Desert Classic preview and betting tips
Desert Classic top betting tips
Defending champion Jon Rahm and Justin Rose are disputing for favourtism but I’m playing a wait and see approach when it comes to the Englishman.
It’s a well-worn cliché about players adjusting to new equipment but this will be the first time Rose has put his new Honma clubs in play.
I don’t want to be laying down cash at 9/1 without any evidence that he’s through the settling in phase.
Rahm is a much more attractive proposition, after his Hero Challenge victory and steady week at the Tournament of Champions, but plenty will think he’s short enough at 6/1.
It’s been the better part of a year since Adam Hadwin (28/1) truly contended on the PGA Tour, but something happens to the Canadian out in the Californian desert.
In three appearances here, he’s finished sixth, second and third – with a stroke average of 67.08.
Those numbers were assisted mightily by a third round 59 at La Quinta two years ago. While he didn’t win then, and has only one victory on tour, there is little reason to think he might not get in the frame once again.
Hadwin’s recent form has not been spectacular by any means so far this term and he was only tied 57th at the Sony Open.
But, even then, there was a second round 65 to cheer hearts and he also found the top 10 at both the CJ Cup and Mayakoba before Christmas.
In clearly comfortable surroundings it is to be hoped he can give us a decent run for our cash this week.
Another to have always lived it up in the Californian sun is Phil Mickelson (40/1). Last seen boring pay-per-view audiences around the world in that snore fest with Tiger, Lefty won this in 2002 and 2004 and was third as recently as two years ago.
Assuming he arrives here not too ring rusty from two months off, there’s a lot to like about his profile for this event.
You have to be able to go low and often and Phil, even though he missed the cut last season, still has seven of his last 10 Desert Classic rounds in the 60s.
Contending during a birdie fest is not just about smashing up the par 5s, either. You’ve got to pick up shots all over the course. Luckily for us, Mickelson features highly in the par 4 birdie or better stats.
With 11 from 40 par 4 holes played this season, he’s got the best numbers in the field. So if you can cope with the ups and downs that come with putting money Phil’s way, then the 48-year-old could reward you with yet another trophy display.
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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.
