Between Bets: PGA Championship Early Picks

“Between Bets” is an article series revealing our staff’s best wagers across the NFL, NASCAR and PGA Tour. This week’s bets features our favorite early wagers looking ahead to the 2023 PGA Championship odds.

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

2023 PGA Championship: Early Bets

• Scottie Scheffler (+900)
• Brooks Koepka (+1900)
• Jason Day (+4000)
• Rickie Fowler (+10000)

Scottie Scheffler (+900)

It’s tough to dispute the immaculate form of Scottie Scheffler. He is proving week to week that no course can hold him back. Whenever I think the course is a bad fit, Scheffler finds a way to bend it to his game. I don’t think he has the versatility of shots or the creativity of some of the other top-tier players, but he continues to rise to the top.

Scheffler’s off-the-tee game is rating out as No. 1 for me over the last 24 rounds amongst all current PGA players. His approach is ranked fifth, and his putting, which can be a little suspect at times, is trending in the right direction and is rating out better than previous years. I really like Scheffler to make another run at winning here. I also prefer taking a couple of extra points over Jon Rahm, whose short game continues to be shaky at times.

Brooks Koepka (+1900)

Brooks Koepka is back! At least Koepka is back for three solid rounds. Joking aside, I was very high on Koepka going into The Masters at a near 40/1 at most books. I narrowly missed as he appears to have found what made him such a formidable contender at the biggest events. Koepka appeared solid and, now recovered from injury, looked to be in some of the best shape of his career.

I like going back to the well here on ole “Brooksy.” His approach game at The Master’s was by far No. 1 in the field (gaining almost six strokes to the field), and his putting was solid, as well. His off-the-tee game was a little sporadic but manageable. I trust Koepka took his performance and broke down what he needed to do to ready himself for the PGA Championship so that he could again silence the critics. He is the Alpha in any tournament he plays in, and I expect to see him laser focused and out for blood.

I love this bet. Given his recent form, I am surprised this number isn’t shorter. Grab it now before it moves as we close in on the 2023 PGA Championship.

Jason Day (+4000)

How much more disrespectful can the books be to Jason Day? He is playing some of the best golf he has played in the last decade and does not show signs of slowing. Since October, he only has one missed cut. In that stretch, he has been in the top 10 five times, with his best finish being fifth place.

Over the last 36 rounds, he has not lost strokes in any major category. He has been stellar off the tee and around the green, and his putter has been a solid source of stroke gaining to the field. Day has a legitimate chance to compete here. At 40/1, why not? This is a former No. 1 player in the world, after all. At the height of his powers, he held the position for 43 consecutive weeks. He knows how to win.

Rickie Fowler (+10000)

This is a feel-good bet based on statistical backing. I want to see Rickie Fowler win. I think almost everyone wants to see Fowler do well. He has found something this season. He has corrected the issues plaguing his swing over the last few years and looks like the Fowler of old. Fowler is another player that has not missed a cut since October. He has had six top 15s in his stretch, with his highest finish being second.

Fowler also has not lost strokes in any major shots gained category over the last 36 rounds. He is No. 7 in this field for total shots gained and is No. 8 in approach. This is also a golfer who can putt absolutely out of his mind from time to time. He also historically plays better on tougher courses with stiffer competition. I think he deserves a look at +10,000. He is a fan and casual bettor favorite, so get this number while you can. It’s sure to get shorter with the 2023 PGA Championship approaching.

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