The game returned with a few made-for-TV charity events last month. Now the PGA Tour is back ending a three-month hiatus due to COVID-19 with this week’s playing of the Charles Schwab Challenge, which starts Thursday from Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. You can tell everyone is ready to get back to work with 16 of the top 20 ranked golfers in the world scheduled to compete, including the top five. OWGR No. 1 Rory McIlroy opened as the betting favorite at BookMaker.eu and is followed closely on the odds board by No. 2 Jon Rahm. Defending champ Kevin Na is further down the list showing just how competitive the field is. Head over to BookMaker.eu for a complete list of betting odds when you’re ready to place a wager.
Odds to Win Charles Schwab Challenge at BookMaker.eu
Rory McIlroy +805
Jon Rahm +1050
Justin Thomas +1717
Webb Simpson +2355
Bryson Dechambeau +2557
Xander Schauffele +2557
Collin Morikawa +2857
Dustin Johnson +3259
Brooks Koepka +3360
Sung-Jae Im +3561
Tony Finau +3562
Patrick Reed +3662
Rickie Fowler +3965
Justin Rose +4450
Jordan Spieth +4550
Scottie Scheffler +4750
Marc Leishman +5450
Gary Woodland +5550
Jason Day +5750
Matthew Fitzpatrick +6050
Matt Kuchar +6550
Byeong Hun An +6550
Kevin Na +7050
Billy Horschel +7050
Viktor Hovland +7550
Abraham Ancer +7550
Louis Oosthuizen +7550
Shane Lowry +8050
Ryan Palmer +8050
Harris English +8250
Daniel Berger +8550
Odds Analysis
Rory McIlroy +805
The question is how do you not consider wagering on McIlroy? The world’s top-ranked player was on a roll before the shutdown and is one of just a few golfers to actually play competitively during the freeze, even if it was for charity. He looked sharp at the TaylorMade Driving Relief event, helping his team claim victory. There are some drawbacks to going with Rory and considering the field is for the most part starting at even ground, better value can be had. McIlroy has never played Colonial and under normal circumstances wouldn’t be here. He is the best, though, and second-best isn’t close.
Dustin Johnson +3259
I’m looking at DJ for one reason. He teamed with McIlroy at the charity event last month gaining experience playing in unusual circumstances. That alone isn’t enough to get him to the winners circle but it’s more than the rest of the field. And DJ isn’t bothered by much, so overcoming his struggles prior to the shutdown is something I’m banking on. He also has a nice payout at his current odds.
Rickie Fowler +3965
One Tour victory in 40 months has forced a lot of bettors to fade Fowler. This is an interesting spot for him, though. He participated in the charity event last month and played well. That’s more than we can say about nearly everyone else. Like his game recently, his results at Colonial have been erratic. He does have a top-5 finish from a few years back and the course is one that seemingly fits his game.
Jon Rahm +1050
There aren’t many weaknesses in Rahm’s game and another motivating factor is that he can actually overtake McIlroy as the top-ranked player this week. Unlike McIlroy and DJ, Rahm has some history at Colonial with a runner-up finish in 2017 and a challenging display in 2018. He missed the cut last year, one of only two MCs for the season, so you know that’s working in his favor. Big hitters historically don’t win at Colonial, but if anyone can make that strategy work it’s Rahm.
Kevin Na +7050
Na won last year’s tournament but the field is much stronger this time around. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look at the defending champ. He’s one of the better short game players on Tour and he’s tamed Colonial shooting 62 or better three times in his last eight rounds. He might be a better play in alternate markets, but overlooking his track record here could be costly.
Course: Colonial Country Club – 7,204 yards, Par 70
Colonial is the longest running host layout of any non-major event, so there is plenty of history. At just over 7,200 yards, the course has always played at par 70 and is average in terms of length compared to other Tour tracks. It’s never been a course for big hitters with precision and accuracy playing a bigger role while rewarding consistent ball-striking. Every course has a signature hole or holes, and Colonial is no different. Known as the Horrible Horseshoe, holes 3, 4 and 5 can impact scores. The par-4 fifth is the most difficult with No. 3 and No. 4 close behind.
TV Coverage: Golf Channel, CBS
Golf Betting Lines
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
