The Bearded Talisman's PGA Championship 2023 Bets
With 156 golfers in the field, making money off this year’s PGA Championship seems to be a daunting task. Making things even more difficult is fact that Oak Hill Country Club’s East course in Rochester, New York is 7394 yards long, a par 70, has 2 par 5s each over 615 yards, has 2 par 3s over 230 yards; and oh, it has 78 bunkers. Rest easy, as “The Obstacle is The Way” - The Bearded Talisman’s 6
bets are listed below.
1) Dustin Johnson (30 to 1) – WIN: The former world number 1 for a whopping 135 weeks, DJ took home $35.9 million in LIV’s first season, and that EXCLUDES the signing bonus. He had been a bit off this season until last week’s impressive win in Tulsa. He won and took home the $4 million first prize in spite of a triple bogey in the final round. Save the triple, he looked awesome. He was driving the ball well and putting extremely well. In the immediate aftermath of the Tulsa win and in every interview since, he has been the picture of confidence. The last time he seemed this confident heading into a major was the 2020 Masters. He WON it. He even drew the more favorable Thursday afternoon/Friday morning tee times, which could be a huge edge since temperatures are expected to be in the low 40s Thursday morning. You always know where you stand with DJ – why did you go to LIV? DJ – For the money. Are you playing for LIV Golf this week at the PGA Championship? DJ – No, I’m playing for myself. What is the state of your game heading into Thursday? DJ – Really good, I want to win.
When DJ is this confident, you need to pay attention as a bettor.
2) Cameron Young (30-1) – WIN: The New York native is the 15th ranked player in the world. In his brief career, he has played well in majors. He finished 2nd at last year’s Open Championship, tied for 3rd at last year’s PGA Championship and finished tied for 7th at this year’s Masters. He’s 3rd on tour in driving distance. With sports gambling, you need to see the trend before it happens. Cameron Young reminds me a bit of a young Brooks Koepka. Quiet confidence. Powerful off the tee. Comfortable in the biggest of stages. In his home state of New York, I think Young plays big this week. He may very well win it.
3) Brooks Koepka (20-1) – WIN: Speaking of Brooks Koepka, the 4-time major winner followed up his tied for 2nd Masters finish with 2 Top 5s in the 3 LIV tournaments since Augusta. Of the 4 majors he has won, 2 have been in the state of New York. I don’t like the fact he has the 7:00AM tee time Thursday, but I think he will thrive on the fact he is paired with Scottie Scheffler. The bigger and more demanding the setting, the more Brooks Koepka seems to excel – and now that he is fully healthy and playing well, I see no reason why he won’t be in the hunt on Sunday.
4) Cameron Smith (35-1) – WIN: The 2022 Open Champion has finished tied for 3rd, tied for 6th and tied for 2nd in his last 3 LIV tourneys since a lukewarm tied-34th at Augusta. He’s arguably the best bunker player in the world – which will suit him well at Oak Hill - and he’s sneaky long off the tee. He comes into Rochester off a red-hot 9 under round on Sunday in Tulsa. Jack Nicklaus said last year Cameron Smith has the best short game of anyone in the world. I think when Jack Nicklaus makes a statement like that, and you can get that golfer at 35-1 when he’s playing well, you jump all over it.
5) Patrick Cantlay (16-1) – WIN: The 4th ranked player in the world is seeking his first major. He has 15 top 10s since the start of last season. He has hit several jaw dropping drives in recent events, and the improved length off the tee will serve him well in this setting. He drew a very favorable late afternoon Thursday tee time, so he avoids the cold weather Thursday morning. Bottom line for Cantlay is he is long overdue for a great overall tournament putting. Wouldn’t it be something to see him and Koepka in the final group Sunday? 😊
6) Rory McIlroy (14-1) - WIN: I get that he missed the cut at Augusta and he nearly missed the cut at Wells Fargo - his only other event since Augusta - but I cannot overlook the fact that he is a 4-time major winner and the 3rd ranked player in the world. Plus, he is a MEMBER at this course. His wife is also from Rochester, New York and I expect him to step up his game in front of his family. And when you think of long and difficult courses and which pro golfer is best suited to play them, Rory's name is one of the very first that comes to mind.
Editor's note: The Bearded Talisman (BT) is one of the most successful golf gamblers in the world. He has won five majors pre-tourney, including the 2020 PGA Championship with Collin Morikawa. He has won three times pre-tourney already this year with 35-1 longshots Justin Rose at Pebble Beach and Chris Kirk at The Honda Classic, as well as winning The Masters with Jon Rahm. BT is the only sports gambler known to have completed the COVID Slam, winning all 4 golf majors within a 12 month period.
