2025 PGA Championship Preview: Key Players and Betting Insights
As the 2025 PGA Championship kicks off this Thursday at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, golf fans and bettors alike are gearing up for an exciting tournament. With only two players achieving multiple victories on the PGA Tour this season—Rory McIlroy and Sepp Straka—this championship holds significant intrigue both on and off the course.
Leading Contenders and Betting Odds
Rory McIlroy stands out as a crucial contender, boasting three wins this season and favored at +450 odds from DraftKings Sportsbook. In contrast, Sepp Straka, who recently secured his second victory at the Truist Championship, is viewed as a longshot with +6500 odds but could still land a top 10 finish at +400. His recent performance at Quail Hollow during the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, where he finished eighth, suggests he could be an overlooked player worth consideration.
Expert Insights: Eric Cohen’s Betting Picks
Golf betting expert Eric Cohen has analyzed the situation and is offering an eight-leg parlay that boasts a potential payout exceeding $1.1 million on a mere $10 bet. Cohen has a solid track record, successfully predicting the pre-tournament outright winner in eight tournaments over the past three seasons. His recent success includes identifying Justin Thomas as the winner of the 2025 RBC Heritage and other notable wins.
Highlighted Picks for the 2025 Championship
Cohen’s picks include Joaquin Niemann, whom he predicts will finish in the top 20 with +140 odds. At just 26 years old, Niemann has already clinched 18 wins globally and has performed well in recent tournaments, winning three out of his last six. Although his best finish at Quail Hollow is tied for 18th in 2021, Cohen asserts that Niemann’s game has significantly improved since then.
In addition, Cohen has placed his confidence in Viktor Hovland to finish in the top 10, with similar odds of +400. Hovland, currently ranked No. 11 in the Official World Golf Ranking, overcame an early-season slump that included four missed cuts, culminating in a victory at the Valspar Championship. His consistent performance at the PGA Championship, having made the cut in all five tournaments he’s played, suggests he could be a frontrunner.
Controversial Claims and Contextual Background
Despite the emphasis on betting markets and player performance metrics, it is crucial to note that golf betting remains unpredictable, and numerous factors—such as course conditions, weather, and player mental states—can significantly influence outcomes. While the odds provided by sportsbooks reflect expert opinions and statistical analyses, they do not guarantee success.
Conclusion: The Significance of the 2025 PGA Championship
The anticipation surrounding the 2025 PGA Championship is not merely about who will win, but also reflects the evolving landscape of golf betting and the increasing sophistication of analysis by experts like Cohen. As viewers prepare for the tournament, the combination of competition, odds, and strategic betting offers an additional layer of excitement.
Whether fans are rooting for powerhouse players like McIlroy or longshots like Straka, this championship presents an opportunity not just to enjoy the sport, but to engage in the broader betting culture surrounding it. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Quail Hollow to witness if the predictions hold true and which players will rise to the occasion.
