The PGA Championship, the second men’s major championship of 2024, offers ample opportunities for proposition bets and long-shot winners. While long shots have historically been rare at the PGA Championship, recent successes at Churchill Downs, such as Mystik Dan’s 16 to 1 victory at the Kentucky Derby, suggest that there may be value in considering Xander Schauffele at similar odds. However, it’s important to note that the PGA Championship rewards the best ball strikers in the world, and historically, these top ball strikers have a higher chance of winning tournaments on the PGA Tour.
When it comes to proposition bets, Tiger Woods is often a focal point. However, many sportsbooks have set Tiger Woods prop bets at inflated odds, making them unappealing. A better approach may be to bet against Woods in head-to-head and three-ball matchups. For example, some sites offer prop bets on Woods’ first-round score, with options like over 71.5. Taking advantage of such prop bets can provide an alternative way to engage with Woods’ performance without relying solely on his outright win.
For those looking to bet on Rory McIlroy without wagering on his +750 odds to win, the prop market offers various options. Exploring different prop bets can provide alternative ways to support McIlroy. It’s important to find reputable sources and sportsbooks that offer a wide range of prop bets to maximize your betting options.
Moving on to sleepers for the PGA Championship, Si Woo Kim has shown consistent improvement since the Open Championship in July 2023. He has gained strokes off the tee in every tournament since then and has excelled around the green. Despite struggling with putting at the Wells Fargo Championship, Kim managed to finish T16. Similarly, Sungjae Im has shown promise with his driving game but needs to improve his iron play. Corey Conners, known for his ball-striking abilities, has gained over 9.7 strokes in ball striking at the Wells Fargo Championship. Keith Mitchell has displayed dominance off the tee and has consistently gained strokes on approach shots in recent events. These sleepers present intriguing betting opportunities at long odds.
When it comes to prop bets, it’s essential to shop around at different sportsbooks for the best odds. Akshay Bhatia, who won the 2018 Junior PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club, is a top lefty to watch. Despite recent struggles with his driver, Bhatia’s overall season performance on the PGA Tour remains strong. Phil Mickelson, with three straight measured events where he gained at least 2.1 strokes, is a top contender among senior players. His history at Valhalla Golf Club further solidifies his chances of finishing as the top senior golfer.
As for specific prop bets, betting on a player to birdie the 72nd hole seems like a reasonable option. Given Valhalla Golf Club’s previous PGA Championships’ history, which included two playoffs and a near playoff in 2014, it’s plausible that the tournament will come down to a close finish with a player needing to birdie the final hole to secure victory.
For those interested in round one matchups, Adam Scott’s recent performance in ball striking makes him a favorable choice over Tiger Woods, who is still finding his form. Corey Conners is another solid pick against Nick Dunlap, while Sungjae Im holds an advantage over Beau Hossler. Keith Mitchell’s consistent performance on approach shots gives him an edge over Thorbjørn Olesen. Russell Henley, with his strong overall game, is a preferred choice over Stephan Jaeger. Lastly, Patrick Reed offers value as an underdog against Sam Burns.
For parlays, combining Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, and Wyndham Clark as top 40 finishers at +180 odds is an intriguing option. Another parlay possibility is Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Corey Conners as top finishers at +210 odds. Additionally, Scottie Scheffler in the top 5, Rory McIlroy in the top 10, and Xander Schauffele in the top 20 present a parlay opportunity with a +600 payout.
Finally, for those looking beyond the favorites, Ludvig Åberg and Justin Thomas offer enticing odds as winners without Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Xander Schauffele.
Remember to exercise caution and responsible gambling practices when placing bets, and always do thorough research to make informed decisions.