Mayakoba Golf Classic preview: TV times and betting tips
Ah, the Mayakoba Golf Classic. The tournament made famous by Matt Kuchar and his empty wallet. Still, there is plenty to be excited about in Mexico this week, not least a home favourite who shone at Augusta just a couple of weeks ago. Let’s take a closer look…
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Mayakoba Golf Classic details
Venue: El Cameleon Golf Club, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Date: December 3-6, 2020
Course stats: Par 71; 6,987 yards
Course summary: Designed by Greg Norman, this quirky course takes in different landscapes as it switches from jungle to oceanfront to create a picturesque paradise for players. This track is heavily impacted by the wind, and with smaller than average greens players will need to be extremely accurate with their approach play. Tree-lined fairways and moderate rough will give players plenty to think about in what is the last regular PGA Tour event of the calendar year.
Purse: $7.2 million
Defending champion: Brendon Todd (-20)
Mayakoba Golf Classic TV coverage
Thursday: Sky Sports Golf from 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 9.30pm
Friday: Sky Sports Golf from 7pm
Saturday: Sky Sports Red Button from 7pm and Sky Sports Golf from 9pm
Sunday: Sky Sports Red Button from 6pm and Sky Sports Golf from 9pm
Mayakoba Golf Classic staking plan
Abraham Ancer – 2.5pt win @ 22/1 with bet365
Ancer arrives in Mexico fresh from his 13th place finish at the Masters, and despite a less than flattering final round I fancy him to kick on and challenge for his first PGA Tour victory here this week. Ancer’s approach play was a real strength at Augusta, evidenced by the fact he ranked 2nd in the field with a 77% GIR average. Anything like that type of display will put him right in the mix here, and with two top 10s at the track before he should go well and justify his short price.
Adam Long – 1pt e/w @ 70/1 with bet365
After a strong challenge in 2019, when 2nd to Brendon Todd by one stroke, Long will fancy his chances to go one better after a strong start to this campaign. One particular highlight of his respectable run of recent form was the T13 finish at the US Open, demonstrating his ability to battle it out with some of the best in the business. This field is clearly not as strong as that event, which is why three three top-20 finishes in seven events is very encouraging. In his last couple of starts, Long has gained strokes in all areas (other than putting) and it appears things could be ready to click for him. If he can conjure a performance similar to last year, he will have a great chance at a big price.
Joel Dahmen – 1pt e/w @ 66/1 with bet365
After a quiet start to the new campaign, Dahmen will be encouraged by an 8th place finish at the Zozo Championship recently and he should be a good match for this test. Five cuts in his last six events demonstrates a level of consistency for Dahmen, and a second-round 61 at the RSM Classic shows he is capable of turning it on at any point. That performance at the RSM also yielded some positive stats for Dahmen, ranking 25th for SG: Off-the-Tee and 35th for SG: Putting. This is a marked improvement in comparison to recent months, and after a 6th place finish here last season he is another player who should go well.
Peter Malnati – 0.75pt e/w @ 125/1 with bet365
It is no secret that Malnati has joined my list of long-shot golfers I love to back this season, especially after returning excellent each-way profit for us earlier in the year. However, despite the favouritism, I am backing Malnati based on the data and how I believe he will suit the course in current form. Malnati currently has two top-5s in six starts this season, and also boasts a top-10 finish at this track in 2015. His stats are also impressive, as he currently ranks 4th for SG: Putting, hits an average 70% of GIR, and ranks 12th for SG: Total. At a three-figure price, and at a course where he has played well in the past, I can’t resist rolling the dice again.
For more prices, visit bet365.
