StatFox.com - Sports Handicapping Community

The Leader In Sports Handicapping

PGA Tour lands in California Thursday
By: Freddy Wander - StatFox
Published: 1/22/2015  at  12:12:00 AM
  Print This Article    

Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation

Tees Off: Thursday, Jan. 22
The Club at PGA West (Palmer) – La Quinta, CA
La Quinta CC – La Quinta, CA
The Club at PGA West – (Nicklaus) – La Quinta, CA

Odds to Win Tournament

(For the latest Odds, connect to Sportsbook.ag)

GolferOdds
Patrick Reed25-to-2
Matt Kuchar16-to-1
Ryan Palmer22-to-1
Phil Mickelson24-to-1
Chris Kirk27-to-1
Zach Johnson27-to-1
Bill Haas28-to-1
Harris English28-to-1
Keegan Bradley28-to-1
Webb Simpson30-to-1
Billy Horschel35-to-1
Brandt Snedeker35-to-1
Brendon Todd35-to-1
Ryan Moore35-to-1
Charley Hoffman40-to-1
Jason Dufner40-to-1
Tim Clark50-to-1
Luke Donald55-to-1
Russell Knox55-to-1
Charles Howell III60-to-1
Graham DeLaet60-to-1
Justin Thomas60-to-1
Scott Piercy60-to-1
Jason Kokrak65-to-1
Kevin Na65-to-1
Brendon de Jonge75-to-1
Jonas Blixt75-to-1
Paul Casey75-to-1
Kevin Streelman80-to-1
7 Golfers85-to-1
Pat Perez95-to-1
4 Golfers100-to-1
Ryo Ishikawa110-to-1
2 Golfers120-to-1
3 Golfers130-to-1
4 Golfers150-to-1
10 Golfers170-to-1
4 Golfers180-to-1
3 Golfers190-to-1
2 Golfers200-to-1
6 Golfers210-to-1
2 Golfers220-to-1
Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano240-to-1
54 Golfers250-to-1

The PGA Tour heads back to the continental United States when the players travel to California for the Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation this week. The tourney was formally named the Bob Hope Classic up until 2012 and has historically been an event with plenty of scoring. Each of the past seven victors here have scored 24-under par or better with Patrick Reed’s 28-under being the best score last season. Typically, the field for this event is rather weak with many players not wanting to deal with the different format over the four days as they play with amateur partners through the first 54 holes and visit three different courses. This year there will be six players from the top-25 joining the field with Matt Kuchar at 11th being the highest-ranked golfer, while Phil Mickelson will make his first start since the Ryder Cup. Let’s take a look at a few golfers who have a chance to string together birdies and get a win this weekend.

Golfers to Watch

Ryan Palmer (22/1): Palmer looks poised to have a big season after placing in the top-25 at each of the first two tournaments as he has put together five consecutive rounds of 69 or better. His 1.17 strokes gained putting (5th on tour) and ability to absolutely crush the ball (315.1 yards per drive, 3rd on tour) have allowed him to place in the top-6 at the tourney in three of the past four seasons, with this one not expected to be any different.

Patrick Reed (25/2): Reed is on the cusp of greatness as he has already grabbed four career PGA Tour victories at the age of 24. He knocked out a 63 at each course in this tournament last year, but should always be considered a risky pick due to his propensity to fall apart on any given day. However, the odds are pretty favorable for Reed as the chalk pick of this event.

Justin Thomas (60/1): After putting together a big season on the Web.Com tour last season, Thomas is starting to make his mark on the big stage. He has finished in the top-25 at two of the past three PGA Tour events, including a sixth-place showing last week at the Sony Open. It may be tough for the 21-year-old to keep this recent hot streak going, but bettors should certainly not overlook the youngster against a fairly weak field.

Jerry Kelly (85/1): Kelly has been hot over the past few weeks with rounds better than 70 in eight of his past nine times out, as he is coming off a 12-under, 6th-place finish at last week’s Sony Open. The 48-year-old has just three PGA Tour victories in his career with his last one coming in 2009, but could use his experience to gain an edge against much of the youth in this event.

Andres Gonzales (250/1): Gonzales has never been much of a force on the PGA Tour, but was able to get his second Web.Com win last year and shot a 15-under in a 3rd-place performance in his latest tourney, the OHL Classic. The payoff would be huge if you are willing to take a risk and drop a unit wager on the journeyman.


FoxSheets.com
The FoxSheets - the most advanced sports handicapping information available on the internet.
Sign up for professional sports betting information including fantastic trends, and Free FoxSheets.
E-mail: