This week the best 192 male and female tennis players are fighting it out in the desert heat of Indian Wells to compete for ‘the fifth Grand Slam’ event of the year. Across the nation in Florida, the 144 best golf players in the world will also be commencing their fifth largest event of the year, outside of the four Majors.
The PLAYERS Championship 2023 begins this Thursday in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida with a very competitive field. Known as the ‘fifth Major’ in golf, the PLAYERS Championship features a large purse and deep field with the majority of the world’s Top 50 competing over the coming days.
Can Rory McIlroy continue his momentum from last week and claim a second title here in Florida? Or will Jon Rahm bounce back from an underwhelming performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational to claim his first PLAYERS Championship? We look at the latest odds from bookmaker William Hill to inform the best bets to make this week.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 8th, 9:00 P.M. (GMT)
For the first time this year, Jon Rahm is not leading the betting odds in an event he’s playing. Rory McIlroy holds the slight edge in the odds with William Hill paying 9.00 for a win to the Northern Irishman. Both Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler are second equal in the odds at 11.00, before Patrick Cantlay and Justin Thomas/Max Homa round out the betting favourites at 15.00 and 19.00 respectively.
With a purse of $25,000,000 on the line these next four days, there will be plenty of men determined to walk away from Florida victorious. As a result, there are several great bets to make—not the least of which is backing Rory McIlroy for the win. The 33-year-old missed out on yet another title last week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational by one stroke, ending up tied for second on eight under par. McIlroy is the former World No. 1 who has currently slipped back to World No. 3 due to the fine form of Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler so far this year.
Combine this with the fact that McIlroy won this event in 2019, and the Northern Irishman is a great bet this week. He knows the course, understands what it takes to win here, and has some strong form under his belt. Back McIlroy to win at 9.00—or at least, to finish in the Top Five at 3.25.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 8th, 9:00 P.M. (GMT)
Those looking for a long-shot worthy to bet on could consider backing Kurt Kitayama at odds of 81.00. The 30-year-old claimed his maiden PGA Tour win last week with an unlikely upset victory over Rory McIlroy to claim the Arnold Palmer Invitational trophy. With the American in brilliant form, can he continue his winning ways this week in Florida? It’s a long shot but one that would yield incredible returns if it pays off.
