PGA Championship predictions: McIlroy to bring up Major number six
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- Quail Hollow hosts the PGA Championship for the second time
- Xander Schauffele is the defending champion
- Recommended bets:
- Rory McIlroy to win
- Min Woo Lee to win and each-way
- Patrick Reed to win and each-way
The 107th PGA Championship takes place at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina this week and it promises to be another enthralling battle for Major glory between the world's leading players.
All eyes will be on the top two in the world, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, with the American recording an eight-shot victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson on his last start and the Northern Irishman recently completing the Grand Slam with April's Masters triumph.
Several other players will be hoping to crash the party including Justin Thomas, who lifted the Wanamaker Trophy in 2017 when it was staged at Quail Hollow, and defending champion Xander Schauffele.
McIlroy to thrive at favoured venue
Rory McIlroy ended his long 11-year wait for a fifth Major at Augusta National last month and that victory had added significance, as it was his first Masters triumph and also secured the Grand Slam.
Now that weight is off his shoulders, the floodgates could open for the Northern Irishman when it comes to the Majors and what better venue to bring up a potential third PGA Championship crown than Quail Hollow.
The 36-year-old has won here four times — a record bettered by no player — and it is perhaps no surprise to see him enjoy so much success in North Carolina given the length of the course.
Measuring 7,626 yards, this layout demands power and McIlroy has that in spades, as he ranks third in driving distance on the PGA Tour and is first in strokes gained off-the-tee.
Along with his four wins at Quail, the world number two has a runners-up finish, one top five and three top-10 finishes to his name and it will take a big effort to stop him from landing victory number five in Charlotte.
Aussie ace can make Major breakthrough
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Australian ace Min Woo Lee looks capable of landing his maiden Major this week despite the fact he will be competing at Quail Hollow for the first time.
This layout should suit the 26-year-old, who is fourth in driving distance this season, while his ranking of ninth in SG around-the-green and 11th in putting should also help him contend.
Lee won on the PGA Tour for the first time in February, edging out Scheffler and Gary Woodland by a shot at the Houston Open, and he can take another huge step in his career by lifting the Wanamaker Trophy.
Reed to get into Quail contention
Patrick Reed has tasted Major success in his career — clinching the 2018 Masters — and he put in a strong challenge for a second Green Jacket last month when ending up in third place.
The American, who plies his trade on the LIV tour, has been in consistent form on the Saudi-backed circuit with his last five starts producing results of T10-T25-T7-T17-T4.
Capable of giving it a good rip with the driver, the 34-year-old is also tied-18th in greens in regulation, T11 in scrambling and T20 in putting, evidence that all areas of his game are in good shape.
Reed also finished tied-second at Quail Hollow in the 2017 PGA Championship and has added top-10 finishes from two of his next three visits to this venue.
