Handicapping the field for this week's PGA Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Mich.:

FIVE TO WIN

Phil Mickelson: Wouldn't have picked him on form until his mostly strong performance last week. Has an excellent shot to win if he can control his tee shots. And that's a BIG if.

Kenny Perry: He didn't have to qualify and he didn't have to fly across the pond, so it's a major to his liking. Can the three-time season winner really stay this hot?

Anthony Kim: The Wonder Kid on tour. Three top-10s in his past four starts and a total of six on the season, including T7 at British Open.

Jim Furyk: A former U.S. Open winner on an Open-style track. Tied for fifth in '96 Open at Oakland Hills.

Stewart Cink: Superb ball striker who seems due at a major, and he tied for 16th in '96. All about the mental side for him.

FIVE TO CONTEND

European Ryder Cuppers from '04: Pick one, because they all have pretty good vibes off their triumph at Oakland Hills. Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Colin Montgomerie, Padraig Harrington, Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, Miguel Angel Jimenez. Monty finished T10 in '96 Open.

Robert Allenby: Aussie has been quietly impressive this year. He's seventh on tour in scoring average, second in greens in regulation and tied for first with seven top-10s. No wins, though.

Vijay Singh: Streaky player who won Bridgestone. Former PGA champ is playing well and posted a T7 in '96 Open. All about the putter on Oakland Hills' challenging greens.

Stuart Appleby: Top-quality player who has the major skills. Tie for second at Firestone gives Aussie six top-10s on the year.

Woody Austin: Can he recreate last year's run at Southern Hills, when he nearly bagged a Tiger? Has two top-9s in past four starts.

FIVE TO SURPRISE

Pat Perez: The PGA's next Rich Beem or Shaun Micheel? It's not about the skill anymore; it's about the patience. Had T18 at Southern Hills last year and was sixth at Baltusrol in '05.

Hunter Mahan: Possible rising star who is fourth in greens in regulation this season and tied for 10th last week.

Davis Love III: Probably a reach because he's not playing great, but former PGA champ tied for second in '96 Open.

Chad Campbell: Had a PGA near-miss at Oak Hill in '03 and is playing well again, with five top-10s this year.

Kevin Sutherland: “Huh?” you say. Well, the Californian is tied for 12th in scoring average this season. Bet you wouldn't have guessed that.

– TOD LEONARD