Will Doctor gives you the sharpest card for the WM Phoenix Open.
-Top 6 names on odds board -1 matchup -1 t20 -2 outrights -Sleeper, FRP, 2 lineups, scoring
-Best bet For more on the world of golf, follow Doc on X @drmedia59
Recap of Pebble Beach Pro-Am (0:39 - 32:26)
Rory McIlroy’s Dominance
- McIlroy secured his 27th PGA Tour win with a commanding performance.
- He finished 5-under on the final nine holes, with birdies at 10, 12, and 15, and a momentum-shifting eagle on the 14th.
- Led the field in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and was top 10 in putting.
- Averaged 336 yards per drive (leading the field), scaling back to irons strategically in the final round.
- Will Doctor highlights McIlroy’s shift to a conservative approach in his final round, citing Jamie Kennedy (Golf Digest) for insightful questions on McIlroy's tactics.
Scottie Scheffler’s Performance
- Finished T-9 despite high expectations.
- Was above average in all statistical categories, with a final-round 67.
- Second round (70) cost him ground, but overall solid performance.
Tom Kim’s Near Miss
- Finished T-7, cashing a top-10 ticket.
- Struggled on par-5s, a key reason for missing a podium finish.
- Big mistake: bogey on the par-5 6th, where he hit into the Pacific Ocean.
- His slow play is a concern heading into Phoenix Open, especially with rowdy fans at TPC Scottsdale.
WM Phoenix Open – Picks & Predictions
Top Contenders & Betting Analysis
Scottie Scheffler (+305)- Back-to-back WM Phoenix Open winner (2022, 2023).
- T-3 last year.
- Improved putting over recent months.
- Not betting outright but looking for a live number.
- Driving accuracy concerns.
- Has played well in Phoenix but struggles to win due to tee-shot inconsistencies.
- Passing on JT outright.
- 2-time Phoenix Open winner (2016, 2017).
- Struggled with driving accuracy in recent events.
- Third consecutive tournament, raising fatigue concerns.
- Has 2 top-10 finishes at Phoenix Open.
- However, below-average iron play in 2 of last 3 starts.
- Has not truly contended at this event.
- Back-to-back top-10s at WM Phoenix Open.
- Struggling with approach play in recent months.
- Passing on Burns this week.
- Slow play may be an issue in a loud environment.
- T-17 last year, finished 11 shots back.
- Not enough value at 33:1, so passing on Kim.
Best Bets & Sleeper Picks
Matchup Bets
- Rico Hoey over Thriston Lawrence (-106)
- Hoey: Great total driver & putter on overseeded greens.
- Lawrence: Poor driving accuracy & distance.
- Hoey should outperform Lawrence in these conditions.
Top Picks
Kurt Kitayama- Win: 66:1
- Top-20: +240
- Strengths: Elite driver, strong recent putting.
- Recent results at WM Phoenix Open:
- T-23 in 2023.
- T-8 in 2022.
- Why bet? Improved driving accuracy recently, well-rested after missing Farmers.
- Win: 115:1
- Top-20: +350
- Past Winner (2018).
- Ball-striking back to form with coach Randy Smith.
- Putting showed improvement at Pebble Beach.
- Low risk, high reward pick.
Daily Fantasy Picks (DraftKings & PGA Tour Lineup)
DraftKings Lineup ($50K Budget)
- Kurt Kitayama ($8.9K)
- Luke Clanton ($8.3K)
- Si Woo Kim ($8K)
- Matt Fitzpatrick ($7.7K)
- Charlie Hoffman ($7.2K)
- Gary Woodland ($7.1K)
PGA Tour Fantasy Lineup
- Starters: Kitayama (Captain), Woodland, Clanton, Si Woo Kim.
- Bench: Hoffman, Fitzpatrick.
Final Predictions
- Winning Score: -18
- Best Bet: Kurt Kitayama Top-20 (+240)
- First-Round Leader Bet: Scottie Scheffler (Top-5 after Round 1) at +320.
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