For the fourth time, Tiger Woods won the PGA Championship. The brutal heat of Tulsa was no match for the determination of the World No. 1 en route to his 13th Major.

Tiger Woods successfully defended his PGA Championship title on Sunday at Tulsa’s Southern Hills Country Club. Woody Austin, who finished two shots back, and Ernie Els, at three shots back, were the only players that gave Woods a serious challenge. With the way he's playing, the Fedex Cup playoffs may be a walk in the park unless others tighten up their games.

The demonstrative, outspoken Austin has been enjoying a resurgence in his career this year. It could even be considered a career year. He's certainly been enjoying it. Disappointed in defeat, Austin was nonetheless pleased with his play and not ready to say anyone is head and shoulders above the rest. While speaking of Tiger’s round of 63 on Thursday at the PGA, Austin thought he outplayed Tiger. As he put it, a simple inability to close the door when given several opportunities was the difference in their scores. Austin shot a 70 that day. What is certain is that Austin’s on- and off-course, heart-on-sleeve demeanor, whether or not he’s right, is something needed by golf. It isn’t over-the-top. Fans can see how much the game and his performance means to him. Great stuff.

Ernie Els is likely just as disappointed with his third-place finish, but he should begin to feel encouraged. He fired a final round 66 and posted two other sub-70 rounds. His performance at the PGA Championship showed he has made great strides in regaining his top form.

What article discussing the PGA Championship would be complete without the mention of John Daly. Suite 101 Golf has considered Daly to be as talented as any player on tour, if not more so. He showed signs of tapping that talent on Thursday, with his round of 67. But, that was followed by three consecutive 73s. Daly has professed his dislike of practice. If he should happen to change his mind about the practice range, it may be the missing link to his complete resurgence within the game.

Here are the top-20 players in the Fedex Cup standings through the PGA Championship:

1. Tiger Woods (30,574)
2. Vijay Singh (19,129)
3. Jim Furyk (16,691)
4. Phil Mickelson (16,037)
5. K.J. Choi 21 (15,485)
6. Rory Sabbatini (13,548)
7. Zach Johnson (13,341)
8. Charles Howell, III (12,126)
9. Adam Scott (11,196)
10. Scott Verplank (10,691)
11. Steve Stricker (10,621)
12. Sergio Garcia (10,547)
13. Woody Austin (10,483)
14. Hunter Mahan (10,185)
15. John Rollins (9,708)
16. Boo Weekley (9,591)
17. Aaron Baddeley (9,402)
18. Ernie Els (8,980)
19. Mark Calcavecchia (8,966)
20. Padraig Harrington (8,783)

Only one week remains before the Fedex Cup Playoffs begin at The Barclays in Harrington, New York. A lot is riding on this weeks tournament, the Wyndham Championship at Forest Oaks Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, for several players. At least a dozen players, including Duffy Waldorf, Robert Gamez, Shigeki Maruyama, and John Daly among them, sit within striking distance of the top-144 players that will make the playoffs.

For season-long Fedex Cup rankings, PGA money list standings, and world golf rankings, visit Suite 101 Golf's Weekly PGA Tour Standings Index.

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