We’re already at the fifth tournament heading down the back slope with LIV Golf Invitational Chicago next on the list. The new Saudi-backed outfit has taken some hits in the media and players have been scolded by other pro leagues, but the play is what’s noteworthy. Coming off the most exciting tournament in its brief history a few weeks ago with Dustin Johnson winning in a playoff, LIV Golf expects more of the same as the roster of players is now settling into a routine. The events will come in more rapid succession with only a few weeks between starts giving guys like DJ and outright betting favorite Cameron Smith a quicker chance to cash big paydays. Newcomers Joaquin Niemann and Anirban Lahiri had a good start to their LIV careers reaching the three-man playoff in Boston. All four players are featured in tournament matchups. Visit BookMaker.eu for a complete list of matchup betting odds when you’re ready to place a wager.
LIV Golf Invitational Chicago Matchup Odds
Carlos Ortiz -101 vs. Charles Howell III -130
Dustin Johnson -115 vs. Cameron Smith -115
Dustin Johnson -130 vs. Joaquin Niemann -101
Cameron Smith -130 vs. Joaquin Niemann -101
Talor Gooch -160 vs. Louis Oosthuizen +125
Talor Gooch -160 vs. Patrick Reed +125
Louis Oosthuizen -115 vs. Patrick Reed -115
Abraham Ancer -130 vs. Paul Casey -101
Jason Kokrak -125 vs. Sergio Garcia -105
Bryson DeChambeau -115 vs. Brooks Koepka -115
Matthew Wolff -105 vs. Branden Grace -125
Kevin Na +104 vs. Harold Varner III -135
Anirban Lahiri -135 vs. Marc Leishman +104
Lee Westwood -130 vs. Bernd Wiesberger -101
Henrik Stenson -135 vs. Charl Schwartzel +104
Cameron Tringale -135 vs. Sam Horsfield +104
Pat Perez -105 vs. Matt Jones -125
Ian Poulter -145 vs. Martin Kaymer +113
Sadom Kaewkanjana -125 vs. Scott Vincent -105
Laurie Canter -130 vs. Peter Uihlein -101
Richard Bland -130 vs. Graeme McDowell -101
Phil Mickelson +113 vs. Hudson Swafford -145
Need to Know
The addition of top amateur David Puig was the only change to the roster of players ahead of this event, though that doesn’t mean we’ll experience the drama of Boston. Apparently LIV Golf has capped its roster of players for the remainder of the season while also instituting a season-long points race to crown an individual champion. Only the top three in the standings will enjoy a piece of that $30 million prize making the final tournaments that much more important to players lingering just off the lead. Points are awarded in descending order to the top 24 finishers in an event. This week’s venue, Rich Harvest Farms, is a mammoth course that plays over 7,700 yards giving guys who can hit the ball a great distance an edge. It doesn’t come without hazards, though, with trees, bunkers and water all over the place. It figures to be a stiff test for even the best players.
LIV Golf Invitational Chicago Matchup Picks
Phil Mickelson +113 vs. Hudson Swafford
If Phil Mickelson wasn’t Phil Mickelson he wouldn’t be playing he’s been so horrible. There really is little incentive for him other than pride since he already got the bonus money, and it looks like he’s just going through the motions. But Lefty is a pro and I doubt finishing closer to last place than first place isn’t sitting well with him. He had his best score in Boston with a pair of 69s leaving him at 2-over and it’s not like Swafford has been much better. The two finished tied for 40th in Boston.
Bryson DeChambeau -115 vs. Brooks Koepka
How’s this for a matchup? It looks like something right off a major championship lineup with two of the game’s biggest names. They are only big in name, though, since their games have sputtered which is why I’m assuming they have the same price. I’ll give the edge to DeChambeau, though, with his heavy-hitting being a bonus on the massive Rich Harvest Farms layout.
Matthew Wolff -105 vs. Branden Grace
Some struggles with the flat stick cost Wolff in Boston, though he does appear to be playing at a high level overall. He’s another player who can bomb off the tee and he’s been good with a T8 and runner-up before his T13 in Boston. I’m sure he’s disappointed with the outcome, though, since his opening 63 put him in the lead after 18 holes. I do expect Wolff to bounce back after that and he offers some value at his current price.
Cameron Smith -130 vs. Joaquin Niemann
Since I’m always searching for golfers with some value I rarely go with anyone with longer odds than Smith has in this matchup. And I find it alarming after Niemann had a better showing in Boston. Smith emerged as the betting favorite and didn’t play poorly closing with a 63 to grab a share of fourth continuing his strong run of form that saw him win three times on the PGA Tour last season.
Martin Kaymer +113 vs. Ian Poulter
I’m not giving up on Kaymer just yet and I expect the two-time major winner and former world No. 1 will have something to say before the season ends. Like I said previously I’m always looking for value and Kaymer offers plenty at his plus-odds price. And it’s not like Kaymer has played poorly earning a trio of top-20s in the first three events before falling to 25th in Boston. He’s got something left and I expect to see it this weekend.
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