Betting tips: Who to back for the Genesis Open?
The one to be on: Dustin Johnson
Runner-up at Riviera in 2014 and 2015, and with four top 5s in his past five appearances, DJ looks the man to beat at the Genesis Open. Of course, that’s reflected in his odds of 9/1.
But coming off a third placed showing at Pebble Beach last week, and 2nd in Abu Dhabi, the signs are a 13th PGA Tour victory isn’t far away.
It feels like rather obvious punting but, in a top class field, the price looks fair enough.
At the bigger prices towards the top of the market, Sergio Garcia, fresh off Dubai Desert Classic success and backable at 25/1, must also be worthy of consideration.
A trio of top 10s here make him a decent shout for back-to-back wins.
The each-way back: Keegan Bradley
I’ve been torn between Bradley and Charl Schwartzel as each-way contenders. I’ll probably just back them both at 80/1 and 66/1 respectively.
Bradley missed the cut last time out at the Phoenix Open but put together four solid days at the Farmers Insurance when finishing tied 4th.
Although he missed the cut 12 months ago, his Riviera record is very consistent. He’s gone T4, T20, T16, T2 the previous four years.
Schwartzel didn’t make the weekend at the Maybank but I’m inclined to forgive him that blip.
Third at the DP World Tour Championship and T4 at the Alfred Dunhill Championship at the end of last year, he’s generally on the right track.
And two top fives, in 2013 and 2014, at the Genesis means it’ll be disappointing if we don’t get a run for our money.
The dark horse: Seung-Yul Noh
It’s not just the 160/1 price tag that draws me in, or the South Korean’s top 10 showing at Pebble Beach last week. It’s also his Riviera form, which has brought three top 25s.
If he can continue his Pro-Am form, couldn’t he get into the top 20 again? Or even make the frame?
Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
