Best Bets for PGA Championship

Brooks Koepka cashed at 16/1 odds in 2023 to pick up his fifth major title.​ In 2016, Jimmy Walker cashed a big ticket at 125/1 odds.​ PGA CHAMPIONSHIP RECENT

Recent Tournament Trends and Upsets

The PGA Championship, often dubbed “Glory’s Last Shot,” has consistently delivered a compelling blend of expected dominance and unexpected triumphs in recent years.​ Analyzing these trends is crucial for identifying potential upsets and making informed bets.​

One prominent trend is the emergence of powerful ball-strikers who excel in challenging conditions.​ Brooks Koepka’s multiple PGA Championship victories exemplify this trend.​ His ability to navigate demanding courses and maintain composure under pressure has made him a force to be reckoned with.​ Similarly, Collin Morikawa’s rapid rise in the golfing world showcases the importance of precise iron play and a calm demeanor.​

Another noteworthy trend is the resurgence of seasoned veterans.​ Phil Mickelson’s historic victory at the 2021 PGA Championship, at the age of 50, defied expectations and demonstrated that experience and course management can still prevail.​ This victory serves as a reminder that dismissing veterans based solely on age can be a costly mistake for bettors.​

However, the PGA Championship has also witnessed its fair share of upsets.​ Jimmy Walker’s unexpected triumph in 2016 at Baltusrol, where he held off a charging Jason Day, underscores the unpredictable nature of major championships.​ These upsets often highlight the importance of considering longshot bets, especially on players who might possess the necessary skills to thrive on a particular course.​

Analyzing course history is paramount when searching for potential surprises.​ Players who have performed well on similar courses in the past, particularly those with comparable layouts and green complexes, often have an advantage. Factors such as driving accuracy, greens in regulation, and scrambling ability can significantly influence a player’s chances on a specific course.​

Top Contenders and Favorites

As the golfing world sets its sights on the PGA Championship, several players stand out as top contenders and betting favorites, each boasting an impressive combination of skill, form, and experience.​

Leading the pack is undoubtedly Scottie Scheffler.​ His recent dominance, including multiple victories and a consistent presence on leaderboards, makes him a formidable opponent.​ Scheffler’s exceptional all-around game, from his precise iron play to his clutch putting, makes him a threat on any course.​
Closely trailing is Collin Morikawa, renowned for his exceptional ball-striking and unwavering composure.​ Morikawa’s ability to perform under pressure, evident in his previous major championship victories, makes him a perennial contender; His strategic approach to course management and consistent accuracy off the tee make him a force to be reckoned with.​

Despite a recent resurgence, Brooks Koepka, a two-time PGA Championship winner, might face questions regarding his consistency.​ While his ability to peak during majors is undeniable, his recent performances have been less dominant.​ However, his experience and past success in this tournament keep him in the conversation.​

Other potential contenders include Justin Thomas, a major champion known for his explosive game, and Jordan Spieth, seeking to complete the career Grand Slam.​ Their proven ability to contend in major championships and their recent form make them serious threats.​

The PGA Championship always attracts a deep field, and this year is no exception.​ While predicting the winner is a daunting task, analyzing recent form, course history, and the ability to handle pressure provides valuable insights for identifying potential favorites and crafting winning bets.​

Dark Horses to Watch

While the spotlight often shines brightest on the established stars and perennial contenders, the PGA Championship often unveils hidden gems – those considered dark horses – who defy expectations and make a surprising run for the Wanamaker Trophy.​ These players, often flying under the radar, possess the talent and potential to upset the favorites and shake up the leaderboard.​

Keep an eye on Cameron Young, a rising star on the PGA Tour.​ With his booming drives and impressive consistency, Young has already secured several top-10 finishes in major championships.​ His fearless approach and ability to score low could make him a dangerous outsider.​
Another intriguing prospect is Tom Kim, a young and exciting talent from South Korea.​ Known for his infectious enthusiasm and aggressive style of play, Kim has already tasted victory on Tour and possesses the game to compete on the biggest stage.​ His ability to hole clutch putts under pressure adds an extra layer of unpredictability to his game.​

Sam Burns, steadily climbing the ranks with his consistent performances, could be another dark horse to watch.​ His accurate iron play and improved putting make him a threat on any given week, and the pressure of a major championship might just bring out his best.​

These dark horses, while perhaps not commanding the same pre-tournament buzz as the established favorites, offer a compelling blend of talent, potential, and a touch of the unknown.​ Their performances, often fueled by a desire to prove themselves, could very well produce some of the most captivating storylines of the championship.​

Course Analysis and Its Impact

The PGA Championship annually rotates venues, each with its own unique character and challenges that significantly influence player strategies and outcomes.​ Analyzing the course’s nuances, from fairway widths to green speeds and prevailing wind patterns, becomes crucial for identifying golfers best suited to its demands.​

Factors such as course length, rough thickness, and the presence of water hazards or strategically placed bunkers can favor certain playing styles.​ Long hitters might thrive on a lengthy course where distance off the tee is paramount, while precision iron play and deft touch around the greens might be rewarded on a shorter, more technically demanding layout.

Green complexes, often varying in size and contouring, present their own set of challenges. Players with a proven ability to adapt to fast, undulating greens or master the art of lag putting typically gain an advantage.​ Additionally, understanding the subtle breaks and speeds can be the difference between crucial birdie putts and costly three-putts.​

Furthermore, considering the course’s history and how it has played in previous tournaments, especially under similar weather conditions, provides valuable insights.​ Analyzing past scoring averages, common landing areas, and potential pitfalls can offer a glimpse into the winning formula and help identify players whose strengths align with the course’s specific demands.​ A comprehensive course analysis, therefore, becomes an essential tool for any bettor seeking to uncover hidden advantages and make informed predictions.

Value Picks and Longshot Bets

While the favorites often dominate the headlines, the PGA Championship, like any major, presents opportunities for savvy bettors to uncover value picks and longshot bets with potential for significant returns. These under-the-radar players, often overlooked in the pre-tournament hype, might possess specific strengths well-suited to the course or arrive in excellent form, flying under the radar of the general betting public.​

Identifying value picks involves a deep dive into recent performance statistics, course history, and even factors like player motivation or a recent change in coaching that might be fueling an upward trajectory.​ Players on a hot streak, showcasing consistent top-25 finishes or displaying a particular prowess in areas like strokes gained⁚ approach or putting٫ often warrant a closer look.​

Longshot bets, while riskier, offer the allure of massive payouts.​ These players, typically priced at higher odds, might include past champions seeking a resurgence, talented youngsters on the cusp of a breakthrough, or veterans with a proven track record on similar courses. Examining their past performances in majors, specifically noting any flashes of brilliance or a knack for exceeding expectations, can reveal hidden potential.​

The key lies in pinpointing players whose odds might not yet reflect their true chances, considering factors beyond mere name recognition.​ This strategic approach, coupled with a thorough analysis of course fit and recent form, can unearth hidden gems and transform longshot bets from mere gambles into calculated opportunities for a substantial payday.​