The fourth and final PGA major of the season is upon us, giving Tiger Woods one final chance this year to fight for the 15th major title of his career.
The 37-year-old has 4-1 odds of winning the PGA Championship, according to oddsmakers, but fans that like to back the veteran know to approach the last major of the 2013 season with caution. Woods was given good chances in the other three majors this year but came up short in each.
Perhaps more of a threat to come out on top at the Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y., is “Lefty” himself, Phil Mickelson. Mickelson?s victory at the British Open last month gave him every bit of momentum necessary to emerge as a contender for the latest high-profile event.
On the moneyline, Mickelson has 16-1 odds, but in the minds of golf analysts, he is in an elite class and paralleled only by Woods. The two rivals have battled each other over the past two decades and are back and dominant in 2013.
While Woods hasn?t enjoyed the success that Mickelson has had with majors this year, he?s been no slouch on the links. A victory at the Bridgestone Invitational was Woods? fifth of the year. He has already taken home top honors at The Players Championship, the Arnold Palmer Invitational and more this year. Woods? track record may not be enough to justify his stranglehold on the golf futures when players like Mickelson and Masters winner Adam Scott hold just 16-1 odds.
Also in the field, Henrik Stenson, Brandt Snedeker, Hunter Mahan and U.S. Open winner Justin Rose are not to be overlooked with 22-1, 25-1, 25-1 and 28-1 odds, respectively.
Betting on golf, especially under the international spotlight of a majors event, is equal parts talent and luck. On one hand, a knowledge of the game?s biggest stars is instrumental in predicting the result, but on the other hand, less touted individuals such as Webb Simpson, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell can slide right into the public eye, all by putting together an excellent weekend when it matters most.
This year?s PGA Championship winner could be the next Rory McIlroy or Padraig Harrington?
While the PGA season is far from over, there?s always something significant about the conclusion of the four-tournament majors series. Weigh in on the PGA?s best, at their best, before it?s too late.
