The PGA TOUR rolls into Las Vegas this week for the Shriners Children's Open. This stop in the desert heat always marks one of the premier tournaments of the fall swing on tour.
Many of the big names who dazzled at the Ryder Cup two weeks ago will be returning to stroke play, with players re-entering the field for the first time since the TOUR Championship put a bow on the 2021 FedEx Cup chase.
A rich history of tournaments at TPC Summerlin provides bettors with a solid foundation of data to comb through, leading to some very juicy plays across the board.
Patrick Reed — Top 10 finish (+333, BetMGM)
If we’re eyeing short game prowess, Reed has to be a consideration as well. Over the last decade, Reed has ridden his short game to the top tiers of professional golf.
His odds here are diminished due to recent troubles, both on and off the course, with Reed dealing with a mysterious COVID-19 situation or other illness situation late in the summer.
Reed will be eager to re-assert himself as one of the tour's premier players, especially in the wake of the Ryder Cup. Team USA didn’t miss a beat without Reed, once affectionately known as “Captain America” in team golf events. Reed’s fiery personality won’t take that sitting down and he should be motivated for a hot start and a strong year that could earn him a guaranteed spot on the 2022 President’s Cup team.
Will Zalatoris — First Round Leader (+3500, DraftKings)
Finally, the quirkiest story in the golf world has come to an end. With COVID delays hijacking the 2020 PGA TOUR season, players were unable to rise from the Korn Ferry Tour to full status with the world’s top players. That was particularly painful for Will Zalatoris, who had to patiently wait for his TOUR card, despite a red hot season.
Finally, the 31st ranked player in the world is a full-time PGA TOUR member and he’ll be eager to hold that TOUR card for a long time. He comes into Vegas in good form, earning a top 30 finish in each of his last four events.
Last year, he went low at TPC Summerlin, firing back-to-back rounds of 64 on Friday and Saturday. With that possibility in his pocket, he’s a smart bet to rush to the front of the leaderboard.
