PGA Championship: William Hill avoid 'significant seven-figure payout' on McIlroy

Rory McIlroy's performance at the PGA Championship meant William Hill avoided a "significant seven-figure payout" with the Northern Irishman a popular choice among punters after winning the Masters.

William Hill were also running a 'money back as free bet' offer on other players if the 36-year-old won the PGA Championship for a second time.

In the end, McIlroy finished tied for 47th, while it was the popular American Scottie Scheffler who won the tournament at Quail Hollow.

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Bookies spared by McIlory

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Scottie Scheffler’s victory at the USPGA Championship may have thrilled golf fans, but it was equally well received at William Hill, with the result sparing us from what could have been another significant seven-figure payout, following Rory McIlroy’s triumph at The Masters only last month.

“Scheffler was a popular pick taking a third of winning stakes, but far from our biggest liability — especially compared to some of the fan favourites who attracted massive support before the first tee, namely Justin Rose and Ludvig Aberg.

“But, by far, our worst result would’ve been McIlroy. Not only was he very well backed, but our offer also meant punters would’ve got their money back as a free bet on any other selections should the Northern Irishman had won back-to-back Major championships.

“We had some risky exposures had certain players such as Jon Rahm pulled off a late charge; the Spaniard took 20% of bets on Sunday, but Scheffler's performance across four days meant we avoided what could’ve been one of our costliest golf events in recent history.”