Welcome to our weekly PGA Tour betting insights, featuring expert picks from a seasoned golf bettor and commentator who hosts and regularly appears on SportsGrid, a syndicated audio network focused on sports and sports betting, and serves as a golf betting analyst for CBS Sportsline. Below are his selections for the 2026 PGA Championship, set to tee off Thursday in Pennsylvania.
Two days before the second major of the golf season, several uncertainties remain about how the Aronimink course will play, with weather being a key factor. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, but a few weather patterns could influence the tournament. Around midnight ET Wednesday, there is a better-than-50% chance of showers lasting a few hours, potentially softening the course for Thursday’s opening round. As the day progresses, the sun is expected to shine with winds around 15 mph, giving early tee times a potential advantage. The course may dry out during the day, while early tee times will face chilly temperatures in the low 60s—a stark contrast to Sunday’s forecast high near 90°F.
Golf course restoration specialist Gil Hanse has noted that Aronimink is at its best when firm and fast. While conditions may eventually firm up, Thursday could offer a different challenge, with a rain-softened course favoring early starters.
Another question is whether long hitters can dominate or if accuracy and positioning off the tee will be more critical, as the architect intended. This may not be clear until early Thursday or late Friday, influencing which players are best suited for the course. Interestingly, when Hanse renovated the course in 2016, he assumed the PGA Championship would remain in August, when firm, fast conditions are almost guaranteed. However, the tournament moved to May in 2019. Fans hope Mother Nature delivers a demanding test. Last year at Valhalla, soft conditions led to Xander Schauffele’s 21-under winning score. Oddsmaker Jeff Sherman at Westgate SuperBook has set the winning score proposition at Over/Under 267.5 (12.5 under par), suggesting a tougher test at Aronimink.
We previewed Aronimink and some early selections last week. Now, here are five additional players with a strong chance to win the Wanamaker Trophy at fair odds.
**Patrick Cantlay (55-1)**
I hesitated on Cantlay last week but eventually backed him Monday. His putting numbers raise concerns, but everything else looks solid. In his last four starts—including the Masters and two Signature Events—he finished 7th, 12th, 8th, and 10th. He has performed well on correlated courses: third at Pinehurst in 2024, 14th at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023, and fourth at Philadelphia Cricket Club last year. Cantlay also finished runner-up at Detroit Golf Club and East Lake, and won the Tour Championship. He ranks 51st in SG: Approach and Driving Accuracy, and 20th in Greens in Regulation and Scrambling.
**Jordan Spieth (65-1)**
Odds have climbed as high as 90-1 for the three-time major champion. I believe around 60-1 is fair. This is Spieth’s 10th attempt to win the PGA Championship and complete the career Grand Slam. I think Aronimink suits his game, and he’s capable of contending. I said Spieth finishing top 15 at the Masters was reasonable, and he did (12th). He’s executing well across the board, especially in short game and mid-to-short iron play. His PGA Championship history shows he has only once broken into the top 20 after Round 1—if he does so Friday, I expect a real chance.
**Adam Scott (70-1)**
The veteran Australian has experienced a resurgence in the past two seasons. He sat second entering the final round of last year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont and has two fourth-place finishes this season (Riviera and Doral three weeks ago). He hasn’t missed a cut since the Open Championship last July. His ball striking is impeccable: third in SG: Approach, third in Hole Proximity from 150-175 yards, second from 175-200 yards, and third from 200+ yards. Scott ranks 19th in Total Driving and 46th in Scrambling, with a ninth-place finish at Pinehurst in 2014.
**Kurt Kitayama (80-1)**
Kitayama’s ball striking stands out. Like his UNLV Rebel teammate Adam Scott, he’s striping it, ranking seventh in Total Driving. His approach numbers mirror Scott’s, as does his scrambling (54th). Unfortunately, putting is a shared weakness (Scott 90th, Kitayama 109th). Kitayama finished runner-up at Riviera this year and went 8th, 9th, and 19th in his last three starts at Harbour Town, Doral, and Quail Hollow.
**Sahith Theegala (150-1)**
This is a long shot with low risk. Theegala has struggled off the tee (125th in SG: Off the Tee), but if a bomb-and-gouge strategy works, or if accuracy with less-than-driver is key, he could thrive. His approach play is strong, and his short game can be elite. He’s performed well at other Donald Ross designs like Pinehurst, Oak Hill, and East Lake. The sloping fairways and large greens at Aronimink resemble Kapalua’s Plantation Course (where he finished runner-up in 2024) and Silverado in Napa (where he won and placed 7th and 6th). At 150-1, a low-risk bet on top 40, top 30, or even top 20 finishes could pay off.
