The Presidents cup is set to get underway at Quail Hallow, just outside Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday. The Americans are heavy favourites over the LIV-diluted internationals. On paper, the Yankee roster should send the internationals back to their respective homes in tears, but if the multi-national squad can conjure up some underdog spirit, we may bear witness to one of the biggest upsets in the game’s history.
With the probability of the Americans winning so high, it is perhaps more intriguing to look beyond their 1.14 odds to win outright and glance at some more intriguing figures this week. Online bookmaker bet365 has some categories of odds that are sure to be of interest.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 15th, 12:00 P.M. (EST)
With the historical success of the American squad and their frankly unfair advantage, the top combined points scorer at this year’s international match play tournament is set to come from a United States team member.
With there being five separate opportunities to score points (two foursomes matches, two four-ball matches, and a singles match), the golfer who scores the most points this weekend will probably be a hot golfer who starts all five matches. ‘Top-tier’ golfers are more likely to play a high volume of matches, but their odds suffer in consequence.
At 9.50 on bet365, Justin Thomas (JT) is as good of a pick as any. The two-time major champion, former world number one, and four time representative of Team USA in match play has the experience and the pedigree to produce this weekend. JT thrives in these types of situations and was seen winning points with none other than Tiger Woods at the 2019 Presidents Cup.
It is hard to suggest that JT didn’t have his best year considering he won a major championship. However, compared to his prior years of consistent contention and multiple wins, this season has not been as steady as usual. That being said, the Presidents Cup is a match play situation in which we see a different side of the 2021 Players Championship winner. Look for JT to play all five matches and be in the running for Team USA’s MVP.
In 2019, Team USA won 16-14. Although, the tournament was never as close as the final score dictates due to the USA’s early Saturday night celebration reportedly flowing into Sunday morning. The 2019 internationals were also much stronger with the likes of Abraham Ancer, Cam Smith and Louis Oosthuizen, all of whom have now defected to LIV.
Team USA has a reason to be cocky and complacent. They possess the better portion of the top 25 players in the world and are going up against a team consisting of players who take a few scrolls to find on the official world golf ranking (OWGR) website.
Though it is fun to cheer for the underdog, saving your breath this week, and taking Team USA to win by 7 plus points at 1.72 is likely a better use of your energy. Or perhaps sprinkling some action on an exact score guess in the realm of 20-10, which is set 12.00 by bet365.
This Weeks Longshots:
- Overall Points Score 22.5-7.5 at 29.00
- Day 4 tie at 9.00
- Cameron Young Top Combined Points Scorer at 21.00
22.5-7.5 would be a blowout for the ages, but this event is arguably the most mis-matched team event in history. If there was ever a year for such a monumental whooping, the young and uber-talented American team could be the one to deliver it.
The most variance in team events comes from the singles matches. On Sunday, you cannot lean on your teammate, and if your opponent gets hot – and you don’t – there’s not a whole lot you can do. Look for the Americans to solidify a blowout victory on Saturday, have a little bit too much fun that same night, and cede some points to the internationals on the final day.
A player of value to watch is Cameron Young at 21.00. Young is a team event rookie, but was one of the best players on the PGA Tour this season. He is the future of the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup, so Captain Davis Love III could put him in all five matches due to his youth and his need for big time match play reps.
If the Trevor Immelman-lead international team can come within four points of the American favourites, it will be a moral win. Tune in this weekend to see how things shake up in what’s sure to be an exciting four days of match play golf.
