Friends, we are happy to announce that golf is BACK. As always, we kick off the new year with the Hawaii Sentry Tournament of Champions taking place now.one of 17 signature events on the PGA Tour, a series spanning the FedEx Cup Majors and Playoffs. Once a quiet start to the year, OCD is now officially serious business.
Speaking of business, we still have a few things to do before we get to the picks. We are pleased to welcome Andy Lack as the newest member of our expert panel. Andy is one of the brightest minds in the gaming community and makes what is already the best gambling column in the gulf even better. Say hello to Andy with us making (responsibly) your picks this week.
Another column update: Celebrity Photo of the Week, which you can find right after our head-to-head section. The gist is simple: each week we'll feature a selection of one of the many amazing people in the Twitter golf gaming community, not just because so many of you deserve some shine, but because there are never too many winners. let's have a year
Scroll down to see who we like from this week's 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions.
RELATED: Sentry TOC DFS Picks 2023: Why I'm Fading Will Zalatoris and Jordan Spieth
Sentry Tournament of Champions Select 2023: Our Experts' Definitive Predictions
Anonymous Caddy Picker of the Week: Patrick Cantlay (10-1, Draft Kings)- Cantlay is often overlooked among the elite players, but it's no surprise that punters have him as the third favorite in Kapalua. He's got track history: two fourth-place finishes in his last three starts, and he's taken a BMW Championship win and a second-place finish at Las Vegas in his last two full races. I absolutely could see his fantastic play on the second shot that led to victory here in Maui.
Pat Mayo, DraftKings/National Fantasy, media network canAnalyst:Collin Morikawa (20-1, Draft Kings) —Morikawa has only managed three top-10 finishes after leaving the California swing last year: Masters, US Open and St. Louis. Jude: three elite courses. And although he has never won at Kapalua, he has been extremely consistent with three appearances and three top-seven finishes. If he manages to improve his putt during the break, even a little, he will surely have a chance to get back into the winners' circle on Sunday. I'm looking forward to a YUGE comeback year in 2023, so why not start there?
Brandon Gdula, Editor-in-Chief of FanDuel/numberFire:Will Zalatoris (31-1, FanDuel) —Zlatoris has shown that he is a good blower and his set really stands out. However, the odds really don't reflect that, likely due to his back injury. The fact that he's on the pitch is enough to assume he's ready to play.
Rick Gehman, Data Scientist and Founder of RickRunGood.com:Viktor Hovland (18-1, Draft Kings) —We technically had an offseason, but you wouldn't tell if you looked at Hovland's schedule. He traveled seven times around the world in the fall. During that span, he earned four top-10 finishes, including a Hero World Challenge victory in his most recent start. The Plantation Course's wide greens should give Hovland ample opportunity to use his putter, which has been one of his biggest upgrades in the past 12 months.
Stephen Hennessey, Department Editor-in-Chief of Golf Digest:Xander Schauffele (10-1, Bet365, top 5 on both sides) —It's scary when CP and I agree, so you probably want to run and hide from this bet. But the history of the course and Xander's 2022 form make this a top 5 no-brainer to kick off the new year.
Christopher Powers, Golf Digest-Autor:Xander Schauffele (10-1, Bet365) —That number is hard to bear, but at least it's not a single digit. Also, I'd rather bet on a quality player with an impeccable record like X this week than put money on a bunch of unconvincing bets. I know you haven't played in a long time, but it's really hard to ignore the sweltering heat between May and October. Expect him to pick up right where he left off in Kapalua, a place where he feels extremely comfortable.
Andy Lack, RickRunGood.com e Inside Golf Podcast:Justin Thomas (11-1, Draft Kings) —I'm always interested in Justin Thomas on any course that gives him space to play off the tee and puts more emphasis on the second shot. Kapalua offers that in spades, and it should come as no surprise that the 15-time PGA Tour winner already has four top-five finishes and two circuit wins at Coore and Crenshaw. Expect the reigning PGA Championship winner to start 2023 strong.
TO UPDATE:According to Mark Rolfing, Xander Schauffele withdrew from the Sentry Tournament of Champions Pro-Am, which has obviously led many to believe it is injury related:
Of course, until we hear from Schauffele himself, there's no way of knowing if he's actually injured or the extent of the injury. At the moment, he is expected to play.
Past results: Golf Digest's betting board caught fire at the end of the summer, correctly predicting the winner in five of the final six events of the season. We relaxed a bit during the fall tour despite picking the winner correctly at the Houston Open when Stephen Hennessey and Brandon Gdula took on Tony Finau 16-1. Cheers to many more winners in 2023.
Sentry Tournament of Champions Picks 2023: Sleepers/Dark Horses que podem vencer
Caddie: Hideki Matsuyama (35-1, DraftKings) —It looks like there are a lot of unknowns surrounding Hideki's entry into the season. But what is not unknown is that, when his game is honed, he is one of the best irons in the world. I'm going to bet big on this small field that we have Hideki at the elite level this week.
Maio: Hideki Matsuyama (35-1, DraftKings) —Results have been pretty bad since June, but Matsuyama has swept Kapalua in the past (three top fours in five matches) and his iron game hasn't been too bad over the fall. He was mostly driving. And yet, on two of the three starts on the drop swing, he gained distance on the course, but the accuracy was so poor that he missed his tee shots. You have to be incredibly inaccurate to miss those huge fairways. The number seems pretty big for a player of this quality.
Gdula: Scott Stallings (100-1, FanDuel) —Stallings has the volatility in his game needed to beat a field like this. He's a good overall player with no real weaknesses and that could be enough to keep him in the hunt until Sunday.
Gehman: Power of Seamus (45-1, DraftKings) —Power was on a roll to end his 2022, picking up a victory in Bermuda and moving forward with a T-3 at Mayakoba and a T-5 at the RSM Classic. The missing piece was kicking the ball. He won't be in big trouble off the tee this week. So if you can only beat a few shots on your approaches in four days, you'll go to the top of the rankings.
Hennessey, Golf Digest: Max Homa (35-1, Caesars Sportsbook) –Homa only makes two appearances in Kapalua, but has shown that his game translates to big stadiums where second kicks are crucial (Riviera and Quail Hollow, anyone?). His bat can get pretty hot and I think those chances at this event continue to show a certain lack of respect for the now five-time PGA Tour winner.
Poderes, Golf Digest: Hideki Matsuyama (35-1, DraftKings) –I'm here with Pat, although it's not a real chance, but it's the best we'll do in a limited field event. It seems like a big mistake for a world-class player who has had a lot of success in this event.
Foul: Tom Hoge (80-1, PointsBet) —While it's hard to imagine Tom Hoge lifting a trophy in a field with so many of the best players in the world, I'm really happy that his field is in good shape this week. With eight par fours spanning under 430 yards, Hoge's world-class wedge play will shine.
RELATED: Scott Stallings Invites Scott Stallings to the Masters. hope
Sentry Tournament of Champions seleciona 2023: Players We Fade
Caddie: Tony Finau (14-1, DraftKings) —He is very used to playing at heights, so his poor record on the field surprises me. I think that's a big factor this week: Something seems not right with Finau in Kapalua.
Maio: Patrick Cantlay (10-1, DraftKings) —Rightly ranked as a favourite, especially given his track record in this event. However, out of all the expensive players in this arena, he is my favorite when it comes to winning.
Player: Collin Morikawa (18-1, FanDuel) —It hurts to drop a favorite and Morikawa could spend all weekend throwing darts at the flag because he's so good with the wind. However, the bat and wedges can always stop you, and in a true birdie fest, that's enough to prioritize other options.
Gehman: Jordan Spieth (22-1, DraftKings) –Speith was magic in the Presidents Cup, going 5-0-0 and leading the Americans to victory. Aside from those few days, Spieth wasn't very good. He is in the midst of the worst year of his career and has been unpredictable in other facets of his game. I would have to push the whole button to make a run this week.
Hennessey, Golf Digest: Tony Finau (14-1, DraftKings) –I'm predicting big things for Finau in 2023 (check out my future bets on him), but the swing video Tone posted on Tuesday has me a little scared for this week. I can use this week to work on some things, which is good, but it doesn't mean we should invest.
Poderes, Golf Digest: Jordan Spieth (22-1, DraftKings) –Spieth has a very strong history in Kapalua, but there's no way I'm starting 2023 with a ride on Spieth's roller coaster.
Foul: Matt Fitzpatrick (16-1, BetRivers) —While the reigning US Open champion is always a threat, Kapalua doesn't do the best job of highlighting his best skills. Fitzpatrick is an incredibly accurate ball handler and has one of the best short games on the PGA Tour. On a course with percentage driving accuracy and greens at the prescribed percentage, both over 80%, I struggle to find value with Fitzpatrick on a course with so many other elite players.
But from Golf Digest
Sentry Tournament of Champions wählt 2023: Emparejamientos
Caddy: Patrick Cantlay (-130) por Tony Finau (DraftKings) —My pick to beat my fade, pretty simple (scroll up for review).
Mayo: Brian Harman (-105) Super Seamus Power (DraftKings) –Both have been in excellent form since their swing season, but it's Harman who has not only played in the event before, but has done much better at top talent events over the years. Also, it's a nice bonus that he's won a cross country like the TPC Deere Run in his career.
Gdula: Tom Hoge (+102) via K.H. Lee (FanDuel)“Nothing against K.H. Read it here, but Hoge was simply the best short and long term golfer yet he is treated as an underdog.
Gehman: Aaron Wise (-120) sobre Corey Conners (DraftKings) –There's an inherent confidence in Aaron Wise. He won shots on the course in 72% of his last 100 rounds, according to the RickRunGood.com golf database. This rate is similar to that of Sungjae Im, Tony Finau, and Xander Schauffele. Wise doesn't have the advantage of those three, but he only needs to hit one player here, so we're investing in his bottom, not his top.
Hennessey, Golf Digest: Adam Scott (+100) via Billy Horschel (DraftKings) –The Australian has clear advantages over Horschel in par 5 scoring (Scott's 8 on this course and Horschel's 25 for the last 36 rounds), course history at Kapalua (Scott's 10 and Horschel's 21) and birdies or better (Scott's 17, Horschel's 21). ). 33.), all according to Fantasy National.
Poderes, Golf Digest: Collin Morikawa (-120) via Tom Kim (DraftKings) –I can't remember where I saw it, but there's a stat somewhere that shows how poorly rookies have done at this event over the years. It makes sense. Despite always being a bird festival, Kapalua still takes some getting used to, especially when the wind picks up. I ride with Morikawa, who is participating for the fourth time in this event and has finished in the top five in the last three races.
Pontapé livre: Viktor Hovland (-108) via Matt Fitzpatrick (FanDuel) —While Viktor Hovland's history leaves a lot to be desired in Kapalua (31st and 30th in two games), the young Norwegian really hit the ball well here and was ruled out for shaky play on the pitch. I still have room for optimism as Hovland worked tirelessly on his short game and the numbers back it up. The 25-year-old has won shots around the pitch in his last four measured matches. If he can even be a field average in that category, I expect him to beat Matt Fitzpatrick.
RSM Classic Showdown Results:May: 1-1 (Dahmen (-130) over Gordon); Gehman: 1 to 1 (Hughes (-110) through NeSmith); Powers: 1 for 1 (English (-120) via Hodges); Caddies: 0 by 1; Rating: 0 for 1; Hennessey: 0 for 1
Results of this season's matches (wins and losses pushes):Hennessey: 6-3-0 (2.71 point increase); Gehman: 6-3-0 (up 2.39 units); Powers: 4-5-0 (1.11 units less); Caddy: 3-6-0 (3.1 points down); May: 2-6-0 (down 4.33 units); Rating: 0-8-1 (minus 8 units)
Sentry Tournament of Champions Picks 2023: Celebrity Photo of the Week
A new feature in this column is a collective bet every week from the Twitter golf community. This week's pick comes from our friend @pennycheck,who are we this year in usa. It has a fun 1 round matchmaking parlay with a hilarious theme - it will put all newlywed players in the shade:
Sentry Tournament of Champions 2023 selections: Top 10
Caddie:Collin Morikawa (+155, FanDuell) —He has a very understanding wife, so his recent marriage doesn't bother me too much in that choice. Your Iron Game+Plus odds in a top 10 look like a pretty good bet.
Lata:Brian Harman (+240, Draft Kings) —He ends the swing season on a warmer and returns to a course that should please his eye. He scored a third and a T-17 in two career appearances, which is remarkable given that half the time TOC comes down to just a wedge and putt scramble. The perfect setting for Harman to stand out.
To play:Max Homa (+230, FanDuel) —Homa was 15th here a year ago and while he's not too far off the tee, he shouldn't be too far behind. He's a good putter, and with big greens, modest irons (compared to the course) might be enough to put him in the top 10.
stroller:Tom Kim (+180, Draft Kings) —It's hard to find anything negative about Tom Kim's playing since he took the stage last summer. He has two wins from his last eight starts and seven top-15 finishes from his last 11 events. Despite having a smaller sample size than his peers, Kim has an elite pitch count and is the best putter in the Bermudagrass area.
Hennessey, Golf Digest:Collin Morikawa (+155, FanDuell) —Morikawa has had three top-7 finishes in his last three outings in Kapalua...let's do it again.
Strengths, Golf Digest:Tom Hoge (+400, Draft Kings) —While I just pointed out in my matchmaking bet that Kapalua isn't good for beginners, it seems like a perfect location for Tom Hoge. This event is also set to finish in the top 10. So as long as Hoge is out on some sort of Sunday drive, he feels like he's a great value in such a small field.
Lack:Sungjae Im (+130, DraftKings) —Sungjae Im could easily fit my pick to win and it's extremely hard for me to imagine a scenario where he wouldn't be there this Sunday in Hawaii. He is one of the best players in the world with long irons and lag putters, which are two of Kapalua's most important skills. Another point to note about Kapalua is his extremely low score and I have little doubt about Sungjae's ability to light with a flat racquet as the 24-year-old is fifth on this course in easy space-occupying conditions.
Top 10 RSM Classic results:Gehman: 1 for 1 (Joel Dahmen +700); All others: 0 to 1
This season's top 10 results:Gehman: 2 by 9 (up to 2.25 units); Gland: 2 times 9 (plus 2 units); Hennessey: 1 by 9 (1 unit less); May: 1 by 8 (minus 3 units); Caddy: 1 of 9 (3.5 units less); Powers: 0 times 9 (minus 9 units)
Sentry Tournament of Champions wählt 2023: One and Done
Gehman: Cameron Young -There's a new dynamic to One and Done this season with so many high profile events. I don't like to burn elite talent early on, but there's a $15 million purse this week. I chose Young which has an incredible amount of perks and the game play that matches the Plantation Course. You can bomb it in this spot and try to eat the par 5. If you shoot well this week, you have a chance of making the podium on Sunday night.
Previous weeks: Fortinet Championship:Emiliano Grillo.Campeonato Sanderson Farms:Sam Burns.Schreiner:Taylor Montgomery.Black bird:Sunjae Im.Copa CJ:Matt Fitzpatrick.Bermuda Islands:Denny McCarthy.cabin:Victor Howland.Houston Open:Sage Aaron.classic RSM:Brian Harman.
Hennessey: Patrick Cantlay —I don't think I'll be using the Cantlay at a Major this year, so it's worth using it at this exclusive event with that big first place prize.
Previous weeks: Fortinet Championship:Cami Davis.Campeonato Sanderson Farms:Denny McCarthy.Schreiner:Emiliano Grillo.Black bird:Hideki Matsuyama.Copa CJ:Sunjae Im.Bermuda Islands:Marcos Hubbard.cabin:Victor Howland.Houston Open:Jason-Tag.classic RSM:Brendon Tod.
Poderes: Xander Schauffele —It's crazy to burn X here, especially when you want him to finally break through in a big race this year. But now that Sentry is an exclusive event, the whole vibe will shift from laid back Hawaiian affair to serious business. With that in mind, you need to burn really good players in those places.
Previous weeks: Fortinet Championship:Sahith Theegala.Campeonato Sanderson Farms:JT place.Schreiner:Sunjae Im.Black bird:Hideki Matsuyama.Copa CJ:Tyrell Hatton.Bermuda Islands:Russel Knox.cabin:Thomas Detry.Houston Open:Magpie set.classic RSM:David Riley.
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From Ron Whitten, Architectural Editor Emeritus of Golf Digest:Most golf fans are familiar with the Plantation course at Kapalua Golf Club, which hosts the inaugural PGA Tour event each year. Located on the north shore of the Hawaiian island of Maui, the open, windswept pineapple field plantation is built into the overhanging slope of a volcano and is irrigated by gravity-only pressurized sprinklers. The first design collaboration between Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, revealed their shared admiration for vintage style strokes. The blind shot in the fourth, corner shots in the fifth and sixth are all based on tee shots found on the National Golf Links. The same goes for the punchbowl green and diagonal rows of bunkers. It's also a huge course, built on a massive scale, Coore says, to accommodate wind and slope and the fact that it's played primarily in a resort setting.
Read our architecture editor's full review
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About our experts
pat mayois an award-winning video host and producer of feature-length and short-form content, owner of the Mayo Media Network and host of The Pat Mayo Experience. (SubscribeVideooAudio-.) Lata (@ElPME) was named Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year for 2021 by the Fantasy Sports Writing Association and was also a finalist for Podcast of the Year and Golf Writer of the Year. Mayo won the 2020 FSWA Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year and Golf Writer of the Year awards, as well as the 2020 Fantasy Sports Trade Association Best Sports Betting Analyst award. He was a finalist for four FSWA Awards in 2020 (Best Podcast, Best Video). , Daily Fantasy Author of the Year, Golf Author of the Year). Mayo is a member of the Board of Governors www.fantasynational.com.
Brandon Gdula, editor-in-chief and analyst at NumberFire, a FanDuel fantasy daily review company, recently won the 2018 FSWA Golf Writer of the Year award. Gdula is also a co-host of the DFS Heat Check podcast. Follow him on Twitter:@gdula13
Rick GehmanHe is the founder of RickRunGood.com and the RickRunGood YouTube channel and is one of the industry's leading golf DFS and gambling experts. Gehman is a co-host of the First Cut Podcast and regularly appears on the Pat Mayo Experience Golf podcasts. Follow him on Twitter:@RickRunGood.
Andy is missingis a PGA Tour writer and podcaster from New York City, now residing in Los Angeles. As part of the BlueWire Podcast Network, he hosts Inside Golf, a twice-weekly podcast focusing on the PGA Tour, betting, daily fantasy, golf course architecture and interviews. In addition to working at Golf Digest, Andy is a data analyst and writer for RickRunGood.com, where he covers PGA Tour betting and daily fantasies. He joined Golf Digest's betting panel, having previously written for Golf.com, The Score and GolfWRX. In his spare time Andy can probably be found on a golf course. Follow him on Twitter:@adplacksports