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With a strong contingent of celebrities on show, from Hollywood headliners to sport stars, it’s no surprise that everybody’s talking about the AT & T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. We’ve already seen Bill Murray in sunflower-covered Bell-bottoms and Clint Eastwood sinking putts for fun and I’m sure that’s just the start of what will be an awesome week in California.
Now, back to the serious golf, there are plenty of big golf names, including Rory McIlroy’s return to the PGA Tour. The Northern Irishman has been in fine form on the European Tour, but hasn’t made a PGA Tour appearance all season. This is also his tournament debut, so I’m completely bemused as to why he’s the joint-second favourite at a measly 10/1. I’m not saying he hasn’t got a chance- I’m not stupid- but I think anybody willing to take a punt on him deserves more of a reward for their bravery.
On the subject of low odds, World No. 1 Dustin Johnson occupies the 11/2 favourite spot, with No. 2 Jon Rahm equal to McIlroy and Jason Day at 10/1 and No. 3 Jordan Spieth just behind at 11/1. Bar McIlroy, I think these are pretty fair prices, with DJ, Rahm & Day all claiming titles already this season and Spieth an ever-present threat. However, the two that jump out at me are DJ and Spieth purely due to their precision. DJ’s incredibly accurate iron play and Spieth’s smart scrambling could prove key.
Speaking of accuracy approaching the greens brings me to my 50/1 long-shot: Chez Reavie. After a playoff loss at last week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, Reavie’s impressive Strokes Gained: Approach-The-Green (third on PGA Tour) gives him a real shot this week. Gary Woodland, the man who beat Reavie in a playoff last week, can be found at 25/1 – the lowest odds outside the World top 10 – having finished T7, T12 & 1st so far in 2018. Not far behind Woodland is Phil Mickelson. ‘Lefty’ has been tipped by many to have a strong performance and, at 28/1, isn’t a bad shout at all.
Given the extra eyes pulled in by celebs (he certainly knows how to step up under pressure) and the importance of accuracy around the green, Jordan Spieth is my top pick for this week. But, if you’re looking for higher odds, I’m tipping Chez Reavie to upset the applecart.
3 courses, 4 days, 1 winner. Let the games begin!
Written by Joe Carabini
