways: Bent grass

Greens: Bent

Defending champion: Tiger Woods (-15)

Key tee times: Thursday: Jordan Spieth, Victor Dubuisson: 10:10 AM ET/9:10 CT; Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia: 10:30 AM ET/9:30 AM CT; Matt Kuchar, Rory: 10:40 AM ET/9:40 AM CT; Rickie Fowler, Justin Rose: 2 PM ET/1 PM CT: Tiger, Martin Kaymer: 2:20 PM ET/1:20 PM CT.

Weather: Thursday: Partly Cloudy, 0 rain, 68 high, Wind 9 MPH WSW; Friday: 40% chance of t-storms, 71 high, wind, 6 MPH SSW; Saturday: 60% chance of t-storm, 70 high, wind, 5 MPH S; Sunday: Partly cloudy, 20 % rain, wind 9 MPH NW.

TV: Thursday-Friday: Golf Channel: 1:30-6:30 PM ET/12:30-5:30 PM CT; Saturday-Sunday: Golf: 12-1:30 PM ET/11 AM-12:30 PM CT; CBS: 2-6 PM ET/1-5 PM CT.

Key Holes:

N0.4: 471 yards, Par 4

The hardest hole on the course. An accurate tee shot is a premium on this hole. The fairways slopes right to left. The second shot must come in high to hold the elevated green. Par is a good score here.

No. 15: 221 yards, Par 3

This hole requires a precise tee shot. The green is deep, but narrow with bunkers on the left and right. Another par is good here.

No.16: 667 yards, Par 5

The longest hole on the PGA tour, this is the signature hole at Firestone. The bunkers are in play on the tee shot. They are approximately 280-290 off the tee. A long iron second shot down the hill must avoid a creek on the right and stay short of the pond that guards the small green. The front right pin is the most challenging.

No.18: 464 yards, Par 4

The 18th features a tight tee shot down a hill that will test the leaders on Sunday. An approach from the right side of the fairway has the best angle to avoid a tree that guards the left front of the green. The back left pin position is the most difficult. Probably will see it there on Sunday. Should make for an electric Sunday.

Contenders:

Tiger Woods:

Won eight times in 15 starts including last year. I know his game is struggling, but this course really works well for him, so he should play very well.

Jordan Spieth:

Jordan just turned 21 on Sunday. He’s getting closer and closer to capturing a big tournament and this is one of the bigger regular stops. With his accuracy, scrambling ability and putting, this could be the time.

Rickie Fowler:

Really been good this year finishing second at U.S. and second at British. Can really play. If the putter is working well, like Rickie’s chances.

Keegan Bradley:

Won here two years ago. Playing better and better this year. Pretty clutch player, so if it comes down to late Sunday and he’s right there, I like his chances.

Justin Rose:

Likes playing in Ohio. Won the Memorial in 2013 in nearby Muirfield, Jack’s course in Dublin, Ohio. Having a great year and won three weeks ago at Congressional in Quicken Loans. Incredibly good ball striker. If his putter is good, he’ll be right there.

Hideki Matsuyama:

Won The Memorial at the end of May on Jack’s course. This young 22 year old is outstanding and has a very bright future. May add his second tour victory here in Akron.

Winner:

Tiger

Just hard to go against him at Firestone, even if he’s not on his “A” game. He’s a heckuva player as we all know when he’s got it going and he’s healthy. He’s had two weeks since the Open to hone his game, and he’ll be ready this week. He’ll add PGA tour title 80 to his resume as he moves closer to Sam Snead’s all time record of 82. Then the chase for Jack’s record continues next week at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville at the PGA Championship.