Scottie Scheffler Eyes Second Major of the Year at the 2024 PGA Championship
As the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Course in Louisville approaches, all eyes are on Scottie Scheffler, who is vying for his second major title of the year. Coming off a phenomenal stretch that saw him win four of his last five starts, including securing his second green jacket at the Masters, Scheffler's form is the talk of the golf world. Despite a close second-place finish at the Houston Open in March, his only recent slip, Scheffler enters the championship as the 4-1 favorite—a testament to his dominance on the course.
The field chasing Scheffler is strong and includes golf stalwarts such as Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Brooks Koepka, with odds standing at 9-1, 10-1, and 16-1, respectively. But before finalizing any 2024 PGA Championship picks, it's worth looking at the predictions from the SportsLine model, developed by DFS pro Mike McClure. Since June 2020, this model has consistently made successful forecasts, including Scheffler's triumphant performances at this year’s Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship.
SportsLine Model's Astonishing Accuracy
McClure’s SportsLine model has also had its share of remarkable predictions outside of Scheffler’s victories. It notably called Hideki Matsuyama's win at the 2024 Genesis Invitational with staggering +9000 odds. Furthermore, the model successfully anticipated Jon Rahm's stellar year, predicting his victories at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions and The American Express, along with his Master’s win the same year. It even accurately tipped Nick Taylor, Jason Day, and Rickie Fowler to emerge victorious in their respective tournaments in 2023. Heading into the weekend, the model has precisely forecasted the winner of 11 majors, boasting an unquestionably impressive track record.
In preparation for the 2024 PGA Championship, SportsLine ran the event through the model 10,000 times, offering some interesting insights. One of the more surprising predictions is Brooks Koepka’s expected falter, as the model does not see him finishing in the top 10. Despite winning three tournaments in 2023, Koepka has had a rough 2024 season with performances falling short of his previous year's success, especially in major tournaments where he finished outside the top 40 in his last two starts.
Underdogs to Watch
On the other hand, the model highlights Collin Morikawa as a notable underdog with a 25-1 shot, suggesting he could make a significant impact at the championship. With recent strong showings including a third-place finish at the Masters and a ninth-place at the RBC Heritage, Morikawa’s game seems perfectly tuned for the challenges of Valhalla. His driving accuracy and birdie average stats standing fifth and 14th, respectively, going into the 2024 PGA Championship, signal a golfer ready to contend.
Moreover, the model has identified three other golfers with odds of 25-1 or longer to make a surprising run for the title, underlining the unpredictable nature of golf and the importance of considering a wide range of contenders.
Conclusion
As the 2024 PGA Championship draws closer, the anticipation for what promises to be a riveting contest grows. With Scottie Scheffler leading the pack but facing stiff competition from an elite field, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown at Valhalla Golf Course. Additionally, the underdogs and longshots identified by McClure’s proven SportsLine model add an exciting element of unpredictability. Whether you’re a fan of the favorites or rooting for an underdog, this championship is shaping up to be one for the ages.