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Top Picks for First-Round Wagers in the PGA Championship

Golf's PGA Championship commences on Thursday, May 15. We're dishing out potential 1st round leaders who might dominate after 18 holes. Check out the odds and pro tips!

PGA Championship kicks off on Thursday, May 15, offering potential 1st round leaders. Our analysis...
PGA Championship kicks off on Thursday, May 15, offering potential 1st round leaders. Our analysis and betting odds suggest the following contenders to dominate after the first 18 holes.

Top Picks for First-Round Wagers in the PGA Championship

The PGA Championship kicks off this Thursday, May 15th, at the Quail Hollow Golf Club in Charlotte, North Carolina – a familiar stomping ground that's hosted the Wells Fargo Championship since 2003 and Justin Thomas' first PGA Championship win in 2017. This year, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are the co-favorites to take the lead after 18 holes, but let's look at some bold picks for the first-round leader that could bring some heat to your betting game:

PGA Championship First-Round Leader Picks

With mostly sunny weather and temperatures in the mid 60's in the morning stepping up to a high in the low 80's in the afternoon, wind gusts increasing as the day wears on, though early tee-off players might have an edge – keep an eye on these players to claim the top spot:

  1. Tommy Fleetwood (+5000) – known for his consistent play, Fleetwood could deliver with his putter, offering way better value than the heavy hitters. He's finished T-4th and 7th in his last two signature events and is fourth in total strokes gained the last twelve times he's played this course.
  2. Keith Mitchell (+6000) – despite only having one PGA Tour victory under his belt, his recent form has been fierce. In his last five stroke play events, he's either been first, second, or inside the top-20, with an average score of 64.2.
  3. Denny McCarthy (+9000) – this guy is a putting machine year after year, a factor that could lead to a lot of birdies and a chance to jump out in front. McCarthy's had top-25 finishes in the last three years at this course, ranking second in putting.
  4. Xander Schauffele (+3000) – the defending champ is no stranger to leaderboards at major championships and loves Quail Hollow Golf Club. He's finishing inside the top-20 in his last twelve majors – a trend worth betting on.
  5. Mackenzie Hughes (+11000) – a member at this very golf course, Hughes knows the ins and outs of the course, fitting its challenging track with his solid ball-striking and solid putting. He's had top-10 finishes here in the past and consistently flashes form.

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"In the PGA Championship, Tommy Fleetwood (+5000) could stand out with his consistent play and strong putting skills, having finished in the top 4 and 7 in his last two signature events and ranking fourth in total strokes gained at Quail Hollow Golf Club. Keith Mitchell (+6000) is another player to watch, boasting recent form with top finishes in his last five stroke play events and an average score of 64.2. Denny McCarthy (+9000), known for his putting prowess, could lead the way with a high number of birdies, having finished in the top 25 three years in a row at this course. Xander Schauffele (+3000), the defending champ, consistently excels at major championships and loves Quail Hollow, making him a solid bet due to his top-20 finishes in his last twelve majors."

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