PGA Championship Preview

US PGA Championship

The US PGA Championship is conducted by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. It is one of the four men’s major championships in professional golf.

The PGA Championship was formerly played in mid-August, serving as the fourth and final men’s major of the golf season. Beginning in 2019, the tournament is played in May on the weekend before Memorial Day, as the season’s second major following the Masters Tournament in April. It is an official money event on the PGA Tour, European Tour, and Japan Golf Tour.

Like the other majors, winning the PGA provides privileges that improve career security. PGA champions are automatically invited to play in the other three majors (Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship) and The Players Championship for the next five years, and are eligible for the PGA Championship for life. They receive membership on the PGA Tour for the following five seasons and on the European Tour for the following seven seasons. The PGA Championship is the only one of the four majors that is exclusively for professional players.

The PGA Championship has been held at various venues across the United States. Some of the early sites are now quite obscure, but in recent years, the event has generally been played at a small group of celebrated courses.

PGA Championship 2023

The 2023 PGA Championships will be played on the Oak Hill Country Club East Course in Rochester, New York, where it was previously staged a decade ago in 2013. The event will take place from May 18 until May 21. The tournament will have a $15,000,000 purse.

Can Thomas retain his title?

Justin Thomas heads to Rochester as defending champion. He also won the PGA title in 2017. Thomas had a disappointing Masters, failing to make the cut.  

Will Zalatoris, runner-up last year, will not compete. Zalatoris withdrew from the Masters before play began and has since undergone back surgery which rules him out for the season.

LIV Golfers come back into the limelight

It is almost impossible to discuss golf without talking about the LIV players coming back into focus at the majors.

Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka tied for second at the Masters. Mickelson went seven under on his final round while Koepka was overtaken by Jon Rahm who triumphed by four shots. Mickelson and Koepka both have enjoyed recent success at the PGA Championship with Mickleson winning in 2021 and Koepka achieving consecutive victories in 2018 and 2019.

Scheffler and Rahm the favourites

Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler top the World Rankings and are most people’s favourites to take the title. Rahm won the Masters last month and will be looking to make it back-to-back majors.

Rory McIlroy is ranked third. It is almost a decade since the Northern Irishman’s last major title win and his performance at the Masters was disappointing. However, should he hit form he is likely to be in the mix.

Speith Seeks Grand-Slam

Jordan Spieth, who’s only missing the PGA Championship to complete the career grand-slam. If he were to win this year’s PGA, he would become only the sixth player of all time to win all four majors.

PGA Championship 2023: Latest Odds

Scottie Scheffler and US Masters champion Jon Rahm are current favourites ahead of Rory McIlroy.

Tip: Patrick Cantlay Each Way. Cantlay has finished in the top 10 in six of his 12 tournaments this season. He will be striving to secure his first major and his consistency makes him excellent value. Especially if your bookie is offering extra places.

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