Following an off week the PGA Tour is back in action south of the border in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, for the Mayakoba Golf Classic. The final event of the calendar year brings out a decent field headlined by betting favorite Justin Thomas. Not far behind on the odds board is Brooks Koepka with countryman Abraham Ancer among the top-5 favorites. Brendon Todd is back to defend his title after a one-shot victory last year. He’s situated further down the list and offers good value for a former titlist. Be sure to visit BookMaker.eu for a complete list of betting odds when you’re ready to place a wager.
Odds to Win Mayakoba Golf Classic at BookMaker.eu
Justin Thomas +615
Brooks Koepka +1000
Harris English +1500
Abraham Ancer +1600
Daniel Berger +1800
Tony Finau +1800
Viktor Hovland +1800
Rickie Fowler +2200
Russell Henley +2500
Corey Conners +3000
Will Zalatoris +3000
Joaquin Niemann +3500
Billy Horschel +3500
Carlos Ortiz +4500
Marc Leishman +4500
Gary Woodland +5000
Brendon Todd +5500
Sebastian Munoz +5500
Charles Howell III +5500
Patton Kizzire +6000
Brian Harman +6000
Joel Dahmen +6000
Alex Noren +6000
Adam Long +6500
Emiliano Grillo +6500
Scott Piercy +7000
Harold Varner III +7000
Chez Reavie +8000
Kevin Streelman +8000
Keegan Bradley +8000
Russell Knox +8000
Denny McCarthy +8000
Sepp Straka +8000
Byeong Hun An +8000
Brian Gay +8000
Doug Ghim +8000
Rory Sabbatini +8000
Tyler Duncan +9000
Lucas Glover +9000
Odds Analysis
Tony Finau +1800
As consistent as he’s been it’s hard to understand why Finau hasn’t won more than just the one Tour title. And it’s even more difficult to figure out why he’s made just two of four cuts at the Mayakoba. I should probably stay away from him on this one, but there’s something that tells me Finau is going to break through. He does have a pair of top-20s when he plays through the weekend, including a seventh-place showing in 2015, and he’s been competitive in four starts this season with a best of T8 at the Masters. Finau is one player who can use distance off the tee to his advantage and I expect him to use that this week.
Russell Henley +2500
Henley has been on a bit of roll this season going 5 for 5 with every finish among the top-30. He’s gained strokes tee-to-green in 12 consecutive starts leading to a T3 at the CJ CUP and a T4 at the ZOZO. And if you’re looking for accuracy at El Camaleon Henley is your guy. He ranks in the top-10 on Tour in driving accuracy and GIR percentage, putting him in a good spot to have a nice weekend. I would have no problem throwing down on Henley even at shorter odds.
Charles Howell III +5500
Howell’s inconsistent play has him positioned further down the odds board. But his game in Mexico makes him worth the risk. He’s been 30th or worse with a MC in five starts this season, though he did close the RSM with a 65, giving him a boost of confidence heading to a layout that’s been good to him. His eight finishes at El Camaleon have each resulted in a top-20 with three among the top-10. Can course form prevail over recent form? It’s worth dropping a few bucks on CH3 to find out.
Abraham Ancer +1600
There’s never been a Mexican winner at the Mayakoba, but if it’s going to happen my money is on Ancer. Oddsmakers agree which is why his price is so short. Taking place in his home country, this tournament means a little more to him. You can’t argue with his game since the new season started. Ancer is 5 for 5 with a solo fourth at the Shriners and a T13 last time out at the Masters. He was in line for better finish until a closing 76 derailed him. “I love playing in front of my family and friends. And Mayakoba is a place that I really, really like. I love this golf course.” He’s shown that with a pair of top-10s in his last three starts.
Carlos Ortiz +4500
Another native looking to make history is Ortiz, who came out of nowhere to win the Houston Open in his last start. He hadn’t finished better than T35 and had two MCs in five starts this season prior to his maiden Tour victory. Ortiz is also coming back after a runner-up finish here last year when he fell one shot shy of Todd at 19-under. He has another top-10 from 2015 and should at least be bursting with confidence heading in.
Course: El Camaleon Golf Club – 7,017 yards, par 71
El Camaleon opened in 2004 and has hosted every Mayakoba Classic since the event’s inception in 2007. The course added 30 yards and now plays at just over 7,000 yards at par 71. It’s still considered short by Tour standards and there is no need for massive drives. There are few courses on Tour where accuracy plays better than distance and this is one of them. The fairways are forgiving, but go too far wide and the numbers can escalate quickly with water, forests and swampland on the outer edges. Over par holes are usually well over par with this layout owning a high percentage of doubles or worse. There are just a few, however. El Camaleon is a resort course and shouldn’t be problematic for the pros. Weather can be and has been a factor on this course with last year’s edition extended to Monday. And the possibility of showers exists over the weekend.
TV Coverage: Golf Channel
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.eu.
