Golf Betting Tips: TOUR Championship predictions, preview and best bets

John Pentin previews the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club, highlighting four players to consider backing each-way. He’s been in excellent form, recently picking several winners. Read on for this week free golf tips and previews.

Golf betting tips: TOUR Championship

Can East Lake’s Renovations Spark an Upset at the Tour Championship?

• Viktor Hovland ranks top-25 in proximity from over 200 yards, making him a strong contender at East Lake.
• Wyndham Clark has finished inside the top-15 in five of his last six starts, showcasing consistent form.
• Byeong Hun An ranks 19th in strokes gained: off-the-tee, a crucial statistic for success on East Lake’s demanding fairways.

As the curtain draws on the 2024 PGA Tour season, the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club promises to deliver high drama and intense competition. This year’s edition carries even more significance as it once again determines the winner of the FedExCup, the ultimate prize for any golfer on the PGA Tour. Established in 1987, the Tour Championship has evolved significantly, with its current format intertwining the event with the FedExCup Playoffs finale. Every shot matters more than ever, especially given the staggered start system, where players’ scores are adjusted based on their rankings in the FedExCup standings.

This year, Scottie Scheffler sits at the top of the leaderboard, starting with a two-stroke advantage at -10. With East Lake’s renowned difficulty and recent course renovations designed to restore its original challenge, the stage is set for an intriguing battle. The course, known for its narrow fairways, strategic bunkers, and fast, undulating greens, will test every aspect of the players’ games. The revamped design by Andrew Green has further emphasised these challenges, ensuring that only the most complete player will prevail. With dry conditions and a slight chance of thunderstorms forecasted, the weather adds another layer of complexity to this prestigious event.

Best Bet: Viktor Hovland to Shine at East Lake

Viktor Hovland stands out as the top pick for this year’s Tour Championship, specifically in the “without starting strokes” market. Hovland has shown flashes of brilliance in recent weeks, making him a compelling choice for the best bet. Despite a challenging season marked by inconsistency, Hovland’s performance in the St. Jude Championship, where he secured a second-place finish, indicates a resurgence in form. This is especially notable given his struggles earlier in the year due to an ill-advised swing change. However, Hovland seems to have rediscovered the key elements of his game, particularly in his approach play, which has been exceptional in his recent outings.

East Lake’s layout, particularly with its demanding approach shots, suits Hovland’s strengths. The Norwegian has consistently ranked high in strokes gained: approach, an essential metric on this course. His ability to hit greens in regulation and proximity from over 200 yards will be crucial on the lengthy par 4s and par 5s that define East Lake. Moreover, Hovland’s past performances at East Lake, including his impressive victory last year, highlight his comfort on this track. His top-25 ranking in proximity from 200 yards and his strong off-the-tee game further bolster his credentials.

Hovland’s game is well-suited to the challenges posed by the restored East Lake course. The Norwegian’s ability to navigate the tricky bermudagrass greens and his history of solid performances on similar setups, such as Oak Hill and Quail Hollow, add to his appeal. With a proven track record on challenging layouts and his recent return to form, Hovland is poised to make a significant impact this week. His combination of strong ball-striking, solid putting, and experience on similar courses makes him the best bet to deliver the lowest 72-hole score at East Lake, regardless of the starting strokes.

Second Prediction: Wyndham Clark to Surprise

Wyndham Clark emerges as a strong dark horse candidate, particularly in the “without starting strokes” market. Clark has quietly put together an impressive season, marked by consistent finishes and a few standout performances. His recent form includes a top-15 finish in five of his last six starts, underscoring his ability to contend at the highest level. Clark’s game is well-rounded, but it’s his driving that sets him apart. Ranking 15th in strokes gained: off-the-tee, Clark has the power and accuracy to excel on East Lake’s demanding fairways.

Clark’s experience on similar courses adds to his value as a dark horse. His performance at Quail Hollow, where he claimed victory earlier in the year, and a second-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, show that he can thrive on long, challenging layouts with bermudagrass greens. East Lake’s recent renovations, which have made the fairways firmer and the greens more challenging, play into Clark’s strengths, particularly his ability to hit long, accurate drives and his improved putting on similar surfaces.

Moreover, Clark’s debut at East Lake last year was highly promising, as he finished third in the 72-hole stroke play market. His ability to navigate the course’s challenges and his recent uptick in form make him a compelling choice as a dark horse. If he can continue his solid play off the tee and maintain his improved putting, Clark could easily find himself in contention by the end of the week. His combination of recent form, course fit, and experience on similar layouts makes him a valuable outsider bet.

Third Prediction: Byeong Hun An to Capitalise on Course Renovations

Byeong Hun An, making his East Lake debut, is another intriguing dark horse option. Although debuting at East Lake might seem like a disadvantage, the extensive renovations to the course level the playing field somewhat, as even seasoned veterans will find themselves facing new challenges. An’s game is built on strong ball-striking, particularly his ability to hit long, accurate drives. He ranks 19th in strokes gained: off-the-tee and 21st in proximity from over 200 yards, both key statistics for success at East Lake.

An’s season has been marked by consistency, with just four missed cuts in 21 starts and 12 top-25 finishes. His ability to contend on challenging courses is evident from his performances at Quail Hollow, where he finished third, and his multiple top-10 finishes at Bay Hill. These results on similar courses with long, demanding layouts and fast, bermudagrass greens bode well for his chances at East Lake. Moreover, An has shown an affinity for Donald Ross-designed courses, having performed well at Sedgefield Country Club, another Ross design, where he has two top-10 finishes.

The Korean golfer’s solid putting on bermudagrass greens further enhances his appeal as a dark horse. If he can replicate his strong ball-striking and maintain his recent form with the putter, An has the potential to surprise many in his East Lake debut. His game is well-suited to the demands of the course, and with the renovations in mind, he could very well find himself in contention for a top finish.

Fourth Prediction: Tommy Fleetwood to Break Through

Tommy Fleetwood is another player who could thrive in the challenging conditions at East Lake. Fleetwood has been one of the most consistent performers on the PGA Tour this season, with several top-10 finishes. His form coming into the Tour Championship is solid, with recent finishes of second, 22nd, and fifth in his last three starts. Fleetwood’s game is built on precision, particularly with his irons, and he ranks highly in strokes gained: approach, a crucial statistic for success at East Lake.

Fleetwood’s experience on difficult courses and his ability to perform under pressure make him a strong dark horse candidate. He has shown that he can handle the rigours of championship layouts, with impressive performances at courses like Shinnecock Hills and Royal Portrush. East Lake’s recent renovations, which have made the course more challenging, could play into Fleetwood’s hands, as his precision and experience on tough tracks could give him an edge over the field.

Moreover, Fleetwood has a history of performing well on courses with firm, fast greens, and his putting has been solid throughout the season. If he can continue to strike the ball well and maintain his touch on the greens, Fleetwood has the potential to contend for a top finish at East Lake. His combination of experience, recent form, and course fit makes him a valuable outsider bet for the Tour Championship.

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