Justin Thomas predicts what score will win the PGA Championship at Valhalla after playing the course last week

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Justin Thomas has predicted what the winning score will be at next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.

A stacked field is descending on the Louisville venue, with several LIV Golf stars receiving late invitations. The likes of Brooks Koepka will undoubtedly be looking to threaten Scottie Scheffler.

The PGA Tour’s best are competing at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow this week in a last-ditch bid to find form ahead of the year’s second major. Xander Schauffele currently leads after the first round and could compete at Valhalla.

Thomas carded a three under 68 in his first round at Quail Hollow and will be pleased with how his game is shaping up ahead of returning to his home state next week.

Justin Thomas predicts low-scoring affair at Valhalla next week

Speaking after his first 18 at Quail Hollow, Thomas was asked what he thinks the winning score will be in just over a week.

The two-time major champion suggested softer greens could have a dramatic impact on the scoring. “My guess after playing it last week, I’d go 12 to 16 [under]; I think that’s pretty good,” he said. “It all depends on the weather. If the greens are soft, we are going to shoot low scores.”

Valhalla is typically known for its length. However, Thomas has suggested wet weather will make it a lot easier to stop longer approaches.

He added: “It’s a lot of long clubs but it’s night and day difference when the greens are firm compared to soft.”

Big hitters should have an advantage at the PGA Championship

Players who can launch the ball over 300 yards will have an advantage at the year’s second major.

There are some big hitters in the field, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see someone like Rory McIlroy or Bryson DeChambeau challenge as a result.

For the watching audience, the less rain, the better it will be between now and Thursday’s first tee time. Of course, birdies are exciting, but seeing the world’s best pepper pins on incredibly soft greens takes away some of the interest.

In a major championship, the winner should have experienced challenging moments. Tournament organisers should be looking to avoid a 16-under-par winning score. The aim should be to get closer to the ten-under mark.