The late Keith Elliot had various concepts and theories he utilised in his sports betting – one of them caught the sports betting world’s imagination and was known as The Nappy Factor. In his Golf books of the late 1990’s he set out the belief that new, or expectant fathers often improve their level of performance. Thus the Nappy Factor was literally born, leading one to wonder what impact the recent arrival of baby Bennett Scheffler will have on the extraordinary recent roller-coaster success ride of his dad, Scottie.Equally – and I’m sure Keith had a view on the impact of divorce – will Rory’s Tuesday announcement that his marriage is heading for the rocks dampen his joy at winning at Quail Hollow in such stunning style last week and affect his play this week?
Rory still holds the lowest-scoring record (268) in Valhalla history, achieved in 2014 , when he secured his fourth and last Major success. His game is ideally suited to this parkland course where the small elevated Bentgrass greens demand highly accurate approach shots. The 7,609 yards Par-71 course is difficult to play but presents a fair challenge and has been conquered by some of the legends of the game like Tiger Woods, Nick Price, Phil Mickelson, Justin Thomas and Brooks Koepka. Interestingly, 22 of the last 38 winners were scoring their first Major victory.
With all this in mind and noting that Driving Distance and Greens in Regulation are the two key stats, here are my MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (Name and Current Price) selections for the US PGA Championship. Bets should be placed by Noon on Thursday.
Each Way terms 12p Betfair 1/5 odds – Coral 1/6 odds; 10p 1/5 odds Paddypower – Betfred; 8p 1/5 generally
RORY McILROY 7/1: Unlikely to be affected by the news of his marital troubles, Rory can add to his two Championship victories. His recent intense tune-up sessions with Butch Harmon have paid off handsomely in his last two outings (1-1) and he will have the vociferous Kentucky crowd cheering him on from flagfall.
COLLIN MORIKAWA 28/1: Following a lengthy spell in the Doldrums, the 2020 USPGA winner has been in sparkling form recently. His 3rd placing in the Masters was something to behold and his Majors record of 3 wins from seventeen outings is not too shabby either.
MAX HOMA 25/1: A Major winner in waiting, Max could have won the Masters had he made bolder shot-making decisions during the final round. He plays especially well on Nicklaus-designed courses and there’s lots to like about his chance this week.
BROOKS KOEPKA 14/1: The defending champion looks certain to make a bold bid again. With 3 PGA Championship trophies in his cabinet already, the big-hitter comes into this in sparkling form having won his last tournament on the LIV circuit.
LUDVIG ABERG 18/1: Concerns over a recent left-knee injury make the young Swedish genius a risky proposition this week but he would not be teeing off if he wasn’t in good enough shape and with his magnificent Masters debut still fresh in the memory, he has to be on our list again.
BYEONG HUN AN 55/1: The South Korean has been growing in stature with every recent outing. His game will be ideally suited to Valhalla and he has multiple ticks in all the stats boxes.
NICOLAI HOJGAARD 150/1: This youngster is warmer than a Danish pastry presently and made more birdies at Augusta than any other player.
Stake 10 points to win on McIlroy, 2 points each-way on Koepka and Aberg and 1 point each-way on the others. After 54 holes, keep an eye on both SCHEFFLER 4/1 and RAHM 16/1.
Good Luck – Sandy Lane
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