2024 PGA Picks: Farmers Insurance Open Odds and Expert Betting Predictions
The PGA season is off to a crazy start as another long shot stood victorious last week at The American Express. Amateur Nick Dunlap held off the field to become the first amateur to win an event since Phil Mickelson accomplished that feat in 1991. He was over 400-1 odds, and now the Tour heads to San Diego for the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. With a strong field that includes Max Homa, Xander Schauffele, and Patrick Cantlay, amongst others, expect an exciting finish on Saturday. This event will start on Wednesday, and the first two rounds will be played on the North and South course before the weekend action is exclusively played on the South Course. Doc’s Sports will break down some of the best action at Torrey Pines.
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A Look at the Field
Here is a look at the Top 12 and ties with the lowest golf odds to win it all at online sportsbooks
Xander Schauffele +900 – Patrick Cantlay +1000 – Max Homa +1100 – Collin Morikawa +1200
Ludvig Aberg +2000 – Min Woo Lee +2200 – Sungjae Im +2200 – Tony Finau +2500
Jason Day +2500 – Keegan Bradley +3000 – Eric Cole +3500 – Sahith Theegala +3500
Course Characteristics of Those Who Can Win or Secure Winning Golf Bets
The Farmers Insurance Open is played over two courses at Torrey Pines, the South and North courses. The South is a lengthy monster of a course, measuring in at 7,765 yards. There are seven par-4s that measure over 450 yards each, three par-3s that measure over 200 yards, and two of the par-5s measure over 600 yards. Emphasis on long-iron approach from over 200 yards is key to success. The South Course has seen plenty of dramatic finishes as the 18th hole is a par-5 that calls for a second shot over water. The North Course is much shorter at 7,258 yards. Ten holes average a score below par, including two short par-5s with a Birdie-or-Better rate of nearly 60%. Both courses are par 72.
Max Homa +1100
Yes, I believe the California-native will go back-to-back this weekend. He heads into this event with the third best odds to win this week, but I like his chances better than anyone. There is no doubt when it comes to comfortability on the course and greens, California courses are his bread and butter. He won the Farmers last season and finished 2nd at the Genesis Invitations in Los Angeles. He gained an astonishing 15.8 strokes putting in those two starts. Homa has six total victories on the PGA Tour, and four of them have come in California. His game has become so smooth that the only real question is can he execute in majors? Only time will tell, but back Homa at the Farmers.
Collin Morikawa +1200
When you think of long iron play, Morikawa is one of the best around. His worst finishing position in his last four starts on the Tour is 7th, including a victory at the Zozo Championship in the fall. Morikawa’s performance from Tee to Green at the Sentry was something special, gaining 8.5 strokes on the field. He has also had some success at Torrey Pines, finishing T4 at the 2021 US Open and a third-place finish at the Farmers last season. I like his chances this week.
Sungjae Im +2200
I will lather, rinse, and repeat my pick from last week while chasing a victory since last year….a win is coming soon. Im made 21 birdies through the first three rounds at The American Express. Two weeks before that, he blistered Kapalua at The Sentry to break the PGA record for most birdies in a tournament with 34. If you have been paying attention, he is absolutely locked in with his irons. He excels from 175+ yards and has been excellent at Torrey Pines in recent seasons. He finished 6th in 2022 and took home a 4th-place finish last year. Im’s right on the cusp of a victory.
Golf Picks: Who to Consider This Week:
To win: Homa, Morikawa, Im
2024 season total: +2,005
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