The PGA Tour move to Vegas for the Shriners Children’s Open and our golf expert John Pentin has the lowdown ahead of Thursday’s start here. Read on to find out what the best bet is that he is suggesting and also make sure to take advantage of the selected bookmaker offers available to maximise the value of this event.
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The Shriners Children’s Open Betting
The Shriners Children’s Open Betting Tips | Thursday 12th October to Sunday 15th October 2023
Top Betting Offers To Take Advantage Of In The Shriners Children’s Open
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Recommended Bet
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Main Bet: Tom Hoge To Win
The Shriners Children’s Open has a rich tapestry of history and tradition, having first graced the greens in 1983. In its early years, it was a five-round pro-am competition, sprawling across multiple courses. However, by 2004, the format was streamlined to 72 holes. Since 2008, TPC Summerlin, located in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada, has become the solo guardian of this esteemed event.
The Stage: TPC Summerlin
The Venue: TPC Summerlin, Las Vegas, Nevada
Intricacies of the Course: Par 71, stretching across 7,255 yards
Stroke Index (2022): 69.00
Designed masterfully in 1992 by Bobby Weed, with Fuzzy Zoeller’s guidance, TPC Summerlin stands out as an inviting course for golfers. The course offers ample space off the tee, requiring precision to find the fairways. Its bentgrass greens, expansive and welcoming, are calibrated to run at around 11 ½ on the Stimpmeter.
Notably, TPC Summerlin bears the reputation of being one of the easiest par 71 courses on the PGA Tour. This is evident from the 2019 scoring average of 68.86, the lowest since the course’s inception in 1992, and an even lower 68.34 average in 2020. Prior to 2018, the course underwent transformations, revamping all its 102 bunkers to be more in line with contemporary golfing strategies. But this has hardly affected the scoring average.
Given its altitude, the course feels shorter than its yardage might suggest. A testament to its ease can be derived from previous winners like Smylie Kaufman and Patrick Cantlay, who scored an impressive 61 and 60, respectively.
The Players to Watch
The Shriners Children’s Open’s roster has seen its ups and downs over the years. The absence of star players like Bryson DeChambeau and course aficionado, Patrick Cantlay, has been palpable. However, the event hasn’t been left devoid of talent. Tom Kim, last year’s victor, seems poised to make a mark this year, backed by his impressive recent performances. Notably, his consistency, especially in approach play and putting, places him in a favourable position.
On the other hand, Ludvig Aberg’s exhaustive schedule could be his Achilles’ heel, despite his youthful vigour. TPC Summerlin may not play to his driving strengths, given its characteristics.
The data suggests that winning at Summerlin requires a score of 20-under or better, making it a proper shootout. Here, Kim seems to have a slight edge over Aberg, given his past performances and course familiarity.
The Dark Horses
Tom Hoge, with his recent impressive performance at the Sanderson Farms, is one to keep an eye on. His love for the Summerlin course is evident in his previous outings. His ball-striking ability, coupled with his recent form, makes him a serious contender. However, value-wise, the odds seem to be shrinking on him.
JJ SPAUN, with a commendable history at Summerlin, also emerges as a potential dark horse. His consistent performance, backed by his comfort at this venue, can’t be ignored.
The Grand Prediction
Drawing upon the data and performances of the players, the prediction tilts in favour of Tom Kim. His consistent form, combined with his course familiarity, puts him in a strong position. While Aberg possesses undeniable talent, the course might not fully complement his strengths. Hoge and SPAUN could surprise many, but the best bet, when analysing the statistics and past performances, remains Kim.