Sportsbooks were successful in goading sports bettors into taking Tiger Woods to win the 2023 Genesis Invitational despite the golfer's series of ailments.
But if Woods pulls off a miracle it will cost them dearly.
Both DraftKings and BetMGM said they would be pummeled if Woods — who seems to be an insurmountable 12 strokes behind clubhouse leader Ketih Mitchell — found a way to win it all.
DraftKings spokesman Stephen Miraglia said that the sportsbook would fork over $22 million to bettors if Woods won.
Woods — who hasn't won a tournament since the 2019 Zozo Championship — opened at 200/1 (+20000) to win at DraftKings.
By Friday night, his +3 halfway through lengthened odds on him to 2000/1 (+200000).
At DraftKings, Tiger leads all golfers in individual bets at 11%. He's tied for second in overall handle at 8% (with Max Homa), only behind Justin Thomas (12%).
At BetMGM, Woods has 9.2% of individual bets, which is also the most for any one golfer. He has 8% of the money, which is third behind only Rory McIlroy (9%) and Thomas (11.7%).
These figures calcify one steady truth about golf betting: when Tiger is competing, casual wagers will abound. While Tiger isn't receiving the most money in the market — typically populated by big moneyed and sharp bettors — he is getting the most bets from retail bettors, often for smaller, $5 to $25 denominations.
Woods nearly lost his right leg in an awful car accident two years ago. Last year, he only played the majors. He finished 47th at the Masters, withdrew from the PGA Championship and missed the cut at The Open.
