Written by @Matt_Cee for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
US PGA Championship | Thursday 07 August – Sunday 10 August | Valhalla
The season’s final Major tees off on Thursday and with the quality of golf that has been on display over the past couple of weeks, it‘s no wonder that the golfing world is abuzz with excitement. Hosted at the majestic Valhalla, this par 71, 7,500 yard course is one of the most beautiful on Tour and golf fanatics should remember it well from the 2008 Ryder Cup. Back then, the rough was cut fairly short but the field don’t have it as easy this week, as in typical Major fashion, the grass has been allowed to grow and wayward drives will be punished. That is just the first of the field’s problems though as the undulating fairways are lined with trees waiting to trap drives that venture off target. On the front nine, players will also have to compete with the numerous bunkers and water hazards scattered around the course and whilst these thin out a touch on the back nine, the fairways there get a little narrower and the trees a little thicker. As usual in the Majors, the winner will not only have to be in possession of a great all around game but will also be required to hold it together in the face of immense pressure.
To Win Outright
Rory McIlroy 5/1
Adam Scott 11/1
Justin Rose 18/1
Sergio Garcia 18/1
Rickie Fowler 22/1
VALUE BETS
Marc Leishman (50/1 a win, 9/1 a place)
Marc Leishman played some great golf at the Open Championship and almost finished in solo fifth. Unfortunately for him, and a lot of punters out there who were shrewd enough to back him at 10/1 to be the Top Australian, Adam Scott birdied the 18th to match his score and finish tied. What was most impressive about his performance at Royal Liverpool was his consistency and ability to handle the pressure of the final day and his stint last week at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational proved that was no flash in the pan. He finished third there against a field as tough as any he will face in his career and there’s no reason that he won’t repeat that performance on a course that will likely suit his game. 50/1 is a fair price considering the man’s form, get on each way.
Charl Schwartzel (35/1 a win, 63/10 a place)
Charl Schwartzel hasn’t had the greatest season but he’s certainly upped his game over the past few weeks and looks like he could give himself a real chance of a victory here. Since winning the Masters in 2011, he had been fairly quiet in the Majors until he managed an impressive final round 67 at the Open Championship. His ability to post low scores when it counts has always been one of his strong points and he’s never one to shy away from a challenge. That was evident last week where he finished inside the Top 5 at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational. On the back of that performance he should be brimming with confidence and ready to strike. Each way on Schwartzel is the bet for me.
Matt Kuchar (25/1 a win, 9/2 a place)
Matt Kuchar is always one to keep an eye on in the Majors and although he is yet to claim that elusive victory, he’s been inside the Top 10 on six occasions and should surely be ready to deliver. He strikes the ball as well as anyone on the Tour and hits a lot of greens in regulation, a factor that should stand him in good stead on this tight layout. What’s even more encouraging is the fact that he ranks eleventh on the Tour in Strokes Gained Putting and should be able to make a few birdies this week. If he can avoid the average rounds that seem to have plagued him this year and string together four consistent rounds, Kuchar should go close this week. Each way here is the bet for me.
TOP BET: Sergio Garcia (18/1 a win, 32/10 a place)
I tipped Sergio last week and was bitterly disappointed that he let the lead he built in the third round slip. Whilst Rory played some incredible golf on Sunday and no doubt deserved the win, one can’t help but think that things could have turned out a little differently had Garcia played the final round half as well as he had the previous three. His performance on the back nine in Round 3 was nothing short of spectacular as he managed eight birdies and a par to score his lowest nine hole score ever and after seeing that, one can’t help but wonder if this isn’t going to be the week that he finally wins his maiden Major. Garcia is in form at the moment and has the game to win this; the only question that remains is whether he has the temperament to compete on Sunday. This time around I think he will and I will be backing the Spaniard each way.
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