PGA Championship 2026 Preview: Scheffler, McIlroy, and Key Betting Tips
PGA Championship 2026: Betting Tips and Preview

The PGA Championship 2026 is set to tee off on Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, with Rory McIlroy aiming for his third victory at the event and first since 2014. The Irishman, who took a break after successfully defending the Masters last month, returned to action last week and finished 19th at the Truist Championship in North Carolina, won by Norwegian Kristoffer Reitan. McIlroy is not expected to dwell on that result, and bookmakers list him as a 10/1 shot to triumph on a course where he has previously excelled. He won the 2012 edition at Kiawah Island and the 2014 edition at Valhalla, and currently shares the course record at Aronimink with Tiger Woods, Tommy Fleetwood, Nick Watney, and Kevin Na. The six-time major winner shot an 8-under-par 62 in the opening round of the 2018 BMW Championship, the same year Fleetwood also carded 62 twice.

Scottie Scheffler Looks to Defend Title

McIlroy is viewed as the primary challenger to world number one Scottie Scheffler, who enters the tournament as defending champion after a five-stroke victory at Quail Hollow Club 12 months ago. Scheffler, at best odds of 11/2 on some betting apps, faces a course that suits McIlroy's long drives, making the contest likely to be decided on the greens. The PGA Championship has been won by a US player in each of the past 10 tournaments, the longest such streak in any major. After three consecutive runner-up finishes in the lead-up to Aronimink, including at the 2026 Masters, Scheffler appears poised for a strong performance.

PGA Championship 2026 Prediction 1: Scheffler to Win - 11/2 PricedUp

Can Tommy Fleetwood Find Form at Aronimink?

No English golfer has won the US PGA Championship in 107 years, but Fleetwood boasts an impressive record on this course. He fired two rounds of 62 in 2018, still the course record, and if he can replicate that form, he could be a worthwhile bet. The reigning FedEx Cup champion has five top-10 finishes this season, though he must improve his putting to contend. Bookmakers offer 25/1 on a win, with 10/3 odds on him finishing as the top Englishman. However, he faces stiff competition from compatriot Matt Fitzpatrick, who has won three times in his last five starts and amassed over £7.5 million in prize money in 2026. Fitzpatrick, ranked fourth in the world, beat Scheffler in a play-off to win the RBC Heritage and is also priced at 25/1.

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PGA Championship 2026 Prediction 2: Fleetwood to Finish Top Englishman - 10/3 Bet365

Keep an Eye on Cameron Young

American golfer Cameron Young emerges as a strong contender after winning his third tournament since August at the recent Cadillac Championship, defeating Scheffler by six strokes. Young had never won until securing the Wyndham Championship, but his game has since strengthened. He also won the Players Championship this season by one stroke over Matt Fitzpatrick. At 12/1 to claim his first major, and 15/2 to finish as the top-ranked American, Young is one to watch.

PGA Championship 2026 Prediction 3: Young to Finish in the Top Five - 16/5 Unibet

Free Golf Bet for the PGA Championship

Sky Bet is offering a free bet promotion for the second major of the year, providing a £1 free bet for every first-round birdie. To qualify, punters must have a Sky Bet account and wager a minimum of £5 on the Hotshots market or the PGA Championship before Thursday. Hotshots refers to the outright winner market for golf tournaments on Sky Bet. For each birdie their selected player cards in the opening round, Sky Bet will award a free bet, usable only on golf and expiring after seven days.

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