As golf enthusiasts focus on the BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England, anticipation is building for one of the DP World Tour’s most prestigious and lucrative tournaments. This event offers historical significance and a substantial prize purse, cementing its place as a must-watch spectacle on the tour. The 2024 edition brings top players from across the globe, each vying for a share of the USD 9 million prize fund and the coveted winner’s cheque of USD 1.53 million.
With the Presidents Cup on the horizon next week, this week offers a pivotal opportunity for players to fine-tune their form and for bettors, a chance to weigh the odds. Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and other top contenders are set to battle it out on the iconic course.
Rory McIlroy: A Favorite to Win
Rory McIlroy, the 2014 BMW PGA Championship winner, enters this year as the top contender, with odds at +610. Despite a couple of near-misses, his performance on both the PGA and DP World Tours this season has been nothing short of impressive. McIlroy finished second at the Irish Open recently. While he fell just short there, losing by a stroke to Rasmus Hojgaard, the Northern Irishman’s form remains solid heading into this event.
His season has been marked by significant highs, including wins at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and the Wells Fargo Championship. Additionally, McIlroy has maintained an incredible streak of top-five finishes in major tournaments, including his performances at the Zurich Classic and several others on the PGA Tour.
Given McIlroy’s ability to perform under pressure and his familiarity with the Wentworth course, he stands a strong chance of adding his name to the list of golfers who have won the BMW PGA Championship multiple times. This list includes Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, and Colin Montgomerie. At odds of +610, he’s a solid pick for bettors looking for a reliable contender.
Adam Scott: A Top-5 Finish in Sight
Australian veteran Adam Scott, with odds of +275 to finish in the top 5, is a player worth watching in this year’s BMW PGA Championship. Scott, competing in his 11th Presidents Cup next week, is still chasing his first tournament win since the 2020 Genesis Invitational. While the win may have eluded him recently, his recent form indicates a strong finish at Wentworth is well within reach.
Scott has shown remarkable consistency in the closing stages of the PGA Tour season, securing a second-place finish at the BMW Championship and a fourth-place tie at the TOUR Championship. His steady play makes him a serious contender for a top-5 finish this week.
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Aaron Rai: Poised for Another Strong Run
Aaron Rai, a rising star in professional golf, is one of the more intriguing players to watch this week. Rai’s odds of +200 to finish in the top 10 reflect his recent performances and his local ties as he returns to familiar territory in England. He finished second in last year’s BMW PGA Championship, narrowly missing out on the title.
Rai has stood out on the PGA Tour this year, which was highlighted by his win at the Wyndham Championship. He also secured several top-five finishes, including at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and the Genesis Scottish Open.
Now back on home turf, Rai will capitalize on his familiarity with the course and the supportive English crowd. His form and determination make him a strong candidate for another top-10 finish.
Billy Horschel: A Solid Bet for a Top-20 Finish
Billy Horschel may not be one of the heavy favorites, but his familiarity with the Wentworth course makes him a solid choice for a top-20 finish. The American has a unique relationship with the BMW PGA Championship, winning it in 2021 and becoming only the second American to do so. Horschel’s odds of +110 to finish in the top 20 make him a value pick for those looking for consistency rather than unpredictability.
Since his victory in 2021, Horschel has continued to perform well at the BMW PGA Championship, finishing tied for ninth in 2022 and tied for 18th last year. While he may not be expected to take home the trophy this time, Horschel’s history at Wentworth suggests he’s likely to be in the mix and could easily land a top-20 spot.
Dark Horses to Watch
While the focus may be on big names like McIlroy and Fleetwood, several dark horses in the field could surprise us with strong performances. Robert MacIntyre (+2800), a rising star from Scotland, has shown promise and could be a sleeper pick. Likewise, Matthew Fitzpatrick (+3000) and Alex Noren (+3000) are both players who have the talent to contend if they hit their stride this week.
Another name worth mentioning is Shane Lowry (+1400), a former Open Championship winner with a solid track record on links-style courses.
Fibak Words
The 2024 BMW PGA Championship promises to be an exciting tournament with a blend of top-tier talent, veteran experience, and rising stars. Rory McIlroy’s quest for a second title, Adam Scott’s steady form, and Aaron Rai’s breakout year make them all compelling picks for bettors. Meanwhile, Billy Horschel offers consistency for those looking for a safe top-20 bet, and dark horses like Robert MacIntyre and Shane Lowry could shake things up.