The Hero World Challenge: Enjoy Tiger but Bet on Spieth and Thomas
As Tiger prepares for Round 2 of the Hero World Challenge, lets take a glimpse back at Round 1 and use today’s results to find value in Round 2 betting opportunities.
Jordan Spieth appears to have his game in order after carding a 68. At 4-under, Spieth sits a single stroke behind the leaders, Tony Finau and Brian Harman. The time since his subpar performance in the playoffs and the debacle in Rome seem to have been well spent by the 3-time major champion.
Many predict it will be a monster year for Max Homa. Round One at the World Hero Challenge and Homa is off and running carding a 68 in his first round at The Albany Club.
Read More: Tiger’s Eventful 1st Round
World #1 Scottie Scheffler is also a shot back. The Masters champion dominated much of the last season. If his putter is right, he could enjoy even greater success in 2024.
Justin Thomas showed flashed in Rome and he appears to be getting his game in order. He sits two back of the leaders alongside Matthew Fitzpatrick. As a reminder, this is a no-cut event, but the competition is fierce among this who’s who of golf’s elite.
Maybe the only real surprise of the Opening Round was the 73 carded by the 2-time defending champion of The Hero World Challenge, Viktor Hovland. Frankly, he could still be recovering from his global dominance over the last three months.
Looking at betting options at DraftKings ahead of Round 2, Hovland (+650) and Scheffler (+650) are favored to shoot the low round of the day. Of the two, the smarter play is Scheffler. However, there is better value with Max Homa (+900) and Jordan Spieth (+1400).
Brian Harman to lift the trophy on Sunday (+700) makes sense. The lefty led the Open wire to wire and appears to be in good form already in the Bahamas. Yesterday the pick was Justin Thomas. His odds have slipped from +1400 to +1600 but no reason not to like his chances. If not for a triple bogey on the 4th, Thomas would potentially be tied atop the leaderboard. His five birdies in the last ten holes are encouraging.
Enjoy Round 2 of The Hero World Challenge and enjoy the sweat of a wager or two.
Stream the remaining three rounds of Tiger Woods at the Hero World Challenge on Peacock. Click here to learn more and sign up for Tiger’s return.
*odds courtesy of DraftKings