As far as non-major events go, there is nothing in golf that compares to the WM Phoenix Open.
And that might even be giving a little too much credit to the majors.
Between the party atmosphere, the warm weather, the stadium course design and the electric field, the Phoenix Open is what happens when the PGA Tour gets tired of hearing about how “boring” its events are.
While the host course, TPC Scottsdale, isn’t slated to open a sportsbook until next year’s event, there’s tons of action to be had once again in this year’s field.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler (+1200) is looking to become the first player to repeat since Hideki Matsuyama in 2016-2017 while a scorching Jon Rahm (+750) enters as the favorite.
It’s Super Bowl week in Phoenix and the party begins in Scottsdale.
Let’s get to the bets.
Who's winning?
Blake Schuster: Max Homa (+2200)
Look, the smart answer is Rahm, but it’s rarely fun to take the odds-on favorite. I was stuck between Homa and Tom Kim (+3000) here but convinced myself this is Homa’s year. Not just at the Phoenix Open. At every tournament. Homa is going to be right in the mix every time he steps on the course the way he’s playing lately (5 events, 2 wins, 3 Top 10s). Now add in the fact he’s generally played well at TPC Scottsdale and finished sixth at the WM Phoenix Open in 2020. I’m sold.
Charles Curtis: Collin Morikawa (+1800)
I like the odds, I like how he’s been playing as of late and I don’t want to take the other favorites (can Rahm really keep this up???).
Who's a lock to finish Top 10?
Blake Schuster: Webb Simpson (+1400)
Consider me a little confused by Simpson’s long odds here. The former U.S. Open champ has played the Phoenix Open 11 times, finished Top 10 in five of them and even won it in 2020. He’s missed the cut just twice. After placing 42nd at the event last year, I’m happy to take a flier on a bounce back. The more risk-averse may like Webb at +600 to finish in the Top 20.
Charles Curtis: Sungjae Im (+220)
Another player with good recent form (save for a MC at the Sony Open) and who has a pretty good history here.
Who's missing the cut?
Blake Schuster: Viktor Hovland (+280)
He’s missed the cut each of the last two times he played in the Phoenix Open and hasn’t shot better than 70 in four rounds at TPC Scottsdale. I’d like to see Viktor play meaningful golf on Sunday, but I’m not betting on him being there.
Charles Curtis: Viktor Hovland (+280)
I agree with Blake. Add in the fact that he played a lot this past weekend and I’ll take this bet.
Who's a longshot you like?
Blake Schuster: Taylor Montgomery (+5500)
Last year it was Sahith Theegala who used the Phoenix Open to burst onto the scene and into the hearts of golf fans. This year it could be Montgomery. Those who have been paying attention to the season early on already know his name. Montgomery has made the Top 25 in eight his 10 tournaments this season—including four Top 10 appearances. I’ll be watching him closely all week.
Charles Curtis: Keith Mitchell (+6600)
I can’t take credit for this one. I was doing research and Golfweek convinced me. Hat tip!
Fantasy one-and-done pick
Blake Schuster: Sahith Theegala
This is a tricky spot considering how many of the game’s best players typically show off at the Phoenix Open. I don’t want to burn a pick like Rahm or Morikawa, so I’m gonna roll with Theegala and hope he recaptures last year’s magic.
Charles Curtis: Rory McIlroy
This is an “elevated event” in which golfers can earn a ton of money ($20 million purse!), so it’s time to bring out the big names. So I’ll take Rory to win big.
Prop Bets!
Will there be a Hole in One on No. 16?
Blake: Yes!
Charles: Yes!
First Round Leader
Blake: Sungjae Im (+3500)
Charles: Rory McIlroy (+2000)
Tournament head-to-head: Patrick Cantlay vs. Tony Finau
Blake: Tony Finau (-110)
Charles: Cantlay (+100)
Winning Margin
Blake: 2 Strokes (+350)
Charles: 1 stroke (+240)
