3 Golf Matchup Picks at the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open

I’ve been attacking the Waste Management Phoenix Open from all angles. With that being said, unearthing the value in the “plus-money” matchups happens to be my specialty.

After a profitable 2-1 week last time out at Torrey Pines, let’s keep plotting away. For those intrigued by getting your feet wet in other betting arenas, be sure to check out the following links.

• Betting on Who Wins the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open
• Waste Management Phoenix Open Sleepers – 5 Outsiders Worth Betting On
• 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open DFS Picks

Nonetheless, chances are you landed on this page because you wanted to bet the Waste Management Phoenix Open matchups, so I’ll jump right in.

Bubba Watson vs. Tony Finau

Bubba Watson +105

Tony Finau -125

Given how consistent of a ball-striker Tony Finau is, it’s hard to fathom that he’s missed four straight cuts at the WMPO (2016-2019). Perhaps TPC Scottsdale’s layout just doesn’t fit the Salt Lake City native’s eye, but it’s hard to get excited about someone with that type of negative course history.

Flip the script and examine Bubba Watson at this event, and you’ll see a completely different story.

Watson has not only finished runner-up in Phoenix twice, but he’s logged a plethora of top 25s here, including a 4th-place showing in 2019. Coming off a sound performance in La Jolla (T-6th), Bubba could very well be in the mix by the time Super Bowl Sunday arrives. If Tony continues his streak of missing out on weekend play, you’ll be able to cash this ticket by Friday afternoon.

PICK

Bubba Watson +105

Vaughn Taylor vs. Brendan Steele

Vaughn Taylor -145

Brendan Steele +125

Brendan Steele at +110 in a head-to-head matchup versus Vaughn Taylor is interesting, but “Steeley” at +125 in the same matchup at BetOnline is even better.

In my Waste Management Open sleepers post that I linked above, you can check out an organized table that portrays Brendan’s past success at TPC Scottsdale. But the summary is that he’s landed inside the top 6 at this golf tournament four times since 2012.

I’m not here to berate Vaughn Taylor or speak adversely about his golf game, but I’m also not keen on laying -145 that he’s going to beat Brendan Steele over the course of 72 holes. As I’ve learned over time, one way to “get ahead” when betting golf matchups online is to search for favorable matchups where you can avoid laying -110 and -120.

In other words, look to latch onto guys listed at even money or better, especially when they have proven to have serious upside.

PICK

Brendan Steele +125

Branden Grace vs. Ryan Palmer

Branden Grace +115

Ryan Palmer -135

This matchup is oozing with value given the way it has been priced. I get that Ryan Palmer is playing tremendous golf right now, having ripped off five straight top 25s, and I understand if you are hesitant to fade him in a matchup.

But since 2017, all Palmer has to show for his efforts at the WMPO is a couple of missed cuts and a tied for 60th. Perhaps it wouldn’t be such a shocker if his string of reliable finishes comes to a screeching halt this week.

When exploring his opponent in this matchup, Branden Grace, I see few scenarios of him not playing well.

Branden was the runner-up to Rickie Fowler in Scottsdale a season ago, and it’s pretty clear that his game is in a great spot. Grace wound up third at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and won the South African Open earlier this month. In his most recent start at Abu Dhabi, Branden tied for 17th.

Add it all up, and I’m more than happy to lock Grace in at +115.

PICK

Branden Grace +115

Submitted January 28, 2020 at 03:53PM by GS-Dom https://ift.tt/2t5JaZf