The PGA Championship is one of the biggest golf events of the year, and boasts a star-studded field. However, with the inclusion of 20 club pros, bookmakers have been known to avoid betting on the first round. The inclusion of these 20 players means that betting opportunities can be limited, particularly if bookmakers are not offering odds for effective head-to-heads as these are not expected to be particularly competitive.
In the previous year, the club professionals struggled in the first round, with fifteen of them shooting 77 or higher on the first day. Despite this, Jesse Mueller’s 72 was the best score from the pros, with Tyler Collet’s 71 coming as a close second the following day, despite failing to make the cut.
For betting enthusiasts, there are still opportunities to place bets on the PGA Championship. Maverick McNealy is considered to be the best bet in effective head-to-heads, however, a number of other players have been priced up by bookmakers.
One of the biggest challenges in betting on the first round of the PGA Championship is selecting the best player to back. With a star-studded field, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the number of options. Rory McIlroy, for example, has strong course knowledge and is known for starting fast, which could make him a good bet.
However, Mackenzie Hughes is considered to be the best bet in the early tee-times. Hughes has developed a tidy record in majors and made the cut in two of them last year, fading best at the US Open. He has also produced some quality golf under the gun, which gives him an edge when playing against Alex Noren, whose form has been miserable for months now.
In the evening, a double on Patrick Reed and Justin Rose is recommended. Reed boasts an excellent record in majors and has shown time and again that he can defy a theoretical distance handicap. Rose, on the other hand, has enjoyed an excellent year so far, including victory at Pebble Beach and a real consistency in his previous PGA Championship outings.
Overall, while the inclusion of the 20 club pros may limit betting opportunities, there are still a number of options available for those who are willing to do the research and select their bets carefully. With such a star-studded field, it’s important to choose players who have a strong track record in majors and who have proved their ability to perform under pressure.
