PGA Championship Predictions
Will Hideki Matsuyama be able to hold on and win his first major championship this weekend? Here’s our latest predictions for the PGA Championship?
According to the latest oddsmakers, Hideki Matsuyama is now the favorite to win the major, as he has +138 odds. Other short odds to win are Jason Day (+400) and Kevin Kisner (+500). The PGA Championship continues Saturday and Sunday from Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Matsuyama managed to post a 7-under, 64 on Friday to get to -8 for the tournament. He went without a bogey in his second round and had four straight birdies at one point. He finds himself tied with Kisner for the lead. They are both two shots ahead of Day. Matsuyama is looking to win his first major. He finished fourth in this event last year and has placed in the top 15 in all three majors this year. He has climbed to third in the world rankings after winning the Bridgestone Invitational a few weeks ago.
Jason Day has had great success at this tournament, winning in 2015 and finishing second a year ago. The 2017 season hasn’t been great for Day, but he finds himself in contention now after shooting a 5-under, 66 on Friday. Kisner is tied for the lead following his second consecutive 67 this weekend. Kisner hasn’t done well at majors at all. He has never finish in the top 10 in any of the 11 he’s played in.
If you are looking for a dark horse, Paul Casey may be your guy. Casey is listed with 20/1 odds to win the major entering the weekend. Casey shot a 1-under 70 on Friday and sits at -3 for the tournament, five shots out of the lead. Casey hasn’t won a major but has placed in the top 11 in three of the last four majors. Casey has been hot lately, finishing 26th or better in his last nine events. I think he’s got the right game and confidence to make a run at this major.
This tournament is shaping up to be a coronation for Matsuyama. This win could have a big impact on golf globally, as he would become the first Japanese major championship winner in golf history. He has been playing as well as anyone lately and it showed on Friday. I think he finishes the job and gets his first major.
PGA CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTIONS: HIDEKI MATSUYAMA +138