2026 PGA Championship Preview: Favorites, Odds, and Betting Outlook

The 2026 PGA Championship is set to begin on May 14 and run through May 17 at historic Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. The event marks the second major championship of the golf season and features one of the strongest fields in professional golf, with many of the sport’s biggest stars entering in strong form.
Aronimink will host its first major championship since 1962 and is expected to provide a difficult test with fast greens, strategic bunkering, and classic Donald Ross course architecture. Analysts have pointed to approach play, driving accuracy, and short-game consistency as key factors likely to determine the winner.
The event offers four days of actionf or those who enjoy some golf betting. Defending PGA champion Scottie Scheffler enters the week as the betting favorite after another dominant stretch that includes multiple runner-up finishes this season.
Reeigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and rising star Cameron Young are also among the top contenders drawing major betting attention.
Top Storylines Entering the Tournament
Scheffler remains the player to beat entering the championship after maintaining elite consistency throughout the 2026 season. The world No. 1 has posted three straight runner-up finishes leading into the tournament and continues to dominate tee-to-green statistics.
McIlroy enters Aronimink following another strong major season and is once again chasing additional career major victories after successfully defending his Masters title earlier this year. Rahm, Ludvig Åberg, Xander Schauffele, and Matt Fitzpatrick are also considered among the most dangerous challengers in the field.
Several analysts have also identified Cameron Young as a major breakout candidate following multiple wins and top finishes during the early part of the PGA Tour season.
PGA Championship Betting Odds
Sportsbooks such as FanDuel and DraftKings have already posted extensive PGA Championship betting markets, including tournament winner odds, top-10 finishes, matchup bets, and prop wagers.
Top 10 Players in PGA Championship Futures Markets
- Scottie Scheffler +480
- Rory McIlroy +950
- Cameron Young +1200
- Jon Rahm +1500
- Ludvig Åberg +1600
- Xander Schauffele +1800
- Bryson DeChambeau +2200
- Matt Fitzpatrick +2250
- Brooks Koepka +3900
- Collin Morikawa +4000
Longshots and Betting Value
While Scheffler remains the clear favorite, betting analysts have also highlighted several value picks deeper down the board. Patrick Cantlay, Robert MacIntyre, Tyrrell Hatton, and Russell Henley have all drawn attention from bettors looking for longer odds and strong recent form.
Aronimink’s setup may also create opportunities for players with strong iron play and putting rather than simply favoring power hitters. Weather conditions, expected rain, and softer greens early in the week could further impact scoring and betting strategies.
The 2026 PGA Championship enters the week with one of the deepest fields in recent memory and multiple legitimate contenders capable of winning the Wanamaker Trophy. The combination of a historic venue, strong betting markets, and several elite players in peak form has created significant anticipation surrounding the year’s second major championship.
With Scheffler attempting to defend his title and challengers such as McIlroy, Rahm, and Cameron Young all entering in strong form, the tournament is expected to deliver one of the most competitive major championships of the season.
Now an experienced iGaming and sports betting writer and editor, Alex has been a keen casino player and sports bettor for many years, having dabbled in both for personal entertainment. He regularly plays slots, and places bets on his favourite sports, including football and NFL as a preference; he’s a big fan of Chelsea and the New York Giants for all his sins.
