A capsule look at 10 top players in the 86th PGA Championship, to be played Thursday through Sunday at Whistling Straits in Haven, Wis. Listed in predicted order of finish.

TIGER WOODS

Age: 28; World ranking: 1.

PGA appearances: 7; Best finish: Won.

Backspin: Not likely to let another year of no majors pass without a fight. Conditions are expected to be among the toughest for a major this year, which should fall into his hands - if he's hitting the ball well. Regained control of his stinger shot over the last month, which will help him in windy conditions.

ERNIE ELS

Age: 34; World ranking: 2.

PGA appearances: 12; Best finish: T3.

Backspin: The only major where he has not been runner-up, although that might change with the way his luck has gone this year: Second at Augusta National when Mickelson birdied the last hole, and second at the British Open after missing a birdie putt on the 18th hole in regulation.

VIJAY SINGH

Age: 41; World ranking: 3.

PGA appearances: 12; Best finish: Won.

Backspin: Buick Open was his fourth victory of the year, twice as many as anyone else. Amazing that he could switch to a regulation-sized putter after nearly three years and win a tournament where so many birdies are required.

SERGIO GARCIA

Age: 24; World ranking: 10.

PGA appearances: 5; Best finish: 2.

Backspin: A playoff victory in Dallas got his game back on track, but he has yet to bring that to the majors. Has a lot more control off the tee, but needs to see a few putts go in to build confidence.

JERRY KELLY

Age: 37; World ranking: 34.

PGA appearances: 7; Best finish: T26.

Backspin: Plays with emotion, and there will be plenty of that considering where this is (his home state of Wisconsin) and what's at stake (a spot on the Ryder Cup team). Hasn't missed a cut this year.

PHIL MICKELSON

Age: 34; World ranking: 4.

PGA appearances: 11; Best finish: 2.

Backspin: Already has built a dream season with a 1-2-3 finish in the three majors, starting with his breakthrough victory at the Masters. Either his momentum runs out at Whistling Straits, or he is in contention again Sunday.

RETIEF GOOSEN

Age: 35; World ranking: 6.

PGA appearances: 7; Best finish: T23.

Backspin: Second U.S. Open title in four years finally earned him his due as one of the best in the world, especially at the majors. Followed victory at Shinnecock Hills by winning European Open.

K.J. CHOI

Age: 33; World ranking: 22.

PGA appearances: 3; Best finish: T29.

Backspin: Has become the Korean version of Padraig Harrington - not a lot of wins, but usually around the lead; no majors, but giving himself plenty of chances. Had his best major finish at the Masters.

MIKE WEIR

Age: 34; World ranking: 7.

PGA appearances: 5; Best finish: T7.

Backspin: After missing the cut while defending at the Masters, has brought his game back into form. Gritty final round at Shinnecock, and had an outside chance Sunday at Troon.

LEE WESTWOOD

Age: 31; World ranking: 44.

PGA appearances: 7; Best finish: T15.

Backspin: No longer missing in action, it seems only a matter of time before he gets his first major.

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press