Rory McIlroy hasn’t finished better than 17th at the PGA Championship in his last four starts since he hoisted the Wanamaker Trophy at Valhalla in 2014. But according to Vegas, he still has the second-best odds (12/1) behind only Tiger Woods, who was installed as the favorite (8/1) for the 2019 edition at Bethpage Black following his memorable Masters victory.
Those in the market for a new TaylorMade driver are hoping Vegas is right about McIlroy’s chances.
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy and TaylorMade have partnered up for a PGA Championship promotion where golfers who pick up a TaylorMade M5 or M6 driver between now and May 15 get a full refund on their purchase if McIlroy wins his third Wanamaker Trophy.
This isn’t the first time an equipment manufacturer has offered a free driver promotion around a major championship. Back in 2015, TaylorMade ran a similar promotion with Dustin Johnson at the U.S. Open. Callaway’s driver promotion with Phil Mickelson at the 2010 Masters is arguably the most memorable promo, as Mickelson went on to win his third green jacket, triggering the fulfillment of an estimated $1 million promotion for those who purchased a Diablo Edge, FT-Tour or FT-iZ driver prior to the tournament.
As for McIlroy’s chances at Bethpage, he’s logged three starts at the course: the 2009 U.S. Open and 2012/2016 Barclays. His best finish came in 2009 with a T10 at the U.S. Open, while his other two starts resulted in less impressive T-24 and T-31 showings during the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
McIlroy has been a picture of consistency this season, finishing no worse than 21st in seven starts since the beginning of the year, including a win at the Players Championship. Based on McIlroy’s recent form, snagging a free TaylorMade driver doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility.
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