PGA Championship expert picks, best bets for Southern Hills

PGA Championship expert picks: Outright winner picks at Southern Hills

Rory McIlroy (+1400)

Even with the way Scheffler has played this year, Rory McIlroy comes into the PGA Championship leading the field in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green. He’s been a dynamo with his driver and has been finding his form with his irons. While the putter has been a tad concerning, he’s traditionally been better on bent grass than most other surfaces. On top of that, he’s been trending in the right direction both with his finishes and by the eye test. He’s my most confident outright pick of the week, beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Hideki Matsuyama (+2000)

We’re back to Matsuyama and I told you I believe he has a real chance to win this week.

There are few better approach players in golf than the 2021 Masters champion and he’s been trending in his own right. Furthermore, with the winds and conditions expected to play a role in Tulsa this week, Matsuyama is a player who thrives when things get difficult. I love where he stands for this week and think he has a legitimate shot to add another major championship to his résumé.

Justin Thomas (+1400)

Speaking of trending, how can you not look at Thomas and think that he’s primed to win another PGA Championship. JT finished T5 at the AT&T Byron Nelson last week and has been playing like a player who should’ve won multiple times since his last victory at THE PLAYERS in 2021. His ball-striking is in top form and he’s seemed to figure out the putter as well.

For a player who made it known that his goal was to perform better in the majors this year, he seems in a great position to make a run at Southern Hills given his game, form and motivation.

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