Breaking Down the Early Betting Odds for the 2021 PGA Championship

Nine years after Rory McIlroy captured his first Wanamaker Trophy, the PGA Championship returns to Kiawah Island. It’s too early to know what the forecast will look like, and there’s a lot of time for players to alter their perception.

With that being said, the early odds for the 2021 PGA Championship are out.

I can already sense some value on the betting sheet, so let’s start diving in.

Sandwiched in between a couple of Texas events in May, the 103rd edition of the PGA Championship will be contested at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. What immediately stands out about this stunning public oasis just 30 miles south of Charleston is how long this track is.

In fact, the yardage on the scorecard of the 2012 PGA measured 7,676 yards – making it the longest PGA Championship in the history of this event. Given that Bryson is flirting with 200-mph ball speed expect this number to climb when the 2021 scorecard is released. 

Anyone who is consistently betting sports online knows that shopping lines is crucial. Take Xander Schauffele’s 2021 PGA Championship odds as an example. While +1600 at XBet seems fair, +2000 at SportsBetting.ag is a lot more appealing.

Schauffele’s knack for popping up on leaderboards in golf’s biggest events is well documented.

Xander Schauffele has 13 rounds of 67 or better in majors since the beginning of 2017, most of any player in that span. #TheMasters

— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) November 12, 2020

He’s got six top-6 finishes at the majors and tends to be at his best as the conditions worsen. Blustery wind and bumpy greens could be part of the norm at Kiawah Island in May, but it won’t be enough to deter Xander. He’s got too much composure. 

Full disclosure – Xander was my guy when I revealed my picks for the 2021 majors. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t think +10000 for Cameron Smith is screaming with value.

Here’s a guy who is priced at +4500 to win the Masters, yet the top bookies are letting us in at +10000 for a tournament that’s just five weeks later?

The talented Aussie possesses one of the best short games in golf and is a lights-out putter. Smith posted a top-25 at the 2015 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits – the last time this event was held at a links-style course pressed up against a massive body of water.

Anticipating Smith plays good golf over the next five months, there’s no way I’m letting this +10000 price tag pass me by.

Staying on track with an Australian playing well at the Ocean Course in May, why not target the guy who won the 2015 iteration at a similar-style venue?

Jason’s victory at Whistling Straits five years ago is one of six top-10s he’s accumulated at the PGA Championship. Day finished 4th at Harding Park in August, and he’s got more than enough time to shore up his long game.

As far as his chipping and pitching goes – have no qualms about this man’s ability to get the ball up-and-down. Jason led the PGA Tour in SG: Around-the-Green this past season.

We know the guys who can bomb it are going to have a substantial advantage at the 2021 PGA Championship.

Well, does anyone on the planet hit a prettier long ball than Cameron Champ?

Built with the perfect ball flight to prosper in the wind at Kiawah Island, don’t forget that Champ was tied for the lead at one point on the back nine on Sunday at the 2020 PGA Championship. Playing alongside Collin Morikawa that day, it’s safe to say that Cameron will be motivated the next time he contends for a Wanamaker Trophy.

What to do after glancing at the early odds for the 2021 PGA Championship?

Check out the pricing for the other three majors next year!