The PGA Tour is back in action with this week’s exciting World Wide Technology Championship, held at the stunning El Cardonal course in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Designed by the legendary Tiger Woods, El Cardonal presents a unique test for players on the bustling tour. With only three tournaments left in the 2024 season, the competition intensifies as players scramble to secure their spots in the top 125 of the FedExCup Fall Standings.
This year’s field is led by the tournament favorite, Max Greyserman, with odds set at 16-1. Last year’s winner, the longshot Erik van Rooyen at 80-1, clinched victory by two strokes, showcasing that anything can happen in this unpredictable sport.
El Cardonal Course Overview
El Cardonal, a par-72 course measuring 7,452 yards, made its debut as the host for this championship last year after being held in Riviera Maya in previous editions. Players did not struggle with the layout, exemplified by van Rooyen’s astounding 27-under-par win, and the cut line falling at an impressive 5-under. The course’s characteristics mirror many resort layouts, featuring wide fairways with minimal rough. This design prioritizes distance over accuracy, as birdie opportunities abound, making it a playground for aggressive play.
Without comprehensive strokes gained data available from past tournaments, we can deduce based on last year’s performance that players will thrive by focusing on long driving and impressive approaches. Around-the-green performance will likely play a minor role since the large greens allow for a high percentage of players hitting greens in regulation.
Key Betting Insights for Tournament Preparation
As we dive into predicting potential outcomes for this week’s tournament, it’s crucial to focus on those who excel in driving distance and have experience performing well on easier resort courses, such as Kapalua (The Sentry), Black Desert Resort (Black Desert Championship), and Vidanta Vallarta (Mexico Open).
Best Ball Strikers
When looking for golfers who could shine at El Cardonal, consider those with strong strokes gained off the tee and with their approach shots. Some noteworthy names include:
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Sam Smotherman: Despite splitting his time between the PGA Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour, Smotherman has showcased impressive ball-striking capabilities, leading in SG: Off-the-Tee at Napa and finishing strong at Sanderson. He closed last year’s tournament with a solid eight-under 64 to end T23, making him a potential dark horse for placement wagers or a budget-friendly DFS option.
- Robbie Bramlett: With recent finishes of sixth and third in SG: Tee-to-Green, Bramlett is riding a wave of form, although his putting consistency may be a concern. At 75-1 odds, he could emerge as a surprising contender with a solid putting week.
Outright Picks for Victory
When it comes to outright bets for the World Wide Technology Championship, consider the following players who have demonstrated the form and capabilities necessary to clinch victory:
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J.J. Spaun (28-1): Spaun has had a notable rise this year, with all six of his top-25 finishes occurring since June. This includes a T3 at Wyndham and a T6 in his latest outing in Japan, showcasing his potential for contention.
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Keith Mitchell (28-1): Mitchell has displayed a mix of results but also boasts three top-15 finishes recently, including a close finish at the Sanderson, where he was just one shot out of a playoff.
- Rico Hoey (35-1): Hoey has shown significant improvements and is riding high after a T3 at the Shriners. His impressive driving distance, ranking ninth in SG: Off-the-Tee this season, highlights his upside in the field.
Top-10 Wagers
For bettors looking to wager on players finishing in the top 10, these athletes are trending well:
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Joe Highsmith (5-1): Highsmith has been impressive with a solid fall season, posting three top-20s despite not standing out in any single category.
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Alejandro Tosti (13-2): Tosti finds himself in a crucial situation at 128th in the FedExCup Fall Standings and his recent form, including a T9 in Las Vegas, could see him rise to the occasion.
- Matt NeSmith (9-1): NeSmith is gaining strokes off the tee and on approach, which isn’t typical for someone with these odds. His recent performances include two top-10 finishes from his last eight outings.
Head-to-Head Matchups
In the realm of head-to-head matchups, several interesting pairings stand out, allowing for strategic betting based on player forms and course fits:
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Beau Hossler (-115) vs. Lucas Glover: Hossler has been in notable form this fall with several top-25 finishes, including a T15 last year at this event. Glover, meanwhile, may not fit the course as he’s not known for distance and struggled in his last outing.
- Patrick Fishburn (-115) vs. Patrick Rodgers: Fishburn has been quietly consistent with multiple top-10 finishes this season and ranks seventh in SG: Off-the-Tee. In contrast, Rodgers has had an inconsistent run of play lately, making Fishburn a more attractive option.
Conclusion
As you gear up for the World Wide Technology Championship, keep these insights in mind when making your betting choices. The blend of a dynamic course, talented players, and strategic betting lines creates an exhilarating atmosphere around this tournament. Remember to stay informed and engaged with the latest PGA odds, injury reports, and in-depth stats to help make the most informed decisions. Happy betting!
