The PGA American Express Open, set to tee off this morning and it is set to be a good one. Held at the picturesque PGA West and La Quinta Country Club in California, this tournament attracts some of the world's best golfers, all vying for a victory early in the PGA Tour season. Known for its stunning desert landscape and challenging courses, the American Express Open promises not only a visual spectacle but also a test of skill and strategy. In this article, we dive into expert PGA picks and predictions, analyzing key players who are likely to shine, potential dark horses, and those poised for a breakthrough. Whether you're a seasoned golf aficionado or a casual fan, our insightful preview will enhance your understanding and anticipation of this eagerly awaited event.
Favorites and Top Picks:
Scottie Scheffler, with odds of +550, is the favorite to win. Scheffler's recent performance, including a solo third in 2020 and a T11 last year at this event, makes him a strong contender.
Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are also among the favorites, with odds of +900 and +1100, respectively. Their consistent play in recent tournaments positions them as serious challengers for the title.
Best Bets for Top 20 and Matchups:
Sungjae Im is a strong bet for a Top 20 finish. He has a solid track record at the American Express, with four Top-12 finishes and a T18 in five career appearances. His odds for a Top 20 finish are at +115.
An interesting matchup bet is Eric Cole over Tony Finau. Cole's recent form, including multiple Top 5 finishes, gives him an edge over Finau, who has had a mix of performances recently. The odds for Cole over Finau are at -110.
Field Overview:
The field is competitive, but defending champion Jon Rahm won't be participating this year. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler tops the odds board, followed by strong contenders like Cantlay and Schauffele.
Prediction and Analysis: Considering the players' recent form and historical performance at the American Express, Scottie Scheffler appears to be a solid bet for the win. Here are our PGA Picks and Predictions for The American Express Open.
To Win:
Scottie Scheffler +550
Scheffler is the most popular bet to win with the most betting tickets and money coming in on him. He had 2 wins in 23 events last year but he was right there until the end in just about all of them. His best finish here was 3rd and that came in 2020. It seems like a good move to lock him in to win and then look to hedge with another player or two as we get into the weekend.
Top 10:
Patrick Cantlay +115
Patrick Cantlay has finished Top 10 at this event in two out of the last three years. He finished 9th in 2022 and 2nd in 2021. He's been in the hunt in his recent events finishing 12th, 5th, 15th, and 2nd.
Top 20:
Justin Thomas +115
Justin Thomas hasn't played here in recent years but he's been playing well in his recent events. Thomas has finished 4, 3, 5, and 12 over his last 4 events. Plus money for a Top 20 finish is intriguing this weekend.
