We are back and we are ready to build off last week’s success. Let’s make some money and have some fun!
Last Week: 2-2
2021 Year to Date: 2-2
Couple things to know before diving into this. All of the odds are taken from DraftKings. Cuts are back in play with a 140-man field.
Still rocking island vibes as we are in Honolulu.
Top 20 After Round 1
Collin Morikawa (+200):
Morikawa is coming off a T7 finish at the Sentry Tournament of Champions. In his first time playing the Sony Open last season, he held the first round lead and ended up finishing T21. Obviously, he enters this week with heavier expectations and more fanfare. In doing some Googling (I think that is an actual verb), Collin has some family on the Hawaiian Islands so he should feel at home and use the positive vibes.
Top 20 After Round 1
Kevin Kisner (+250):
Over the last 15 years, winners of the Sony Open have had an average strokes gained putting rank of 3.9. Kisner is universally known as a good putter. He finished T24 last week and closed on Sunday with five-under-par 68. Here’s hoping the momentum carries over.
Finishing Position
Matt Kuchar Top 30 (+100):
Matt Kuchar’s last start saw him team with Harris English for a win at the QBE Championship. His putting and iron play was impressive in the event. Prior to missing the cut here last year, Kuchar reeled off six straight finishes of T13 or better at Waialae Country Club. He won in 2019 and here’s hoping for a return to form.
Finishing Position
Abraham Ancer Top 20 (+110):
Abraham Ancer is going to have a big week. I just feel it. In his last three events (Sentry TOC, Mayakoba and The Masters), he has finished T17 or better. I was tempted to take him for a top 10 finish, but cooler heads prevailed. He ranks eighth on Tour in driving accuracy, which will be key this week to give himself clean looks with wedges and short irons. Also check out the amount of swag he has in the GIF below…
Finishing Position
Brendon Todd Top 20 (+225):
Much like Kisner, I’m taking Todd this week because of his putting prowess. He ranks fourth on Tour in strokes gained putting this season. He finished T13 last week at the Sentry TOC and T8 back in December in Mexico. He ranks SECOND on Tour in driving accuracy and with calms winds expected he should have plenty of looks from the short grass. You don’t want to bet against this guy…
Tournament Matchups
Better Finishing Position (Tie no bet)
Keegan Bradley (-118) over Talor Gooch:
If we are in the trust tree this was a complete gut pick without doing any research. Was skimming the matchups this week and I thought, “Would be fun to track Keegan all week.” That being said, let’s take a look at some stats. Major Championships… Keegan 1, Gooch 0. Keegan beat Gooch in the last event they both played, the RSM Classic. Keegan finished T15 and Gooch did not make the cut. Keegan has also finished higher than Gooch in each of the last two Sony Open’s. Keegan has gone 12th and 29th, while Gooch has finished 63rd and missed the cut. Big brain thinking from me. Let it ride, Keegs.
Let’s have some fun and make some money!