The PGA Championship is notable for a number of things, not the least of which is its position in golf's  major championships lineup. It is the final act, the cleanup hitter, “Glory's Last Shot.” But the most astounding piece of the PGA's personality, if you are a European, is its elusiveness. The count is at 78 now, 78 years since a European-born player won the tournament. Only the Chicago Cubs, whose last world championship came in 1908, have known such frustration.

The tournament within the tournament can’t be ignored this week, much as some people try hard to do just that. The 90th PGA Championship might be the last shot at glory for those yearning to win a major this year, but it’s also a last chance for some U.S. players to lock up a Ryder Cup spot. The eight automatic bids under the new points system instituted by the PGA of America and captain Paul Azinger will be determined Sunday. Azinger then has three more weeks to select four men for wild-card positions, up from the traditional two picks.

Enough, already. We get the point. Actually, we got the point four months and 3,762 references ago, because that’s about how many times we have been subjected to this nonsense about something Ben Hogan may have said 57 years ago.

Michelle Wie was on the verge of something big last week at the LPGA State Farm Classic — her first professional win. But a rules infraction got her DQ'd on Saturday. Now she'll go after that first win on the PGA Tour, and likely won't forget to sign her card.  

From Kenny Perry to John Daly to Colin Montgomerie, from the sublime to the colorful. This is what makes the game so good. 

The wind is often going to be brutal, so deal with it. The courses are not as pristine and manicured as in the United States, so get over. This is the British Open and, whether they like it or not, the conditions are often the same for everyone. Move on if you don't like it.  

Say what you will about The Open Championship, but even without you know who in the field — and, no, not Kenny Perry — this is still a revered championship with a legacy that runs further back than when Tiger Woods made his first appearance. 

Anthony Kim was a crossroads. He could either continue down the road of laziness and late night carousing or he could shape up and start living up to his potential. He chose the latter — and he’s having way more fun. 

Colin Montgomerie, 45, wants to play on yet another European Ryder Cup team. But this once-great, now-mediocre star is becoming a daily headline with his posturing — do I, should I, would I. We love our Euro brethren, but enough is enough. 

The LPGA may be at its most vibrant, what with Lorena Ochoa and Annika Sorenstam, but it must keep a close eye on which way the needle is shifting.