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Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa (15 under) hold the 54-hole lead at the 2024 PGA Championship, and they have some history on their side: Seven of the last 10 PGA winners have come from the final pairing, which they will make up come Sunday at Valhalla Golf Club. Some big names are chasing, though. Sahith Theegala is one back at 14 under, and Shane Lowry, Bryson DeChambeau and Viktor Hovland are all two off the lead at 13 under. Who wins?
Sean Zak, senior writer (@Sean_Zak): Xander Schauffele is going to win. He’s made one bogey and one double. He’s barely screwed up all week. He damn-near won last week. He’s been putting his faith in the numbers for months, amid all his close calls, and the numbers are so good they keep putting him atop the leaderboard every single day. Tomorrow he polishes it off.
Josh Sens, senior writer (@JoshSens): Tempted as I am to stick with my pre-tournament pick of Bryson, I think we are in for a sneaky win by the suddenly back-in-form Viktor Hovland. Amazing, given what a dark place he seemed to be in coming into the event. He’s just two back, playing in the comfortable position of chaser but without much of a spotlight on him. That’s not in a dark place. It’s an ideal place to be under the pressure of a championship Sunday.
Zephyr Melton, assistant editor (@zephyrmelton): Collin Morikawa. He’s proven he can close out a major when he’s in contention, and he’s playing some of the best golf we’ve seen from him over the last several years. His experience plus current form is enough for him to pull away from a stacked leaderboard of contenders.
Ryan Barath, senior equipment editor (@rdsbarath): Bryson goes out tomorrow, drives the ball well and gives himself enough looks on the greens to take the title. With how soft the course is, the fairways are playing wider than they are and that plays right into Bryson’s hands. Only question is, will he start lugging the trophy around while playing matches on his YouTube channel?
Jack Hirsh, assistant editor (@JR_HIRSHey): Time and time again Xander has proven he doesn’t yet have it in him to win the big one. I hope he proves me wrong. My pick is Sahith Theegala. I thought he was ready to take the next step, and he proved it to me when he rebounded from those two early bogeys with six birdies over his last 10 holes Saturday.
Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): Until Xander can improve the 2-for-8 clip when holding 54-hole leads or co-leads, I’m not biting. I’m going with Bryson DeChambeau, who will have the luxury of going off two groups in front of the leaders so he can put the pressure on. If there’s anyone out there who is energized enough to get the crowds behind them, it’s Bryson, so that could play to his advantage. I think he wins major No. 2 come Sunday.
