US PGA Championship Preview

The last major of the season is up for grabs in Whistling Straits and Al Dannity is expecting a great weekend of Golf.

An open field
Phil Mickelson is the prohibitive favorite for the US PGA Championship this weekend but Lefty’s battles with injury and arthritis make it tough to back him at +700. He is however a fighter, as was shown in an emotional win at Augusta, so if any Golfer can overcome such odds it’s Mickelson.

After winning the Bridgestone last weekend, I like Hunter Mahan at +4500 to make it two wins in a row. Rory McIlroy’s excellent showing at the Open last month makes him well worth a look at +1800. I’m not as hot on 2008 champion Padraig Harrington. The Irishman has finally hit a vein of good form but not enough to like him for the win here at +2000. Golf betting fans looking to win with Harrington should back him at -125 to win his First Round Threeball with Davis Love III and John Daly.

The Ryder Cup matters
This is the last tournament that counts towards qualification for the US team in this year’s Ryder Cup. It’s also one of the final tournaments that matters for European players. That means anyone looking at PGA betting should keep an eye on players on the fringes of both Ryder Cup teams.

Lucas Glover, at +12500, and Dustin Johnson, at +4500, will both aim to protect their current positions in the standings. At +12500 Stewart Cink stands out as a player who could, with a good enough performance, force his way into the team or at least make Corey Pavin give serious consideration towards making him a wild card pick. On the European side Sergio Garcia, at +5000, is likely to make it as a wild card selection but he would make Colin Montgomerie’s decision easier with a good performance here.

Can you count on Tiger?
Tiger Woods’ career-worst performance at the Bridgestone sees him drop to +900 entering this tournament. I like him to play a lot better this week but a miracle turnaround to take the PGA Championship is unlikely.

There is however value to be had with Tiger, no matter where he finishes, through Sports Interaction’s Tiger Woods Pinata. With a guaranteed price of +5000 you could win big. Just place your bet on Tiger and you will be assigned a finishing position. If Tiger finishes in the same place, you win big.