The PGA Tour is gearing up for an exciting tournament at Pebble Beach, a course known for its deceptively simple appearance that can challenge golfers to their core. Although shorter than many modern courses, Pebble Beach demands exceptional accuracy and strategic decision-making from players, with its small greens, coastal elements, and the necessity for controlled aggression.
While distance off the tee is advantageous, success at Pebble hinges on players’ putting skills. The ability to navigate the course tee-to-green is crucial, but it’s the putting that ultimately determines how far a player can advance in the tournament.
This week’s betting landscape includes a “To win” market as well as options to win without Scottie Scheffler, highlighting a strategy to capitalize on volatility. Removing Scheffler, while intriguing, often doesn’t justify the reduced payout potential. Thus, focusing on outright wins is recommended when selecting players who can deliver explosive performances.
Among the best betting opportunities, Jake Knapp stands out with a Top 20 wager at +114. Known for his high-ceiling, high-volatility playing style, Knapp excels when his game is on point. He combines power with an impressive putter, ranking highly both off the tee and in various putting metrics. Last year’s experience at Pebble was less than stellar due to poor putting, but in his current form, which includes a T5 finish at Torrey Pines, he remains a solid contender at Pebble Beach.
Another strong candidate is Pierceson Coody, who is also positioned for a Top 20 finish at +152. Coody’s driving distance and overall game align well with Pebble’s demands. Currently ranked fifth for both off the tee and driving distance, his strong tee-to-green performance and proficiency on Poa annua greens could propel him onto the leaderboard. A recent performance of T2 at Torrey Pines and T10 at Scottsdale demonstrates his potential for strong finishes.
For daily fantasy golfers, Chris Gotterup, priced at $9,000, offers a combination of recent success and impressive stats, including two wins in his last three outings. Though his Poa putting needs improvement, his distance and scoring opportunities make him an intriguing option. Maverick McNealy, at $8,800, is another contender, known for his prowess on Poa greens, though his dependence on accuracy and approach shots may limit his overall win potential.
On the other hand, Michael Thorbjornsen, priced at $8,600, may not be ideal for this particular course. Despite flashes of brilliance in recent tournaments, his inconsistent putting could lead to difficulties at Pebble, where precision is key. The small greens and challenging lies might expose any volatility in his game.
As the tournament unfolds at Pebble Beach, players and fans alike can anticipate a week filled with both challenges and strategic decisions, underscoring the beauty and difficulty of one of golf’s most iconic courses.