2024 PGA Picks: The Memorial Tournament Odds and Expert Betting Predictions
The PGA Tour heads to Ohio for another Signature Event that will serve as a final tune-up before the third major of the season, the US Open, next week. The best golfers that the PGA can offer will be in attendance this week to navigate Jack Nicklaus’ layout. Muirfield Village has been a staple on the Tour since it opened in 1974. This week will be a stiff test, as this course is widely regarded as the most significant non-major event of the season. Viktor Hovland will look to defend his title as he will try to fend off the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Rory Mcllroy, amongst others. Doc’s Sports will break down some of the best bets below.
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A Look at the Field
Here is a look at the Top 12 and ties with the lowest golf odds to win it all at online sportsbooks
Scottie Scheffler +360 – Xander Schauffele +900 – Rory Mcllroy +900 – Collin Morikawa +1400
Viktor Hovland +1800 – Ludvig Aberg +2200 – Patrick Cantlay +2500 – Justin Thomas +2800
Tommy Fleetwood +3500 – Hideki Matsuyama +4000 – Max Homa +4000 – Tom Kim +4500
Course Characteristics of Those Who Can Win or Secure Winning Golf Bets
Muirfield Village can be described as 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus’ baby. The venue opened in 1974, and Jack wanted to create his own version of Augusta National in his home state of Ohio. This layout can be one of the most challenging approach courses on the Tour, if not the hardest. The rough is extremely thick, so missing fairways are extremely penal. In 2019, Patrick Cantlay shot 19-under par and Nicklaus decided to renovate the course. Length was added to every single par five, and all the greens were reconstructed with new Bent-grass. Fairway bunkers were pushed back on holes 1, 15, and 17 to account for players hitting the ball longer. In the three years since the renovations, the course has ranked as the fifth, seventh, and second-most difficult course on the Tour.
Collin Morikawa +1400
Muirfield Village has some of the most penalizing rough on the PGA Tour, and Morikawa ranks second this season in driving accuracy. He does not hit bombs, but he makes up for it with his iron-play. He ranks inside the top-10 in approach shots from 175-200 yards. His putter can be his downfall, but he has made significant strides in the right direction this season, including some of his best numbers in putts per round and birdie-or-better conversion. Collin lost in a playoff to Patrick Cantlay at the 2021 Memorial and won the 2020 Workday Charity Open that was hosted at Muirfield because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ride the Morikawa momentum as he has placed in 4th in his last two events.
Max Homa +4000
This is a perfect week to back Mad Max at a good price. Homa finished T6 at the 2021 Memorial and then followed that up with a T5 in 2022. He missed last year’s Memorial due to his sister getting married, but carding even par or better in seven of his last eight rounds at this course is impressive. The 33-year-old has three top-10s and nine top-25s on the season. He has gained strokes in all categories except for Off-the-Tee. Being able to play out of the rough is critical at Jack’s Place, and Max ranks 22nd in average approach proximity from the rough. Homa can put himself in position to shake Jack’s hand on Sunday in the winner’s circle.
Sahith Theegala +4500
The former Pepperdine star is quickly becoming a force on the PGA Tour and is personally one of my favorite players. He has not missed a cut in the United States all season long and has been on a roll since January. He has five top-10s in 13 starts, including a solo second at a Signature Event in the RBC Heritage. He finished T12 at the PGA Championship, but was in contention to win until a bad Sunday round. He missed the cut in Canada last week, but a few extra days off can help the 26-year-old. He ranks fifth on the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained: Total, fourth in SG: Putting, 23rd in SG: Off-the-Tee, and 32nd in SG: Tee-to-Green. This guy can compete on any golf course, including Muirfield Village this week.
Golf Picks: Who to Consider This Week:
To win: Morikawa, Homa, Theegala
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