BMW PGA Championship Preview: Viktor Hovland Leads Strong Attack on Wentworth
Ben Coley previews the BMW PGA Championship, where a high-class field, led by Viktor Hovland, is set to contest this prestigious event at Wentworth. Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm headline a crowded field, but Coley has tipped a low-key winner ahead of this illustrious event.
Golf Betting Tips: BMW PGA Championship
3pts e/w. Viktor Hovland at 22/1 (General 1/5 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8)
2pts e/w. Aaron Rai at 25/1 (BoyleSports 1/5 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)
1.5pts e/w. Rasmus Hojgaard at 40/1 (BoyleSports 1/5 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)
1.5pts e/w. Hideki Matsuyama at 45/1 (General 1/5 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8)
1pt e/w. Matteo Manassero at 125/1 (General 1/5 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)
The DP World Tour returns to its spiritual home, Wentworth, for the BMW PGA Championship, still considered its flagship event. After 10 years of debate, it’s clear that Keith Pelley’s move to elevate the event to Rolex Series status has paid off, attracting another fantastic field led by Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Hideki Matsuyama.
The event coincides with McIlroy’s third victory of the year, a Signant Classic triumph in the Czech Republic, giving him a 50/1 chance for a fourth win in a row. However, the Spaniard, third in the FedEx Cup, is also in contention, while the Japanese star will challenge given his penchant for big moments.
McIlroy and Rahm Make Their Mark
McIlroy, with his driver back in form and the turf softened, could go back-to-back. Last year, he also finished runner-up to Billy Horschel, who defends this week. Meanwhile, Rahm has been the more prolific winner this year but travels without a victory since June.
Nevertheless, the Spaniard has the game to go close, despite struggling in previous trips to Wentworth. McIlroy and Rahm share favoritism, but Coley prefers another option.
Viktor Hovland: One to Watch
VIKTOR HOVLAND is Coley’s top tip at 22/1, having finished fifth in his last two visits. The Norwegian has been consistent this year, despite frustrating some backed into big-priced winners. He won the Valspar Championship and was a legit contender at the US Open.
Hovland has improved significantly with his irons this year, ranking second only to Scottie Scheffler in strokes-gained approach. With Wentworth placing more emphasis on iron play, the 25-year-old looks a strong contender. He has twice finished in the top 11 at Wentworth, including a third round lead last year.
Other Contenders
AARON RAI (25/1) and RASMUS HOJGAARD (40/1) are other contenders for Coley, while HIDEKI MATSUYAMA (45/1) and MATTEO MANASSERO (125/1) complete the list.
Rai has shown the ability to compete on tree-lined courses, finishing fourth last year, while Hojgaard’s form since his Ryder Cup qualifications has been impressive. Matsuyama, meanwhile, has shown glimpses of his best form recently, and Manassero, a former winner at Wentworth, has rediscovered his best form in the past two months.
Proving Ground for Ryder Cup Rookies
This week’s event also serves as a proving ground for the latest crop of Ryder Cup rookies. Shane Lowry, a former champion, and Corey Conners, the Canadian in good form, could feature. However, Coley’s preference is for the young Danish duo of Hojgaard and RASMUS NEERGAARD-PETERSEN.
Both have shown the ability to compete under pressure, as evidenced by their Ryder Cup qualification and recent performances. Watch for them to make an impact this week, with Hojgaard tipped as a live contender at 40/1.
Pro golf is a lot of fighting and greed right now.
But these are the stories that make me love pro golf.
11 years, ELEVEN years after his last win Matteo Manassero wins again. In the dark after a delay, and back from the depths. Just awesome.
The BMW PGA Championship tees off on September 9 at Wentworth Club, with a strong field vying for the title. Popular picks include Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Viktor Hovland. However, Coley’s pre-tournament preview highlights lesser favorites, including Aaron Rai, Rasmus Hojgaard, Hideki Matsuyama, and the resurrected Matteo Manassero. With a softer turf expected, approach play and accuracy off the tee could prove crucial in settling this prestigious event.
Join the conversation! Which golfer do you think will come out on top at the BMW PGA Championship? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to follow 247Sports for the latest golf news and analysis.
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