It's been a rough year for Tiger Woods, and it doesn't look to be getting much better heading into the 2014 PGA Championship.

Woods recently withdrew from the Bridgestone Invitational because of a back injury earlier in the week. The superstar golfer's No. 1 mission for years has been to catch Jack Nicklaus and his 18 career majors.

At present date, Woods currently stands at 14 career majors, second most in PGA history.

Unfortunately, he hasn't won a single major in six years, not since the 2008 U.S. Open. Since then, he's been more remembered by what he's done off the field than on it. Woods hasn't even placed second at a major since the 2009 PGA Championship.

This year, Woods is paired with Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrington for Thursday and Friday. Mickelson and Woods have a long rivalry with one another and Mickelson is ranked No. 13 in the world, while Woods is No. 10. Harrington used to be an excellent golfer who won three majors in 2007 and 2008, but his better days are way behind him.

The most notable player to watch will be Rory McIlroy. The 25-year-old from Northern Ireland is having a terrific year, coming off a very impressive British Open victory at Royal Liverpool. McIlroy is the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world and he is paired with Bubba Watson and Martin Kaymer. McIlroy will be attempting to win his fourth career major as well his second PGA Championship.

The PGA Championship doesn't have nearly the same international popularity as the British Open or the reputation of the Masters, but it's vital because it's the final major of the year. The next major tournament is the Masters, which isn't played until next April.

If Woods is unable to win this year's PGA Championship, his chances at catching Nicklaus' 18 majors are all but over. Woods will be 39 years old heading into next year and his injuries just keep piling up. There's even a slim chance that he may not play in this PGA Championship because of a back injury. Aside from injuries and age, his performance has been awful on the biggest stages in recent years. He continues to use his driver when teeing off and finds himself chipping from the rough far too often.

Two other golfers to keep an eye on are Adam Scott and Sergio Garcia. Scott is ranked No. 2 in the world and Garcia follows just one spot behind. Scott is extremely consistent with his precision putting, while Garcia is a big "hit or miss" golfer who is always a must watch for fans.

The 2014 PGA Championship will be played at the Valhalla Club in Louisville, Kentucky from Thursday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 10.

Some of the most notable tee times and pairings on Thursday include;

7:45 a.m. Angel Cabrera, Patrick Reed, Hideki Matsuyama

8:15 a.m. Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth, Lee Westwood

8:35 a.m. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington

1:25 p.m. Sergio Garcia, Tom Watson, Steve Stricker

1:45 p.m. Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, Martin Kaymer

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