⛳ PGA Championship Round 3 Picks & Predictions: Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley Atop the Leaderboard

My PGA Championship Round 3 picks and predictions are locked in as the tournament heads into what should be an exciting Saturday. With a tightly packed leaderboard and expected shifts throughout the field, there is still solid value for golf bettors looking to attack the live betting markets.

Third-round props can provide excellent betting opportunities if you followed how the first two rounds unfolded. Weather conditions are expected to remain favorable, setting the stage for a low-scoring day. The field will be chasing Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley, who sit at 4-under after a fantastic start to this tournament.

Let’s dive into the best value plays heading into Saturday's action at the PGA Championship.

⛳ PGA Championship Round 3 leaderboard & odds

Here is PGA Championship leaderboard heading into Round 3 at Aronimink Golf Club; outright odds via FanDuel.

🏆 Who'll win the PGA Championship?

Here are my golf picks for Round 3 of the PGA Championship on Friday:

Scottie Scheffler (+440)

Scottie Scheffler is in a prime position to win the PGA Championship with his consistent ball-striking and elite tee-to-green game. Sitting at -2 and within striking distance of the lead heading into the weekend, he is exactly where he needs to be in a major. Scheffler’s ability to control distance, avoid big mistakes, and capitalize on scoring opportunities separates him from the field.

His calm approach under pressure also gives him an edge in weekend contention situations. If the putter heats up even slightly, his chances increase dramatically. With his form and positioning, Scheffler remains one of the most dangerous players in the field heading into the final rounds.

💰 Best Round 3 props for the PGA Championship

Chris Gotterup: Top 5 finish (+195)

Chris Gotterup is in an excellent position to finish inside the top five, sitting at -3 and already in the top five heading into the weekend. His current form shows confidence off the tee and the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities when in rhythm. Being near the top of the leaderboard allows him to play more freely while still staying aggressive enough to keep pace with the leaders.

If he continues to strike the ball cleanly and limit mistakes on approach shots, he has a strong chance to maintain or improve his position. Weekend golf often rewards players who are steady from tee to green, and Gotterup has shown that consistency so far. With momentum on his side and a favorable standing, a top-five finish is well within reach if he avoids costly errors and stays composed under weekend pressure in contention.

Justin Rose: Top Over 40 (+210)

Justin Rose is well positioned to finish as the top over-40 player thanks to his experience, steady ball-striking, and ability to manage major championship conditions. Sitting at +3 heading into the weekend, he is still within range of climbing the veteran leaderboard with two rounds left to play. Rose’s strength lies in his discipline from tee to green and his ability to avoid the big numbers that can derail older contenders.

In demanding setups, his course management and patience become even more valuable against younger, more aggressive players. If he can clean up his putting and take advantage of scoring holes, he has a realistic path to moving up the veteran standings. With his pedigree in major championships and proven ability to handle pressure, Rose remains one of the strongest over-40 competitors in the field and a legitimate candidate to lead that category by Sunday’s finish.

Aldrich Potgieter: Top debutant (+145)

Aldrich Potgieter is a strong candidate to win Top Debutant honors thanks to his elite power off the tee and fearless approach in big tournaments. His length gives him a clear advantage on longer setups, allowing him to create scoring opportunities that many first-time contenders cannot. Even when conditions tighten, his aggressive style can separate him from other debutants who may play more conservatively.

Potgieter has already shown flashes of high-level consistency in ball striking, and when he finds rhythm, he can go on scoring runs quickly. In a major championship setting, debutants often struggle with nerves, but his confidence and natural power game help stabilize his scoring potential. If he avoids costly mistakes around the greens, his upside is higher than most in his category. With his combination of raw talent and aggressive scoring ability, he stands out as the leading contender for Top Debutant.

☀️ Saturday's weather at Aronimink Golf Club

Weather from Accuweather.com:

💵 My betting record for golf picks

All golf picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 7.