The 2026 Puerto Rico Open will kick off on Thursday at the Grand Reserve Country Club, marking the PGA Tour’s first alternate event of the season. This tournament is particularly significant as it runs concurrently with a Signature Event, drawing many under-the-radar golfers who are poised to make their mark with a strong performance. The Grand Reserve course spans an impressive 7,506 yards, making it one of the longest tracks on the tour. Historically, the event has seen high scores, with each of the past six champions finishing 19-under or better.
Leading the odds for this year’s competition is Rasmus Hojgaard at +1000 as he aims for his inaugural PGA Tour win. He is followed closely by Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen at +1600, Davis Thompson and Michael Brennan both at +2000. Among the longer shots to watch are 17-year-old Miles Russell at +8000 and John Daly II, making his tour debut at +3000.
For those engaged in betting or fantasy sports formats such as PGA DFS on platforms like FanDuel or DraftKings, expert predictions and insights from sophisticated models can enhance their chances. SportsLine’s proprietary model, created by DFS expert Mike McClure, has a proven track record, simulating PGA events 10,000 times and generating betting picks with notable success. The model has accurately predicted results in 16 major tournaments, including last year’s PGA Championship and the Open Championship.
Recent trends show that Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen’s chances may not be as strong as indicated by his odds. Despite being the second-favorite, he may struggle to break into the top 10 due to a series of disappointing finishes. His putting performance has been particularly lacking, ranking poorly in several putting statistics.
On the other hand, Eric Cole emerges as a potential dark horse in this event, despite being listed at +4000. Cole has recently demonstrated solid form, achieving par or better in 11 of his last 14 rounds. His strength off the tee, coupled with his impressive putting average, positions him well to perform strongly at the lengthy Grand Reserve course.
With the final field set for the Puerto Rico Open, the excitement builds as competitors prepare to take on the challenges presented by this scenic course. As golf fans tune in, they can expect thrilling play from both familiar names and rising stars eager to capitalize on this opportunity. The outcome remains uncertain, paving the way for unexpected performances that could turn the tide of this tournament.