Power Rankings: Expect Stars to Shine at PGA Championship

Several big names appear to be clicking just in time for the second major of the season. Here are 10 players our model likes this week.
Rory McIlroy enters the PGA Championship fresh off a win at the Wells Fargo.
Rory McIlroy enters the PGA Championship fresh off a win at the Wells Fargo. / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to Power Rankings, a weekly feature on SI Golf from our partners at KeyCompete. This week the golf world has landed in Valhalla for the 2024 PGA Championship, and an elite field is set to tee off. Here’s how our model sees this week’s event event shaping up:

2024 PGA Championship Preview

Designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1986, Valhalla has a rich history and presents a formidable test. Recent renovations have further enhanced the course's beauty and playability, ensuring that it remains a favorite among players and spectators alike. The par-71 will play at 7,609 yards this week. Here are 10 players our model likes this week. 

KeyCompete’s 2024 PGA Championship Power Rankings (Odds from DraftKings)

1.  Scottie Scheffler (+400) - The new dad and World No. 1 arrives at Valhalla as the undisputed man to beat.

2.  Rory McIlroy (+700) - Hard to believe his last major title came here in 2014. Fresh off a win at the Wells Fargo, things appear to be clicking at the perfect time to end his major drought.

3.  Xander Schauffele (+1400) - Hung in with Rory at Wells Fargo and no shame in falling short. Due to win his first major. This could be the week.

4.  Brooks Koepka (+1400) - Four-time major champion thrives in the spotlight, and Valhalla presents an ideal stage for his aggressive style. Should be a factor.

5.  Ludvig Aberg (+1800) - Surprised at Augusta and his fearless approach and prodigious talent should make him a factor again at Valhalla.

6.  Jon Rahm (+1600) - Enters with a chip on his shoulder after lackluster showing as defending champion at the Masters. Top 10 in every LIV golf event so far this year.

7.  Bryson DeChambeau (+2500) - Contended all weekend at Augusta and has had a solid season on LIV. Power and accuracy will play well at Valhalla.

8.  Wyndham Clark (+3500) - Arguably the Tour’s third-best player this year behind Scheffler and McIlroy. Another player with a power game to handle Valhalla.

9.  Collin Morikawa (+2500) - The 2020 PGA Championship winner features his trademark ball-striking and cool demeanor. Couldn’t hang with Scheffler at Augusta but only missed a couple of shots that Sunday.

10.  Cameron Smith (+3500) - Creativity and resilience make him a formidable competitor. Quiet top 10 at Augusta. 

2024 Wells Fargo Championship Recap

Rory McIlroy returned to the winner’s circle in dramatic fashion, pulling away from Xander Schauffele on Sunday at Quail Hollow to win the Wells Fargo for the fourth time in his career.  

 KeyCompete had a solid week with our matchup picks, and brought our yearly record to 83-55.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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Jim Stracka
JIM STRACKA

Jim Stracka is currently serving as the President of StrackaLine and Golf Intelligence. StrackaLine provides greens and yardage guides for every course in the world. Golf Intelligence provides GPS, elevation, and scorecard data for other golf technology companies. Stracka has also held executive roles in various companies in the golf industry.