The PGA Tour’s new 2024 season begins in Hawaii, and Herrin Kendrick has two bets for the action at The Plantation Course. Read on to find the complete preview with the predictions, and also take advantage of the selected bookmaker offers to maximise your betting value this week.
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The Sentry Betting
The Sentry Betting Tips | Thursday 4th January to Sunday 7th January 2024
Top Betting Offers To Take Advantage Of In The Sentry
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Recommended Bet
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Main Bet: Sepp Straka To Win
The 2024 PGA Tour season heralds a new beginning, a fresh start for the world of golf. As the first event of the year unfolds, the anticipation and excitement among golf enthusiasts are palpable. The absence of Jon Rahm, the defending champion, following his decision to reconsider the LIV Tour, adds a layer of intrigue to the tournament. This year, the Sentry tournament, previously known for its exclusivity, opens its doors to a wider field, including top performers from the 2023 FedEx Cup standings.
The Plantation Course: A Unique Challenge
The Plantation Course at Kapalua, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, remains a constant in this evolving landscape. Its unique features, such as exposure to wind, wide fairways, and vast greens, set it apart from conventional courses. The recent introduction of TifEagle Bermuda on the greens and Celebration Bermuda on the fairways has made the course firmer, adding to its quirky nature. This combination of features often favours course specialists, as history has shown.
Analysing the Contenders
In this diverse field, several players emerge as potential champions. Among them, Sepp Straka stands out. His remarkable performance in the previous season, highlighted by a victory at the John Deere Classic and a second-place finish at the Open Championship, signals his readiness for this challenge. His experience by the sea and victory at the windy PGA National further bolster his credentials.
Similarly, Brian Harman, now World No.9, cannot be overlooked. His astonishing six-shot victory at the Open Championship and subsequent strong finishes are a testament to his prowess, especially in short game skills which are crucial at the Plantation Course.
Australian Cam Davis also enters the conversation, given his consistent performance in the latter half of 2023 and an impressive debut at the Plantation Course. His balance of power and finesse, coupled with his recent form, makes him a strong contender.
The Sentry Tournament: A New Frontier
The Sentry Tournament, previously the Tournament of Champions, has evolved. With a $20 million prize fund and the largest field in Kapalua’s history, it stands as a testament to the PGA Tour’s commitment to excellence. The inclusion of players like Byeong Hun An, Mackenzie Hughes, and Adam Schenk adds depth to the competition.
Predictions: Winner and Dark Horse
Sepp Straka: A Rising Star
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Sepp Straka’s journey to this point is marked by consistent performance and steady growth. His recent achievements, including a win at the John Deere Classic and a runner-up position at the Open Championship, speak volumes of his calibre. These accomplishments are not mere flashes in the pan but the results of his evolving skill set and mental fortitude.
Straka’s adaptability to various courses is noteworthy. His victory at the Honda Classic at PGA National, another course known for its exposure to windy conditions, underscores his ability to thrive in challenging environments. This skill will be crucial at the Plantation Course, where wind plays a significant role.
Furthermore, Straka’s performance in the previous year’s edition of this tournament, where he showed a marked improvement with each round, suggests a growing familiarity and comfort with the course. His trajectory of scores – 71, 70, 68, 67 – demonstrates an ability to learn and adapt quickly, a trait that could prove decisive in this year’s tournament.
Brian Harman: The Dark Horse
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Brian Harman’s trajectory in recent times is nothing short of remarkable. His six-shot triumph at the Open Championship was a display of golfing mastery and mental strength. However, it is not just his major win that sets him apart. His subsequent performances, including a fifth-place finish at the BMW Championship and an eighth at the Hero World Challenge, indicate a sustained level of high performance.
Harman’s short game prowess, particularly his putting, aligns perfectly with the demands of the Plantation Course. His number one ranking for Strokes Gained: Putting in his Open win and leading the Scrambling stats on the PGA Tour last season are indicative of his exceptional skills in this area.
His previous appearances at the Plantation Course have shown promise. Notably, his performance in 2018 where he held the halfway lead and eventually finished third, suggests an affinity for the course. Harman’s strength in putting and his previous strong showings at the course make him an intriguing prospect for this year’s tournament.
