AT&T National Preview: Betting Odds and Prediction

If you follow golf betting, you officially know this weekend’s tournament as the AT&T National.

Truthfully, though, we know it as “Tiger’s tournament.”

Now in its third year at Congressional, it’s hosted by Mr. Woods himself. And after he missed last year’s tourney due to injury, he’ll be hungry to dethrone Anthony Kim.

Let’s look at a few of the favorites to win.

Tiger Woods

AT&T odds: +150

No surprise here, though I’d almost expect Tiger to offer better value than +150.

Still, he leads the Tour in scoring average, and he usually excels at courses on which driving distance is advantageous.

The last two champs, Kim and K.J. Choi, were long hitters, so Tiger should contend, though he’ll have to start sticking more approach shots.

Anthony Kim

AT&T odds: +2200

The defending champion is slowly regaining last year’s form after spending much of this season as a bust. He has back-to-back top-20 finishes, his confidence should be high on his old stomping grounds, and his peripherals set him up well for success.

He’s a long enough hitter and a strong shot maker who converts birdies more frequently than almost everyone on Tour.

Jim Furyk

AT&T odds: +1600

Furyk’s definitely due, not having won a tournament since 2007.

It’s hard not to like him this week. Not only has he finished third in this event two straight years, he’s 10th on Tour in proximity to hole, which is an important stat at this shotmaker’s tournament.

He also has three top-10s in his last four starts, so he’s tough to ignore when you make your sports predictions.

Hunter Mahan

AT&T odds: +1800

He’s seriously heating up, with two straight top 10s, and he’s seventh on the Tour in ball striking.

If he offered a bit better sportsbook value, he’d be a great pick, but he arguably hasn’t been good long enough to warrant being the No. 3 favorite.

Robert Allenby

AT&T odds: +3300

If you’re the type of bettor who uses sportsbook software to help you project winners, Robert Allenby will probably be your man.

Fourth on Tour in ball striking? Check. Sixth place at the AT&T in 2007? Check. Third place last year, with four straight rounds in the 60s? Check.

The stats are there for Allenby. He’s a great pick, but he has plenty of competition.

Pick: Jim Furyk

He’s due, he has great history at this event, and the course caters to his strengths. I still think Tiger has some kinks to work out, so I like Furyk here.