PGA Championship Betting: Learn How to Bet Golf’s Second Major
Written by: Eddie Griffin
Last Update: Wed May 20, 2026, 5:43 am ET
Read Time: 14 minutes
The PGA Championship is one of the four major championships on the annual PGA Tour schedule and therefore a centerpiece of the golf betting calendar each year.
Held annually in May at a rotating selection of elite courses across the United States, the PGA Championship is the second major of the year. Once the last major on the schedule, it now takes place weeks after the Masters and weeks before the U.S. Open.
The tournament combines a large, talented field, challenging course layouts, and the pressure of playing in an important tournament. That mix creates a unique and exciting spin on wagering compared to other tournaments,
PGA Championship betting markets include outright winner bets, finishing position bets, matchups, props, and live betting. With a full field and varying course setups, it offers both volatility and opportunity for bettors willing to adapt their approach.
For U.S. bettors, PGA Championship odds are widely available at top online sportsbooks such as Lucky Rebel, BetOnline, and Everygame. These platforms provide full tournament coverage, competitive pricing, and expanded markets during major weeks.
Unlike the Masters, where course history plays a major role, the PGA Championship requires a more flexible betting strategy. Each venue presents a new test, meaning bettors need to evaluate course fit, current form, and statistical profiles more heavily.
This guide breaks down how PGA Championship betting works, where to bet, the most common markets, and the strategies that can help bettors approach the year's second major with confidence.
2026 PGA Championship Results
| Position | Golfer | Total Score (to Par) | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 |
| 1 | Aaron Rai | -9 | 70 | 69 | 67 | 65 |
| T2 | Jon Rahm | -6 | 69 | 70 | 67 | 68 |
| T2 | Alex Smalley | -6 | 67 | 69 | 68 | 70 |
| T4 | Justin Thomas | -5 | 69 | 69 | 72 | 65 |
| T4 | Matti Schmid | -5 | 69 | 72 | 65 | 69 |
| T4 | Ludvig Åberg | -5 | 72 | 66 | 68 | 69 |
| T7 | Cameron Smith | -4 | 69 | 71 | 68 | 68 |
| T7 | Xander Schauffele | -4 | 68 | 73 | 66 | 69 |
| T7 | Rory McIlroy | -4 | 74 | 67 | 66 | 69 |
| T10 | Kurt Kitayama | -3 | 70 | 69 | 75 | 63 |
| T10 | Justin Rose | -3 | 70 | 73 | 65 | 69 |
| T10 | Chris Gotterup | -3 | 72 | 65 | 71 | 69 |
| T10 | Patrick Reed | -3 | 68 | 72 | 67 | 70 |
| T14 | Matt Fitzpatrick | -2 | 70 | 72 | 71 | 65 |
| T14 | Scottie Scheffler | -2 | 67 | 71 | 71 | 69 |
| T14 | Ben Griffin | -2 | 71 | 70 | 67 | 70 |
| T14 | Max Greyserman | -2 | 68 | 69 | 71 | 70 |
| T18 | Jordan Spieth | -1 | 69 | 72 | 70 | 68 |
| T18 | Padraig Harrington | -1 | 74 | 69 | 67 | 69 |
| T18 | Stephan Jaeger | -1 | 67 | 70 | 73 | 69 |
| T18 | David Puig | -1 | 71 | 67 | 71 | 70 |
| T18 | Harris English | -1 | 71 | 67 | 71 | 70 |
| T18 | Joaquín Niemann | -1 | 69 | 73 | 66 | 71 |
| T18 | Min Woo Lee | -1 | 67 | 70 | 71 | 71 |
| T18 | Maverick McNealy | -1 | 69 | 67 | 71 | 72 |
| T26 | Alex Noren | E | 71 | 73 | 70 | 66 |
| T26 | Tom Hoge | E | 72 | 70 | 68 | 70 |
| T26 | Daniel Hillier | E | 71 | 69 | 70 | 70 |
| T26 | Andrew Novak | E | 69 | 70 | 71 | 70 |
| T26 | Cameron Young | E | 71 | 67 | 72 | 70 |
| T26 | Sam Burns | E | 70 | 72 | 67 | 71 |
| T26 | Bud Cauley | E | 69 | 72 | 67 | 72 |
| T26 | Hideki Matsuyama | E | 70 | 67 | 71 | 72 |
| T26 | Nick Taylor | E | 69 | 72 | 65 | 74 |
Check Out Danny Burke's 2026 PGA Championship Predictions & Picks
Each week, Betting News writer and host Danny Burke offers his favorite golf picks, ranging from outright winner plays to finishing position bets to matchup bets. In his analysis, Danny considers course-specific angles, player form, statistical models, and more.
For the PGA Championship and other major championships, Danny's analysis expands to include trends specific to majors or the tournament course, if there is relevant history.
Check out Danny's in-depth PGA Championship betting preview, complete with several selections for the tournament.
PGA Championship Expert Predictions & Picks »
Where Can You Bet on PGA Championship Odds?
U.S. bettors have many strong options for PGA Championship betting. Major sportsbooks offer extensive coverage, with deeper markets and special promotions often available during major weeks.
Lucky Rebel is one of the best sites for live betting. Bettors can access a deep menu that includes outright odds, finishing position bets, matchups, and more both before and throughout the tournament.
New Lucky Rebel users can take advantage of a 125% bonus up to $1,250, along with 50 casino free spins. Major tournaments like the PGA Championship bring expanded betting menus, making this offer even more valuable.
BetOnline is another trusted platform for golf betting. It consistently provides competitive odds and options that include props and head-to-head markets.
At BetOnline, new players can receive up to $250 in free bets, with the potential for special odds boosts and promos tied to the PGA Championship and other majors.
Everygame offers a more streamlined experience. It appeals to bettors who prefer a simpler interface and straightforward betting options.
New players at Everygame can access two separate 100% bonuses up to $500 each, giving bettors a bankroll boost to bet on the PGA Championship and other events during a busy spring sporting calendar.
Additionally, for bettors outside of the U.S., international sportsbooks such as MegaPari and MelBet and Canadian sportsbooks such as NorthStar Bets and Ozoon have odds for the PGA Championship and other golf tournaments.
Wherever you reside, having accounts at multiple sportsbooks is especially useful during major events like the PGA Championship. Line shopping can help bettors find the best value for their bets and enhance potential profitability. We recommend using multiple sites, even if you ultimately focus on only one or two.
What to Know About the 2026 PGA Championship
2026 PGA Championship Course Breakdown: Aronimink Golf Club Course Profile
Aronimink Golf Club, located in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, is a Donald Ross design restored by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner in 2017. The goal of the restoration was to bring back the original style of the course, which focuses more on positioning and strategy than pure distance.
It plays as a par-70 at just over 7,300 yards. While the yardage is solid, the real challenge comes from uneven lies, tough angles, and well-placed bunkers that force players to think their way around the course.
From a betting perspective, this setup tends to reward accurate iron players who consistently hit the right parts of greens rather than simply overpowering the course.
The Sink
A large bowl-shaped area runs through the middle of the course and impacts several holes, including 6, 7, 15, and 16. Players often face uneven lies and elevation changes here, which can lead to unpredictable shot outcomes.
Heavy Bunker Presence
There are more than 170 bunkers on the course, many grouped into decision-making zones off the tee. These aren't just hazards. They shape how players choose to attack each hole.
Par-3 5th Hole
A short par 3 at around 170 yards, but the green is heavily sloped. Missing in the wrong spot can quickly turn a simple hole into a difficult two-putt.
Par-3 8th Hole
One of the toughest holes on the course at nearly 240 yards. It plays long, often requires a hybrid or long iron, and demands precision into a narrow target area.
Uphill 18th Hole
A long uphill par 4 that plays back toward the clubhouse. It's a demanding finish where late mistakes can easily change the outcome, especially on Sunday.
The 108th PGA Championship will take place from May 14-17 at Aronimink Golf Club, in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
2026 PGA Championship Pre-Tournament Favorites and Storylines
Rory McIlroy (+900) will enter as one of the main storylines after adding another major to his career at Augusta. That win added to an already strong career resume, and he now looks for his third PGA Championship title and first since 2014. A win here would move him to seven career majors and further cement his status as one of the game's all-time greats.
Scottie Scheffler (+500) is the betting favorite and defending Wanamaker Trophy winner after another strong run at the top of the game. He continues to show up in majors almost every time he tees it up, and he will try to become the first repeat winner of the PGA Championship since Brooks Koepka in 2018 and 2019.
As has typically been the case for majors in recent years, Scheffler and McIlroy sit atop PGA Championship odds, and they will feature in many betting tickets.
However, the names and quality depth behind them make the tournament even more appealing for both bettors and viewers. Many eyes will be on Bryson DeChambeau (+2000) and Jon Rahm (+1400) with the recent news about LIV Golf's seemingly bleak future, while Cameron Young (winner of the Players Championship and Cadillac Championship) and Matt Fitzpatrick (three wins in 2026, including the RBC Heritage) are two of the hottest names on the PGA Tour right now.
Types of PGA Championship Bets
The PGA Championship features a wide variety of betting options, allowing bettors to approach the tournament from multiple angles.
Outright Winner
Outright winner betting makes up a significant percentage of golf bets each week. As with other moneyline bets, these are straightforward bets in which bettors pick the player who will win the tournament.
With a full field, four rounds and 72 holes to navigate, potentially tricky course setups and conditions, and the potential for weather to play a role, these are lower-percentage plays than other golf betting markets, especially for major tournaments. Even top players have relatively long odds compared to other sports.
Many bettors spread their exposure across several players rather than relying on a single pick.
Finishing Position Bets (Top 5, Top 10, Top 20)
Finishing position bets offer a lower-risk alternative to outright winner bets.
These markets allow bettors to profit if a player finishes within a specified range. They are especially useful for targeting consistent players who may not win but regularly contend.
For most PGA Tour events, finishing position markets are for the top five, top ten, and top 20. But for majors, options expand to top 30 or even top 40 at Lucky Rebel, Bovada, and some other golf betting sites.
Matchups (2-Ball, 3-Ball, Tournament H2H)
Matchup betting is one of the most efficient ways to bet on the PGA Championship and other golf tournaments.
Instead of needing a player to beat the entire field, bettors only need their selection to outperform one or two opponents. This allows for more data-driven decisions.
First Round Leader (FRL)
First round leader betting focuses on who will lead after Thursday's round.
This market is highly volatile but can offer strong payouts, especially when factoring in tee times and weather conditions.
Prop Bets
PGA Championship prop bets can include:
- Nationality of the winner
- Winning score range
- Top debutant
- Player-specific performance props, including over/under scoring props
Major championships typically feature more prop options than regular tour events, with individual round scoring props an especially popular prop option for majors.
Live Betting
Live betting is a key part of PGA Championship wagering.
Odds shift constantly throughout each round, creating opportunities to capitalize on the twists and turns that take place over the course of four rounds.
PGA Championship Betting Strategies
Betting on the PGA Championship requires a different mindset than betting on fixed-venue events.
Prioritize Current Form
Unlike Augusta, where history matters heavily, PGA Championship venues change every year. Recent performance is often a stronger indicator than long-term course history.
Evaluate Course Fit
Each course presents a unique challenge. Some venues favor distance off the tee, while others reward accuracy and strong iron play. Understanding the course setup is critical before placing bets.
Focus on Tee-to-Green Play
Major championships tend to reward complete players.
Strokes gained stats can be reliable indicators of success, especially Strokes Gained: Tee to Green stats on demanding layouts. Strokes gained stats can be tracked easily via the official sites for the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf.
Target Proven Major Performers
Certain players consistently elevate their performance in majors. In recent years, players such as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele have consistently contended and finished well in majors.
Experience handling pressure, difficult conditions, and elite fields can make a significant difference in how the leaderboard shakes out and which players to target.
Be Selective with Outright Winner Bets
Outright betting can be unpredictable in any tournament. Favorites do not always win, and the top of the leaderboard will often feature at least a couple of surprises. When making major championship picks, this should be taken into consideration even more than usual, both because of the course rotation and the built-in pressure of playing in a major.
Building a balanced card with a mix of favorites and mid-tier contenders is often more effective than chasing longshots exclusively.
Use Live Betting to Your Advantage
Course conditions can change quickly during the PGA Championship, and so can who is in or out of contention.
Watching how players adapt to the course—and how the course plays throughout the day—can reveal value that pre-tournament odds may not reflect.
PGA Championship History and Information
The PGA Championship has a long and evolving history, dating back to 1916.
Originally played as a match play event, it transitioned to stroke play in 1958, aligning more closely with the format used in other major championships.
Course Rotation and Setup
PGA Championship venues are typically among the most challenging in the United States.
Courses are often set up to reward all-around performance, with thick rough, fast greens, and demanding tee shots.
Winning scores can vary widely depending on the venue and weather conditions, making adaptability a key trait for contenders.
Notable Moments in PGA Championship History
Tiger Woods (2000)
Woods defeated Bob May in a playoff at Valhalla in one of the most memorable duels in major history. His clutch putting under pressure highlighted the importance of composure in majors.
Shaun Micheel (2003)
A massive longshot, Micheel won at Oak Hill with a near-perfect final round. His victory remains one of the biggest surprises in major championship history.
Rory McIlroy (2014)
McIlroy won his second PGA Championship in dramatic fashion, holding off a late charge in near-dark conditions. His length off the tee proved decisive.
Brooks Koepka (2018, 2019)
Koepka went back-to-back, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most dominant major performers of his era.
Phil Mickelson (2021)
At age 50, Mickelson became the oldest major champion in history with his win at Kiawah Island, showing that experience and course management can still prevail.
These moments reflect a common theme: the PGA Championship rewards players who can adapt to difficult conditions and handle pressure against elite competition.
Recent PGA Championship Winners (2000-Present)
| Year | Winner | Score | Course (Location) |
| 2026 | Aaron Rai | -9 | Aronimink Golf Club (Newtown Square, Pennsylvania) |
| 2025 | Scottie Scheffler | -15 | Quail Hollow Golf Club (Charlotte, North Carolina) |
| 2024 | Xander Schauffele | -21 | Valhalla Golf Club (Louisville, Kentucky) |
| 2023 | Brooks Koepka | -9 | Oak Hill Country Club (Rochester, New York) |
| 2022 | Justin Thomas | -5 | Southern Hills Country Club (Tulsa, Oklahoma) |
| 2021 | Phil Mickelson | -6 | Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean Course, South Carolina) |
| 2020 | Collin Morikawa | -13 | TPC Harding Park (San Francisco, California) |
| 2019 | Brooks Koepka | -8 | Bethpage Black Course (Farmingdale, New York) |
| 2018 | Brooks Koepka | -16 | Bellerive Country Club (St. Louis, Missouri) |
| 2017 | Justin Thomas | -8 | Quail Hollow Club (Charlotte, North Carolina) |
| 2016 | Jimmy Walker | -14 | Baltusrol Golf Club (Springfield, New Jersey) |
| 2015 | Jason Day | -20 | Whistling Straits (Kohler, Wisconsin) |
| 2014 | Rory McIlroy | -16 | Valhalla Golf Club (Louisville, Kentucky) |
| 2013 | Jason Dufner | -10 | Oak Hill Country Club (Rochester, New York) |
| 2012 | Rory McIlroy | -13 | Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean Course, South Carolina) |
| 2011 | Keegan Bradley | -8 | Atlanta Athletic Club (Johns Creek, Georgia) |
| 2010 | Martin Kaymer | -11 | Whistling Straits (Kohler, Wisconsin) |
| 2009 | Y.E. Yang | -8 | Hazeltine National Golf Club (Chaska, Minnesota) |
| 2008 | Pádraig Harrington | -3 | Oakland Hills Country Club (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan) |
| 2007 | Tiger Woods | -8 | Southern Hills Country Club (Tulsa, Oklahoma) |
| 2006 | Tiger Woods | -18 | Medinah Country Club (Medinah, Illinois) |
| 2005 | Phil Mickelson | -4 | Baltusrol Golf Club (Springfield, New Jersey) |
| 2004 | Vijay Singh | -8 | Whistling Straits (Kohler, Wisconsin) |
| 2003 | Shaun Micheel | -4 | Oak Hill Country Club (Rochester, New York) |
| 2002 | Rich Beem | -10 | Hazeltine National Golf Club (Chaska, Minnesota) |
| 2001 | David Toms | -15 | Atlanta Athletic Club (Johns Creek, Georgia) |
| 2000 | Tiger Woods | -18 | Valhalla Golf Club (Louisville, Kentucky) |
Conclusion
The PGA Championship presents a different kind of challenge for golf bettors.
With a new course each year and consistently strong fields, success depends less on historical trends and more on identifying players in form who fit the specific demands of the venue. That makes preparation and adaptability just as important as the bets themselves.
A disciplined approach—built on smart pre-tournament research and selective in-play decisions—can go a long way during major weeks. Bettors who stay flexible, manage exposure, and react to how the tournament unfolds will be in a better position to find value as the leaderboard takes shape.