The 2021 PGA Championship is nearly upon us as golf’s top stars eye glory in the second major of the year this weekend.
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama claimed a brilliant victory at the Masters in April and now another stellar field will assemble for the PGA Championship.
The PGA Championship was won by America’s Collin Morikawa last year as he edged out his rivals to win at TPC Harding Park.
The Ocean Course at South Carolina’s Kiawah Island will play host to the tournament this year but who will claim The Wanamaker Trophy?
Here’s the leading names with the bookmakers ahead of what should be a thrilling week of action…
PGA Championship 2021: Top five
Rory McIlroy 10/1
McIlroy put his recent poor form firmly behind him when he claimed a quite brilliant victory at the Wells Fargo last weekend and he is the red hot favourite heading to Kiawah.
Rors is back and has a history of going on prolific runs after winning big tournaments.
He has also enjoyed plenty of success at the PGA, winning it in 2012 and 2014.
His incredible eight-stroke win in 2012 came on the Ocean Course meaning he’ll have plenty of fond memories to call upon.
Jon Rahm 12/1
It appears a matter of when and not if Rahm will claim a Major title but that has been said for a few years now.
The Spaniard has had several good showings at the Masters but has struggled under the unique conditions of the other Majors.
He’ll want to put in a good showing at the AT&T Byron Nelson and build up some form before tackling the Ocean Course.
He’ll be many people’s tip again this year but can he finally get over the line?
Bryson Dechambeau 14/1
Dechambeau’s game is made for PGA Championships and US Opens.
He claimed his maiden Major title at Winged Foot last September and will be looking to overpower the course at Kiawah.
The beefy Californian has enjoyed a string of fine results in recent months – the Masters aside – and could well blast his way to glory again.
But for all the talk over his power, ‘The Scientist’ has really worked on his short game and putting which could make for an unbeatable formula.
Justin Thomas 14/1
One of the very best players in the world right now and another that has already tasted Wanamaker glory.
Thomas, the reigning Players champion, won the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in 2017 and has been eagerly trying to add to his Major honours since.
Following a tough few months on and off the course, Thomas was brilliant at the Players and will hope to replicate that form at Kiawah.
Dustin Johnson 16/1
DJ, who finished tied second at the PGA Championship last year, has been cleared fit to play in the tournament.
The former Masters champion has been suffering with a knee injury and had to pull out of the AT&T Byron Nelson last weekend.
He’ll always be dangerous but will his knee issues end his hopes of winning?
PGA Championship 2021: Rest of top ten
Jordan Spieth 16/1
Spieth needs a PGA Championship win to complete his career grand slam and is getting close to his very best form once again.
Xander Schauffele 16/1
Tipped for Major glory soon, the 27-year-old will be one to watch out for this week.
Brooks Koepka 22/1
A Major specialist and two-time Wanamaker champ, Koepka could make it a hat-trick if his body holds up.
Collin Morikawa 25/1
Only Koepka and Tiger Woods have ever retained their title at the PGA Championship, can Morikawa do so too?
Hideki Matsuyama 25/1
No player will have as much confidence as Matsuyama following his stunning win at the Masters.
PGA Championship 2021: Rest of top 20
- Viktor Hovland 25/1
- Daniel Berger 33/1
- Justin Rose 33/1
- Patrick Cantlay 33/1
- Patrick Reed 33/1
- Tommy Fleetwood 33/1
- Tony Finau 33/1
- Webb Simpson 33/1
- Tyrrell Hatton 35/1
- Will Zalatoris 35/1