PGA Tour Tees Up Sports Betting Return With Charles Schwab Challenge

Today’s the day that professional golf enthusiasts have been anticipating for over two months, as the PGA Tour is back in the swing of things with the Charles Schwab Challenge.

The four-day pro golf tournament – which is being contested at the Colonial Golf Course in Fort Worth, TX, and broadcast on CBS – ends a months-long absence of PGA Tour events due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The return of PGA Tour events on the sports calendar is also inspiring action at USA sportsbook sites, as golf fans and bettors alike have been eager for a return to normal activities.

Players across the board have been waiting to hit the links for a few rounds, and the event roster reflects that. This week’s event on the tour includes upwards of 80% of the top players in the game today, according to a report by CBS Sports.

Here are the current PGA betting odds provided by Bovada Sportsbook for the event’s first round leaderboard.

PGA Tour Charles Schwab Challenge – First Round Leader

Justin Rose -225
Brooks Koepka +1400
Jon Rahm +1600
Billy Horschel +2000
Justin Thomas +2000
Danny Willett +2500
Rory Mcilroy +2800
Harold Varner III +4000
Jazz Janewattananond +4000
Sepp Straka +4000
Xander Schauffele +4000
Brendon Todd +5000
Collin Morikawa +5000
Scottie Scheffler +5000
Bryson Dechambeau +6600
Bubba Watson +6600
Cameron Smith +6600
J.T. Poston +6600
Jason Kokrak +6600
Jim Furyk +6600
Jordan Spieth +6600
Kevin Kisner +6600
Matthew Fitzpatrick +6600
Rickie Fowler +6600
Webb Simpson +6600
Byeong-Hun An +8000
Jason Day +8000
Joaquin Niemann +8000
Matt Kuchar +8000
Patrick Rodgers +8000
Sergio Garcia +8000
Talor Gooch +8000
Tony Finau +8000

Justin Rose has already entered the clubhouse after posting a first round score of seven under par, and for obvious reasons, is the only golfer listed in the negative per the odds boards.

Those that are familiar with betting on golf likely already realize the level of dominance that is currently being displayed by Rory McIlroy. He has finished in the top 5 at every event he has participated in dating back to August of 2019.

McIlroy’s current betting odds at top sportsbooks to win this weekend’s event are set at around +1000, which would earn a hefty payout if Rory can make it happen. A wager of $100 on McIlroy to win would earn $1000.

The only people that are disappointed by today’s events are the fans who typically travel to PGA Tour tournaments, as attendees have been banned from the golf course.

The PGA has also implemented procedures for golfers and caddies to help prevent the potential spread of infection, but so far, not everyone has been following the rules.

Players are supposed to retrieve and replace their own clubs while allowing the caddies to carry the bags and sanitize the flagsticks before and after use.

One major issue with the procedure language is the excessive inclusion of the word “should.” Some players and caddies have exploited this variable term to act as they see fit, absolving themselves of the sanitary requirements.

Players and coaches are also required to maintain a distance of 10 feet from each other. High fives are not allowed, and participants are all being tested for COVID-19. Caddies are also barred from entering the players’ locker room.

Other than that, it is business as usual on the PGA Tour, and sports fans and bettors alike are thrilled with the prospect.

Below are the remaining odds for the eventual winner of this weekend’s tournament, who will take home a grand prize of $7.5 million.

While you won’t make nearly that much betting on the tourney, if your pick has a few good days on the greens, you could win some serious green yourself!