You know the fall is truly upon us when the PGA TOUR heads to Sin City for the Shriners Children's Open. Las Vegas is a beloved stop for the TOUR and players each year. TPC Summerlin is a familiar track and not just for the ones with memberships there.
This and last year’s events have seen a bump in field strength, thanks to the CJ Cup's move from South Korea to Las Vegas during the global pandemic. With the limited-field event's switch to the desert the week after SCO, the tournament has gained considerable star power.
Marriages in Vegas usually don't last long and neither should this intro. Without further ado, here's a look at my favorite First-Round Leader bets for the Shriners Children's Open.
Louis Oosthuizen | +2800
After a much deserved few weeks off, the pride of South African farmers is back in action. He paid off pretty well last summer and I expect him to play even better this season. If (for some reason) you need more convincing, it's been nearly a year since his last missed cut at the RSM last November.
Oosthuizen finished last season T-11 in First Round Scoring with a cheeky 69.6 stroke average. Clearly, this is a man who was made for all aspects of golf. Why not start off the year where he left off?
Cameron Tringale | +4500
I'll be honest. I'm probably going to keep Tringale on this list until the season ends. I shouldn't have to explain why. It's worth putting some money on him across the board as well.
Patrick Reed | +5000
Captain America ended last season ninth in first-round scoring average. Reed had some health issues late in the season and missed the Ryder Cup. That tells me he's going to come back with more fight than ever.
Reed has only played this event once in the past. He finished T-22 when he teed it up in 2012.
Brian Harman | +6000
The Georgia Bulldog leads the field over the two rounds in Thursday scoring at TPC Summerlin. He opened with 65 and 64, respectively, the last two years. Despite not capitalizing on those great opening rounds, Harman boasts three top 20s at the SCO in his last three starts.
The most shocking part of his 2020-2021 season was his lack of wins. Harman had an incredible season last year, so that makes me think a victory is right around the corner.
