MATT YOUMANS, VSiN Host
Scottie Scheffler remains the best bet to win the tournament. He went off as the 7-1 favorite at most books and is the +230 favorite at DraftKings (+250 at Circa Sports) headed into Friday’s play. Scheffler is a magician when it comes to making par, which is a good score at Oak Hill. Hit a drive behind a tree? Ball buried in a deep bunker? Par, par … no problem. Scheffler had three birdies, no bogeys and finished -3.
I recommend a look at Adam Scott to finish Top 10 at +190 and maybe a shot to win at 25-1 at DraftKings. Scott was as good as it gets off the tee, bombing a pair of drives 365 yards. Scott doubled the 18th and is -2, but he played better than that score.
Another player I like going forward is Sahith Theegala, who got off to a hot start. I bet him pre-tournament at 120-1 and he’s not far off the pace at 1 over, tied for 27th. Theegala to finish Top 20 is +210 at DraftKings.
KELLEY BYDLON, Long Shots podcast
It’s been a first round of carnage at the PGA Championship. Big name after big name putting up monster scores including #1 in the world Jon Rahm (+6).
At the end of Thursday’s play (first round suspended due to darkness), it’s Eric Cole holding the first round lead at -5 thru 14. Cole has been a feel-good story all season long on the tour, with a near win at the Honda Classic and top-30 finishes at both the PLAYERS Championship and the AT&T Byron Nelson.
It’s Scottie Scheffler at the top of the odds board though (+230 at DraftKings). He shot 3-under in his opening round and gained +6.64 strokes on the field. He’s certainly in good position to capture another Major.
As far as bets for me, there’s nothing I will be adding for Friday as they will have to conclude the first round and begin second round play in what could be some tough wind.
Two golfers to possibly consider playing in second round matchups though would be Sepp Straka and Hayden Buckley. Surprisingly, they are the top two in strokes gained tee-to-green, but both lost strokes with the putter. in their opening rounds A few more made putts and both could be right in contention.
