2024 PGA Championship predictions, expert picks by Chris 'The Bear' Fallica

"Bear Bets" are real wagers that Chris "The Bear" Fallica is actually making.

The second major of the year is finally here, as the PGA Championship will tee off Thursday at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scottie Scheffler is the current betting favorite at +400.

Since this is one of the biggest tournaments of the year, let's dive into the wagers I’m making for the event.

Cam Smith +3500 to win; +350 top 10
Cam Smith +130 vs. Viktor Hovland

I'll preface any outright by saying you don't need me to tell you it will take a monster effort to beat Scottie Scheffler and throw in Rory McIlroy if you wish. But Smith is a major champion who should be able to find his way onto the smaller bent greens and make some birdies. He's been outside the top 13 just three times in the last nine majors, and it certainly feels like he's been forgotten about since taking the cash grab on the LIV Tour. But don't make the mistake of forgetting how good of a player he is. 

Sahith Theegala +6600 to win; +220 Top 20

This is career major No. 9 for Theegala, and he has just one top-25 from the previous eight. So the next time he contends will be the first. But he's shown some signs of competing in the bigger events. He finished sixth at Bay Hill, ninth at THE PLAYERS and second in the Sentry. He's one of the better putters on the TOUR and is sixth on TOUR in SG: Total. The PGA has a history of providing some somewhat surprising first-time major winners and Theegala might be one that fits the bill. 

Chris Kirk +450 Top 20; +250 Top 30
Chris Kirk -115 vs. Harris English

Kirk has put together a really nice year with a win right off the bat in Hawaii, three other top-20s — including 16th at the Masters — and three other top-30s.