Genesis Invitational: Who Conquers Riviera This Weekend?
Moving day is upon us, and it’s time to make our final golf bets for the weekend.
We’ve got two more great rounds of golf ahead at the Genesis Invitational, played at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. The field has been cut to the final group of players, with two rounds remaining (Saturday and Sunday).
As evident this week, the Riviera golf course kept its reputation as one of the more difficult PGA Tour courses. The George Thomas-designed course exposes all weaknesses. It’ll chew you up, spit you out and feel no remorse. Just ask Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas, who all missed the cut this weekend.
Now couple that with the possibility of 15+ mph winds in Pacific Palisades on Saturday, and you can’t help but ask: Does anyone know where to find a crystal ball at a reasonable price?
The good news: the field is still wide open, so whether you’re placing your golf bets for the first time this week or covering the losses you’ve already incurred, we’ve got a good opportunity to earn some money.
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook; subject to change.
Top bets to consider (outright tournament winner):
Dustin Johnson (+250) – Amazingly, he’s tied for dead last in par-5 scoring this weekend. It hasn’t mattered. He currently sits tied for second place, five strokes behind the leader, Sam Burns. Now, imagine what his score will be if he corrects it. He might not have to, though. With wind in the forecast and Johnson being a notoriously good player in windy conditions, he’s the top bet.
Unsurprisingly, he’s putting exceptionally, too. Check out the video below:
My advice: Get in now. This price probably won’t last.
Sam Burns (+220) – I know. It’s so easy to pick the favorite and current leader. But Burns has been automatic this weekend, holding a relatively comfortable 5-stroke lead, and tying the 36-hole record at the Genesis Invitational. His iron play has been fantastic, but his putting has been vital. Many golfers have said the greens are the fastest and firmest they’ve ever been at Riviera. Burns gained over three strokes putting on Thursday and two strokes putting on Friday.
Jordan Spieth (+1600) – The Jordan Spieth comeback continues. It’s not a matter of if he’ll win another tournament. It’s a matter of when. He’s shot two straight 68s, the course suits his game (left to right), and he’s scorching hot right now. Betting Spieth is bound to pay off soon. Why not this weekend?
Others to consider:
Patrick Cantlay (+1200) – He consistently plays well on tour and is comfortable at Riviera. He played golf at UCLA, so he shouldn’t have much of an issue with coastal winds. Even trailing by seven strokes, can you call him a dark horse?
Jason Kokrak (+1800) – The course suits him. He’s been excellent from tee to green, gaining over two strokes putting during Friday’s round. He likely gets paired with DJ on Saturday, making it one of the more compelling groups to monitor. I’m sprinkling a few bucks to see if it sticks.
For more betting tips, follow @ErickValenciano on Twitter. Make sure you’re following our sports betting account, too: @OutKickBets.