The PGA Tour heads to America’s west coast this week for the first of five big tournaments out west over the coming weeks. A healthy $8.4 million is on the line at The American Express in La Quinta, California, as the best of the best look to start their year with a big title.
Not quite all the best are present, however, with defending champion Jon Rahm not competing this week. With no Rahm, can Scottie Scheffler step into the void and win the Desert Classic for the first time in his career? Or will Kim Si-woo re-ignite his form from 2021 that saw the South Korea underdog storm all the way to the title?
We break down all the latest odds from bookmaker William Hill and outline the best bets to make on The American Express ahead of the first tee this Thursday.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 18th, 6:45 A.M. (GMT)
Looking at the outright betting odds from bookmaker William Hill for this tournament, it’s clear that world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is favoured to walk away with the silverware for the first time. The American pays 6.50 to win the title, well ahead of the next closest favourite who is Patrick Cantlay at 10.00. Xander Schauffele is breathing down Cantlay’s neck at 11.00, before the odds drop off to Sungjae Im and Tom Kim, with the pair returning 19.00 and 21.00 respectively.
Odds to finish in the top five are as expected, with Scheffler leading at just 2.37. Cantlay is on 3.00, through to Tom Kim at 5.50.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 18th, 6:45 A.M. (GMT)
With the top three American golfers also the top three betting favourites heading into The American Express, is this really just a three-way race? Yes and no. The safe bet here is to back Scheffler, who time and time again has been the most consistent performer on the PGA Tour over the past 18 months. Back him for a top five finish at 2.37, or a slightly riskier wager to take out the whole event at 6.50.
Those chasing a weightier payout however, may want to look at Tom Kim for an outright bet. The 21-year-old has already claimed three Tour-level titles across his young career, making him the first man since Tiger Woods to do so by the age of 21. Significantly, two of these victories were desert courses, setting Kim up well to perform in California this week. With a return of 21.00, a Kim victory would bag those brave enough to back to youngster a healthy payday.
