2024 Wells Fargo Championship predictions: Two long shots to back at Quail Hollow

The PGA Championship — the second major of the 2024 golf season — is on the horizon, but first the Tour will stop at Quail Hollow for the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship.

The powers that be have labeled this a “signature event,” meaning the purse is massive and the field should be pretty close to major quality, though it will not feature Scottie Scheffler.

Rory McIlroy (+650) is the betting favorite this week and is one of two golfers, along with Xander Schauffele (+900), with single-digit odds.

Defending champ Wyndham Clark (+1600), Patrick Cantlay (20/1), Max Homa (22/1), Justin Thomas (25/1), Collin Morikawa (25/1) and Cameron Young (25/1) are the only other players at 25/1 or better. 

Upsetting a field in a signature event is a steep hill to climb, but without Scheffler this tournament does look like it can pack some chaos. 

2024 Wells Fargo Championship long shots

Rickie Fowler (65/1, Caesars)

At this time last year, it looked like Rickie Fowler was trending toward a resurgence.

Fowler would eventually win the Rocket Mortgage in the summer, but things tapered off from there and he’s struggled to get any momentum going in 2024.

That said, there are some signals that Fowler can re-gain his form this week.

The Oklahoma State alum has had plenty of success at Quail Hollow with three top-5 finishes and a T14 in his last six trips, plus Fowler finished T18 at the RBC Heritage, which was the last event he played. 

Betting on golf?

Shane Lowry (+7000, FanDuel)

Once again, it looks like Shane Lowry is being overlooked in a high-profile tournament.

The Irishman has proven he has the ability to not only contend but win against these elite fields and is coming into the week riding good vibes after winning the Zurich Classic team event with Rory McIlroy.

Lowry’s form outside of that win hasn’t been spellbinding, but the former Open Champion has a third-place finish at the Arnold Palmer and a T19 at the PLAYERS in his account this year.

Both of those tournaments featured terrific fields.