Who to back at the Genesis Open
Genesis Open betting: Steve’s top tips
Dustin Johnson’s recent record at Riviera rivals his exploits at Pebble Beach. Just as last week, the World No. 1 is sure to be in the mix at the Genesis Open.
But there was something about his Sunday display I didn’t really like. Credit to Ted Potter Jr for staring him down and taking the victory but DJ looked decidedly off colour.
Not for the first time in a final round, either. After blowing the HSBC Champions in such spectacular style, I’m not sure I necessarily want to be backing him at 5/1.
Let’s be clear. He’s clearly got a huge chance of retaining his title on a course he really likes. I may be looking pretty silly on Sunday evening.
But I think there are better value opportunities around this classic course, and they may start with Phil Mickelson.
We cashed in on Lefty’s each-way display at Pebble Beach last week and the 47-year-old’s game definitely looks to be trending in the right direction.
Twice a winner of this tournament in recent years, when it was called the Northern Trust Open, the five-time major champion also finished second in 2012.
Tied 34th last year, his ball striking is on another planet to 12 months ago. At 25/1, I still think his price might be a little big.
Alex Noren is taking to the PGA Tour like a duck to water. Even though most Americans have never heard of him, the nine-time European Tour winner had a chance to win the Farmers Insurance Open.
He then also shot 65 and 68 in Pheonix as he finished just outside the top 20.
How he takes to courses he has never played before is the question for the Swede this season.
But, given his grit, 40/1 looks great for the 16th best player in the world.
Genesis Open betting: Steve’s each-way bets
Is Jimmy Walker is finally on the mend from the Lyme Disease that has obliterated his game since winning the PGA Championship?
If he is then 70/1 could be a massive price. Walker shot 67 on Sunday at Pebble Beach for his first top 10 since making the podium at the Dell Technologies Championship in 2016.
He loves Riviera and posted back-to-back top 5s in 2011 and 2012. He also finished tied-11th last year while in the full grip of the illness.
That should be seen as an astonishing performance and I will definitely put some each way money his way.
I can’t believe a player of Adam Scott’s capabilities can continue to struggle forever.
The Australian has dropped out of the world’s top 50 and maybe that will shock him into a response on a course he likes.
He was second at Riviera as recently as 2016 and just outside the top 10 12 months ago.
He’s a very risky bet at present but, at 66/1, I’ll take a very small chance on him.
I’m really surprised to see the Tour Champion sitting at 66/1 with the oddsmakers.
Xander Schauffele hasn’t played Riviera but that’s been the case with courses for much of his PGA Tour career so far.
It hasn’t stopped the 24-year-old winning twice.
I was encouraged to see him in the frame in Phoenix before a final round 72 send him to the lower reaches of the top 20.
Genesis Open betting: Tiger watch
Leave the 40/1 on the GOAT well alone. Tiger hasn’t put club to ball at Riviera for more than a decade.
The chances of him making the cut, though, seem far more favourable than they did on his latest ‘proper’ comeback at Torrey Pines.
Making the weekend on the number, he rose to a position just inside the top 25. He may find things a little easier this week.
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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.
