The second major of the PGA Tour season, the PGA Championship, is set to take place at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, from May 16-19. Defending champion Brooks Koepka leads a star-studded field that includes Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm.
Brooks Koepka claimed the 2023 PGA Championship title with a remarkable performance at Oak Hill Country Club. Despite entering the tournament with long odds of +2000, Koepka carded a 9-under total to secure victory. Scottie Scheffler (second-best odds at +850) and Viktor Hovland tied for second at 7-under.
This year marks the fourth time that Valhalla Golf Club will host the PGA Championship. Rory McIlroy triumphed in 2014, shooting 16-under to edge out Phil Mickelson by a single stroke. Tiger Woods also has fond memories of Valhalla, having won the event in 2000 with an impressive 18-under total that forced a playoff.
Scottie Scheffler is the undeniable favorite for this year's tournament, currently holding odds of +350. His recent surge in form, including four tournament wins since March, makes him a formidable contender. However, it remains uncertain if he will participate as he awaits the birth of his first child.
Behind Scheffler, Rory McIlroy (+1200) and Jon Rahm (+1400) are the next best picks among the favorites. Both players have a history of success at Valhalla, with McIlroy winning in 2014 and Rahm finishing tied for sixth in 2014 and second in 2021.
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are among the notable names included in the field, but they are considered long shots given their recent performances. Woods, who has struggled with injuries and form, is currently at +10000 odds, similar to his odds at the Masters earlier this year. Mickelson, the 2021 PGA Championship winner, has +15000 odds to repeat his triumph.
While Scheffler remains the favorite, I believe Brooks Koepka (+2000) is an excellent value pick. His success at Oak Hill Country Club and Valhalla Golf Club in the past suggests he is well-suited to the challenge. Moreover, his number will likely increase significantly closer to the tournament, making it a smart investment now.
Several other players are worth considering for a top finish at the 2024 PGA Championship:
* Xander Schauffele: +1600
* Ludvig Aberg: +1600
* Joaquin Niemann: +2000
* Wyndham Clark: +2500
* Tyrrell Hatton: +2500
* Collin Morikawa: +2500
* Bryson DeChambeau: +2500
* Patrick Cantlay: +2800
* Viktor Hovland: +3000
* Justin Thomas: +3000
* Cameron Smith: +3000
