PGA Betting – Farmers Insurance Open Preview & Pick
Well, we’re getting warmer, aren’t we? Last week, our pick to win, Mike Weir, stayed in the hunt all weekend long and finished sixth at the Bob Hope Classic. Let’s see if we can keep improving and hit a bull’s eye this week for the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.
Date: Thursday Jan 28 – Sunday Jan 31, 2010
Event: Farmers Insurance Open
Course: Torrey Pines Golf Course · La Jolla, Calif.
Purse: $5.3 million
Defending Champ: Phil Mickelson
FedEX Cup Points Up For Grabs: 500
Needless to say, a certain left-handed golfer is the favorite at his old stomping grounds.
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THE ELITE
Phil Mickelson
Farmers Insurance Open odds: +600
Whether you’re a Mickelson lover or hater, there’s plenty to like about his odds this week in his hometown of San Diego. He has three wins in 20 career trips to Torrey Pines and he finished last season on a high note. With his personal issues remedied and no Tiger in his way, could Phil be primed for his best season?
THE CONTENDERS
Nick Watney
Farmers insurance Open odds: +1500
Quite the dropoff from Mickelson to the next best odds on the list. Watney deserves a good look, however, as he won the event last year. He was also a solid 16th at the Sony Open so it’s not like he’s limping into Torrey Pines.
Robert Allenby
Farmers Insurance Open odds: +1500
Seems like a trap to me. He’s valued as the No. 2 favorite after he placed second at the Sony Open but he has one top-25 finish in six career tourneys at Torrey Pines. He just doesn’t offer enough value.
SOLID PICKS
Dustin Johnson
Farmers Insurance Open odds: +3500
It’s too bad a relative unknown like Dustin Johnson doesn’t offer better sportsbook value. Still, I like his chances this week. He’s long off the tee – important for the South Course – and fairly accurate, which is important for the North Course. He cracked the top 20 here last year and should improve upon that result this week.
Bubba Watson
Famers Insurance Open odds: +5000
Bubba can lace into the golf ball with his long swing and has two top-10s at Torrey Pines. He also finished second last week at the Bob Hope Classic. Bettors can make a strong case for Watson, as he gives good bang for your buck at +5000 and is peaking in time for the Farmers Insurance Open.
THE SLEEPER
Kevin Sutherland
Farmers Insurance Open odds: +6000
If you want consistency, Sutherland could be your man. He’s played 14 tournaments and Torrey Pines and cracked the top 15 seven times. He started strongly enough this year with a top-15 finish at La Quinta, too.
THE PICK
I can’t blame any high-risk, high-gain players who pounce on Bubba Watson. However, for the first time this season, I’m playing favorites. Lefty Mickelson has everything going for him this week, from a strong finish last season to a righted ship at home to a solid support from his hometown crowd. The stars have aligned for him this week.
Pick: Phil Mickelson +600
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Shea Matthews lives and breathes sports. He made the transition from athlete to sports journalist at a young age, writing in TV & national newspapers. He now applies his knowledge to sports betting and handicapping every day, and shares his winning picks with the world.
