PGA: Vegas Odds for Luke Donald and Other Heritage Contenders
I was sitting here debating on writing an article about this week’s tournament, The Heritage, which begins Thursday morning from Hilton Head, South Carolina when the preview from Featured Columnist Kathy Bissell was released.
It is a great article previewing the tournament and lists 10 golfers which are expected to compete for the championship and the plaid jacket that accompanies it. Check the article out here.
Since I am the self-proclaimed “gambling expert” I am going to take a look at the 10 golfers Kathy has listed and provide the Vegas odds on them winning the tournament, along with some of my own sleepers who you may want to keep your eye on when watching the tournament this weekend.
Let’s win some money shall we?
Jim Furyk: 16/1
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Jim Furyk: 16/1
Any list of potential winners has to start with the defending champion. Furyk shot in the 60s all four rounds last year to win in a playoff.
The Heritage was Furyk’s second win of the season en route to claiming the 2010 FedEx Cup and the $10 million that goes with it.
Luke Donald: 8/1
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Luke Donald: 8/1
Luke Donald comes into the tournament as the Vegas odds on favorite to win.
In his last three PGA Tour events, Donald has finished T-4 at The Masters, T-6 at The WGC-Cadillac Championship, T-10 at The Honda Classic and of course he won the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.
Donald seems to be the deserving favorite to take home the plaid jacket.
Matt Kuchar: 14/1
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Matt Kuchar: 14/1
Coming in right behind Luke Donald is Matt Kuchar.
If you look up "Golf Consistency" in the dictionary you’ll find a picture of Kuchar.
He has made nine starts so far this season and has made the cut each time. Not only has he made the cut in each event, he’s averaged a 12th place finish in the nine events which is ridiculous.
Kuchar is my pick to win the tournament.
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Aaron Baddeley: 20/1
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Aaron Baddeley: 20/1
The Australian already has a win under his belt this season, winning the Northern Trust Open at Riviera and boasts three Top-10s thus far.
The 2006 Heritage winner has done it before and Baddeley has to be among the favorites heading into the weekend.
Jason Day: 28/1
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Jason Day: 28/1
Jason Day came up just short of a historic rally at The Masters, finishing T-2, two shots back of champion Charl Schwartzel.
At only 23 years old, Day is at the forefront of the youth movement on the PGA Tour and it wouldn’t surprise me if we see him not only in the winner’s circle this week, but at a major championship later this year.
Ernie Els: 33/1
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Ernie Els: 33/1
Ernie has had a bit of a roller coaster season thus far.
He has yet to miss a cut but he’s also failed to finish in the Top-10.
Harbour Town suits his game really well where he can show off his effortless swing which provides both accuracy and power.
I expect him to crack his first Top-10 of the season this week.
Ian Poulter: 33/1
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Ian Poulter: 33/1
After a breakout season last year, Ian Poulter has taken a couple of steps backwards this season.
His 2010 provided a win at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship followed by a Top-10 Masters finish and a Ryder Cup victory.
He has shown flashes of greatness this year but hasn’t put it together for four straight rounds.
Francesco Molinari: 33/1
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Francesco Molinari: 33/1
One half of the exciting Molinari brothers, Francesco has some big game experience as well.
Although he missed the cut at The Masters, he did end 2010 on a high note being a part of the victorious European Ryder Cup team and winning a World Golf Championship at the HSBC Champions in China.
Jerry Kelly: 80/1
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Jerry Kelly: 80/1
Kelly’s last three tournaments resulted in two missed cuts and a withdrawal.
I wouldn't say he’s going to win the tournament but I also won’t count the grizzled vet out completely and at 80/1 odds, might be worth a couple of bucks.
Fred Funk: OFF
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Fred Funk: OFF
Speaking of grizzled veterans.
While you may not be able to bet on Fred Funk to win the tournament, it’s always fun to cheer for him.
He’ll be one of the fan favorites throughout Thursday and Friday and hopefully he’ll be able to make the cut and stay the weekend.
In his four starts this season on the PGA Tour, Funk has only made one cut.
Sleepers
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Rickie Fowler: 20/1
It’s only a matter of time until Rickie Fowler wins on the PGA Tour. He has two Top-10 finishes in the World Golf Championships so far this year and at only 22 years old, will be a factor for the next two decades.
Graeme McDowell: 25/1
McDowell is another guy who has cooled down after a big 2010. He’s missed the cut at his past two tournaments but never count out the defending U.S. Open Champion.
John Daly: 250/1
It will be nice to see big JD back out on the golf course. While he doesn’t have much chance of winning, it’s always fun to root for him. At 250/1 odds you certainly have nothing to lose. I’ll raise my glass in hopes of seeing JD contending into Sunday.
The Pick
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At 14/1 I like Matt Kuchar to take home the trophy at this week's tournament.
Enjoy The Heritage live from Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina this weekend.
Check out more of my B/R articles here.
Follow me on Twitter @RobPicariello
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