Shriners Children’s Open Betting Preview

The PGA Tour’s fall schedule continues in the vibrant city of Las Vegas with the Shriners Children’s Open, taking place this week at TPC Summerlin. This event marks the fourth of eight in the fall series, and it promises thrilling golf action, especially following last week’s impressive victory by Matt McCarty in only his second start as a PGA Tour member. This year, the field boasts a small, yet competitive group, with six players ranked in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Last year’s standout and tournament favorite, Tom Kim, is back again, triumphantly defending his title with odds listed at 10-1.

Course Overview

TPC Summerlin: Where Birdies Abound

The course is a par 71 layout stretching 7,255 yards. Notoriously known for its birdie-favorable conditions, the Shriners Children’s Open has seen winners reach at least 20-under par for six consecutive years, and the 59-watch is never far from fans’ minds.

Here is a brief overview of average rankings of event champions over the last five years:

• SG: Off-the-Tee: 32.2
• SG: Approach: 10.6
• SG: Around-the-Green: 31.8
• SG: Putting: 7.4
• SG: Tee-to-Green: 14.4
• Driving Distance: 38.0
• Driving Accuracy: 15.0

The course makes a compelling case for focusing on accuracy off the tee rather than sheer distance, as only three of the par-4s measure more than 450 yards. Navigating errant drives can lead quickly into the desert, sharply penalizing wayward shots.

Iron play is crucial here, specifically targeting players who excel with wedges, as many approach shots will come from within 150 yards. Thus, strategizing bets on accurate drivers, skilled approach players, and prolific birdie-makers becomes essential.

Summerlin Superstars

Players to Watch

Among those who have consistently performed well at TPC Summerlin since 2019, Tom Kim stands out with remarkable scoring averages, including rounds of 62, and he remains a favorite heading into this event. The only concern is his recent play, limited to just the Presidents Cup since the end of the playoffs.

Another notable name is Aaron NeSmith, who has made all five cuts in Las Vegas while achieving four top-20 finishes. His strength in iron play puts him firmly in the spotlight, particularly as he ranks in the top 5 for SG: Approach in two of his last three trips to Summerlin. With a position of 134th in the FedExCup Fall standings, securing a strong showing this weekend could be vital for his career.

Awesome on Approach

Who to Bet

Five golfers stand out in terms of strokes gained (SG) on approach over the last 20 rounds:

• Kyle Kitayama: The UNLV alumnus is a local favorite ranked atop the list for his exceptional iron play. Despite struggles on the green, his familiarity with the track gives him an edge, making him a solid 30-1 choice.

• Cole: At 35-1 odds, he turned in a storming performance with a final round of 62 last year, finishing T3. Having consistently led in SG: Tee-to-Green shows he’s also in form and on the verge of a breakout win.

Outright Picks

1. Davis Thompson (30-1): A versatile player gaining strokes across the board, with a T12 finish here two years ago.

2. J.J. Spaun (45-1): After a solid return following a setback, his strong play in approach metrics at the Shriners shows promise.

3. Matt Kuchar (60-1): Known for his consistency, Kuchar’s game aligns well with Summerlin’s demands, making him a viable contender.

Top-10 Wagers

• Ben Silverman (5-1): Hot off a top-5 finish in Napa, Silverman’s newfound momentum could translate well here.

• Henrik Norlander (15-2): His recent rise in form points to potential, and his conditional status during past seasons makes this moment crucial.

• Justin Suh (17-2): A local player with experience at Summerlin, his familiarity could give him an edge.

Head-to-Head Matchups

A closer look at players for matchups reveals promising bets:

• Harry Hall (-110) over J.T. Poston: Hall comes in with positive momentum while Poston’s form has left much to be desired.

• Jhonattan Vegas (-110) over Harris English: Vegas has been a reliable presence lately with consistency, while English struggles on approach.

Conclusion

As the Shriners Children’s Open unfolds at TPC Summerlin, the mix of exciting talent and familiar faces makes for an engaging betting experience. From seasoned champions to rising stars, the field is set for a thrilling competition. Stay updated on the latest odds and insights with RotoWire’s comprehensive PGA Tour coverage to enhance your betting strategy and engage with the game like never before.