The first round of the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink is almost here, and the betting board is packed with more options than a pro's golf bag. From props on left-handed finishers to whether a LIV golfer will lead after 18 holes, there's no shortage of ways to get in on the action. But with so many choices, it's easy to get lost—so let's focus on the smartest Round 1 bets.

First up: the favorites. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy headline the odds to win the Wanamaker Trophy, but Thursday's leaderboard could look very different. If you're looking for value in the opening round, keep an eye on Ludvig Åberg. At +2900, the Swedish star is actually priced higher than Xander Schauffele—a surprising move from oddsmakers. Åberg has been a stronger first-round scorer this season, and his top-10 finishes (five so far) prove he's found his rhythm after a shaky West Coast start. Plus, who can forget that stunning 63 he shot on Thursday at Harbour Town? That kind of firepower is hard to ignore.

Scheffler remains the safer bet for the full tournament, but if you're hunting for a quick 18-hole winner, Åberg offers the kind of payout that makes the early leaderboard worth watching. And with Aronimink's layout rewarding precision and poise, don't be surprised if the Swede makes a bold move on Day 1.