American Express Betting Guide: Top Bets and DFS Strategies
The American Express, held in La Quinta, California, offers a distinctive golf tournament experience across three courses: the PGA West Stadium Course, La Quinta, and the Nicklaus Tournament Course. With a reputation for scoring low, participants often find themselves competing against a benchmark of 20-under par or better. This tournament is known for its wide fairways and accessible pin placements, resulting in an abundance of birdies.
While raw power and distance are not prerequisites, finesse with wedges and short irons is essential. Players who can focus on creating scoring opportunities with their short game and remain composed under pressure often excel in this format. As the early weeks of the golf season are inherently variable, many bettors look toward more stable outcomes, such as betting on players to finish in the top 20.
Best Betting Options for the American Express
Ben Griffin: Top 20 Bet
- Odds: -115 for Top 20.
- Top 10 odds: +185.
- Top 5 odds: +370.
- Winning odds: +2000.
Griffin’s game remains consistent, with a strong focus on approach shots, crucial for this tournament. His ability to gain strokes tee-to-green makes him a solid choice for bettors. With a well-balanced skill set that includes reliable putting, he presents a compelling option, especially at -115 odds.
Harry Hall: Top 20 Bet
- Odds: +165 for Top 20.
- Top 10 odds: +350.
- Top 5 odds: +700.
- Winning odds: +4500.
Hall thrives in scoring contests, using his superior putting ability to capitalize on accessible greens. His skill set fits well in events requiring consistency without power, making him a strong candidate for the leaderboard.
Scottie Scheffler: Caution Recommended
While Scheffler has historically been a top performer, his first event of the season raises uncertainties. With a past record of one top-five finish in five appearances at this tournament, the value of his current odds at -150 may not justify the risk. Bettors should consider waiting for a more suitable opportunity to invest.
Daily Fantasy Strategies
High-Risk, High-Reward Picks
- Kurt Kitayama ($8,700): His strong ball-striking capabilities provide potential scoring opportunities, although he may be prone to volatility.
- Lee Hodges ($6,700): A budget-friendly option, Hodges relies on ball-striking, leaving his outcome uncertain but potentially rewarding.
Player to Avoid in DFS
Jacob Bridgeman ($7,400): Following a recent T4 finish, his value seems inflated. His performance is not suited for a tournament that emphasizes consistent scoring, making him a risky pick for daily fantasy contests.
