Top Picks and Best Bets for PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open
At the recently concluded Farmers Insurance Open, Justin Rose delivered an impressive performance. He achieved victory with a record-breaking score of 23 under par (265), marking his triumph by seven strokes. Starting with a remarkable 62 at the North Course of Torrey Pines, Rose maintained consistent excellence throughout the tournament. His lead increased after each round, ultimately resulting in the largest margin of his career.
Si Woo Kim, along with Ryo Hisatsune and Pierceson Coody, secured second place at 16 under par. Notable players in the top five included Stephen Jaeger and Jake Knapp, who both tied for fourth place. Meanwhile, Andrew Novak, Sahith Theegala, and Joel Dahmen finished tied for seventh, while Maverick McNealy completed the top ten.
WM Phoenix Open Overview
This week, the PGA Tour moves to Scottsdale for the renowned WM Phoenix Open, traditionally held on Super Bowl weekend. Scottie Scheffler, a previous two-time champion, is highly anticipated after recently winning The American Express. His remarkable journey includes achieving 20 PGA Tour victories in just four years.
Top Picks and Best Bets
- Scottie Scheffler: 2-time WM Phoenix Open winner.
- Xander Schauffele: Former runner-up with a strong history at the venue.
- Si Woo Kim: Consistently ranked high in his last five tournaments.
- Hideki Matsuyama: Previous two-time champion at the WM Phoenix Open.
- Sam Burns and Maverick McNealy: Both players have recently shown strong performances here.
The WM Phoenix Open, dubbed “the greatest show on grass,” originally commenced as the Arizona Open in 1932. Over the years, it has evolved to attract over 750,000 spectators, making it the best-attended event in golf. The iconic 16th hole, often likened to a “coliseum,” features a vibrant atmosphere where fans actively engage in cheers and jeers.
Since 1973, the event has been linked with Super Bowl weekend. Noteworthy past winners include golfing legends like Arnold Palmer and Phil Mickelson. The tournament’s scoring record of 28 under par is shared between Mark Calcavecchia and Phil Mickelson.
Course Details
The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, established in 1986, presents a par-71 layout spanning 7,261 yards. Players face a combination of 11 par-4s, four par-3s, and three par-5s. Designed to favor strong ball-strikers, the course offers a unique challenge due to its elevation and firm conditions.
Weather conditions are expected to be typical for Scottsdale, with minimal rainfall contributing to a speedy course. Players are advised to prepare for firm and fast greens, particularly as the tournament unfolds over the weekend.
Statistical Insights
Analyzing recent performances reveals that prior WM Phoenix Open winners often had significant experience at this event. Key trends indicate that many successful players achieved a top-10 finish in preceding tournaments.
Player Trends
- 16 of the last 19 winners had previous WM Phoenix Open experience.
- 14 of the last 15 winners finished in the top seven in their last five events.
- Many winners were aged 34 or younger.
As players prepare for the upcoming WM Phoenix Open, the blend of historical context and statistical analyses provides a foundation for selecting the best bets and top picks. Key contenders will be looking to capitalize on their recent form and historical performances in this iconic tournament.
