2016 PGA: US PGA Championship Preview & Betting Tips

2016 US PGA Championship

Where: Baltusrol GC, Springfield, New Jersey
When: Thursday 28^th July (9:00pm first tee)
Purse: $10,000,000

The final major of the year is already here. The 2016 US PGA Championship will be held at the Baltusrol golf club in New Jersey. 2005 was the last time it was held here and crowd favourite Phil Mickelson won his second major.

There are two courses at Baltusrol and the championship will be held at the lower course. Which is the same course Jack Nicklaus won back-to-back US Open’s on in 1967 and 1980. Jack won with scores of 5 and 8 under. In 1992 the course was lengthened and although it plays as a par 70 for championships it’s still a very long course at 7,462 yards.

The three signature holes at Baltusrol are the fourth, seventeenth and eighteenth. The fourth is a mid to long par 3 with a two-tiered green which is guarded by a water hazard. The seventeenth is a hole to flex your muscles. It’s a par 5 that measures at 650 yards and John Daly is the only player to reach it in two, or should I say “hold” the green in two. In 2005 Tiger Woods over shot the green. It will be interesting to see what the likes of Dustin Johnson can do at the 17^th. Finally, the eighteenth is another par 5 but plays much shorter at 533 yards. If players get a good drive away, then eagle is certainly not out of the question.
The two par 5 finishing holes should provide us with an entertaining final round.

The key stats to winning here are a combination of my four favourites. Driving distance and accuracy, greens in regulation and of course putting. In 2005 Phil Mickelson won here with these stats. T8th in greens-in-regulation, T33rd in putting, T37th driving accuracy and 75^th driving distance. So as you can see you don’t need to be the best or ranked number one in every department.

Here are my tips for the 2016 US PGA Championship. Please note that I have also provided you with a selection of “roughie’s” or “long shots” tips. Considering every major this year has been from a first time (major) winner

Rory McIlroy

Why is no one talking about Rory? I’ve come to the conclusion that the US media is not a fan of the wee man. Maybe because he only plays a handful of PGA tournaments, I’m not sure. Regardless, Rory is playing great golf all over the world. He will most likely win the race to Dubai and a win this week would catapult him up the FedEx rankings (currently 33^rd) in just 13 tournaments.
His stats are off the charts and his game will suit this course. He ranks 1^st in strokes gained off-the-tee and 3^rd tee-to-green. He is also ranked 1^st for birdie average and 7^th for scoring average at 69.66. We all know he bombs it off the tee but he is also hitting more fairways at 61.36%. He won the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014. So logically he should win it in 2016.
Tip: Rory McIlroy to win outright - $10 at Ladbrokes
 

Phil Mickelson

This will be an obvious choice for many considering his most recent efforts at the Open Championship and the fact he has won here before. You may think you are getting a great price at $23 but I can assure you that we are paying a premium to bet on Phil. In saying that, I still love Phil this week. His ball striking and putting is on point but he also looks and sounds rejuvenated.
Tip: Phil Mickelson to win outright - $23 at Ladbrokes

Sergio Garcia

Is having a great season. Currently placed 13^th in FedEx Cup standings with over $3 million in the bank. In his last three tournaments which include the US Open and the Open Championship he has finished 5^th, 5^th and 1^st. His ball striking has been unbelievable hitting 70.46% of greens (ranked 3^rd). I’m giving Sergio another chance especially at this course.
Tip: Sergio Garcia to win outright - $26 at Ladbrokes

The Value Long Shots

Jason Dufner - $81 at Ladbrokes
Emiliano Grillo - $126 at Ladbrokes
Russell Knox - $126 at Ladbrokes
Brendan Steele - $151 at Ladbrokes
Kevin Streelman - $201 at Ladbrokes
William McGirt - $201 at Ladbrokes