Welcome to Power Rankings, a weekly feature on SI Golf from our partners at KeyCompete. This week the LIV Golf is in Hong Kong. Here’s a look at the players to watch.
LIV Golf Hong Kong Preview
Nestled in lush Sheung Shui, the Hong Kong Golf Club is steeped in history. With roots stretching back to the late 19th century, it’s also a testament to the enduring appeal of golf in Asia. The course itself is challenging and features an aesthetic beauty that is unmatched in the region. Here are the players our model likes this week:
KeyCompete’s 2024 LIV Hong Kong Power Rankings
(Betting odds from the SI Sportsbook)
1. Joaquin Niemann (+800): Precision and adaptability are perfectly suited for Hong Kong Golf Club. The hottest player on tour, and winner of two of three LIV events this year.
2. Jon Rahm (+550): Power and aggressive style will need to be tempered with precision here. Ability to adapt and play strategically will be key.
3. Bryson DeChambeau (+1300): Innovative approach and long drives are an advantage, but his precision on the greens will be crucial. Solo fourth last week in Jeddah.
4. Louis Oosthuizen (+1800): Smooth swing and accuracy will serve him well on narrow fairways and small greens.
5. Dustin Johnson (+1500): Athleticism and versatility are assets. Winner at LIV Las Vegas.
6. Brooks Koepka (+1600): Championship mindset and solid all-around game make him a threat. Intelligence will be rewarded this week over sheer power.
7. Talor Gooch (+1400): Balanced game could see him outperform expectations.
8. Cameron Smith (+1800): Exceptional putting and creative shot-making will be advantageous.
9. Tyrrell Hatton (+1200): Competitiveness and ability to make crucial shots serves him well.
About Last Week
Joaquin Niemann earned his second win of the season in LIV Golf’s third event of the year (and picked up an invitation to the PGA Championship), solidifying his standing among the tour's most formidable players. Niemann was in complete command of his game from the outset, where he shot an opening-round 63 and eventually rolled to a four-shot win over Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel.
KeyCompete went 3–1 on our LIV matchup bets last week, and we are 41–29 so far this season on our PGA Tour matchups.
