PGA AT&T Waste Management Statsational Futures Bets

For the first few weeks of the PGA season, the Statsational golf bets will be free for all.

The italicized below is from a few weeks ago, but the information is worth reading if you missed it.

It was a great start to the golf season for us. Ben Taylor finished in the top 5, and Baddeley finished in the top 10. Interestingly, I happened to run into a former pro caddie while grabbing a bite to eat at a local club, and we ended up watching Baddeley on TV as he hit his next shot. I mentioned that I had placed a bet on him to finish in the top 10, and the caddie jokingly expressed his condolences.

For those new to betting on golf, it's important to know that when a golfer is tied for a final spot in the top 5, top 10, etc., it's considered a "dead heat." Different sportsbooks handle this differently, and they may cut the stakes or the odds.

For example, in this week's tournament, Taylor finished T4 with two other golfers, meaning six golfers finished in the top 5, with three of them occupying the final two spots. If a book cuts the odds, Taylor's odds would be reduced by 67%, making the bet +2345. If you bet $10, you would be paid $234.5 instead of $350.

In the same example, if a book cuts the stakes, they would reduce your bet to $6.70 on the winning bet, and you would lose $2.30. You would get paid $232.20 net. This difference may not be significant on longshot-type bets, but if you're betting on a big favorite to finish in the top 5, like Justin Thomas at +200, it would make a bigger impact. For example, if JT finishes T3 with four others, and the book cuts odds, you would be paid 75% of the odds or +150, netting $150. If the book cuts stakes, your bet would be reduced to $75 at +200, and you would lose $25, netting $125.

This year's event in Scottsdale is a highly anticipated one, attracting the top players in the game. Of the top 20 in the Official World Golf Rankings, 18 are participating, except for Cameron Smith, who gave up his PGA TOUR status for the LIV Tour, and Will Zalatoris, who is the only eligible top player who declined.

Rory McIlroy, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, will be among the star-studded field following his recent victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Despite his No. 1 ranking and impressive seven consecutive top-5 finishes, including three wins, he may be overshadowed by local and ASU alum Jon Rahm in betting odds.

Scottie Scheffler returns to defend his title, having won his first PGA TOUR career title in a playoff against Patrick Cantlay last year at this event. Other past winners, such as Webb Simpson, Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland, and Hideki Matsuyama, will also be in the field.

After three weeks of non-traditional golf events, we return to standard tournament play on the PGA TOUR. With a full collection of Strokes Gained data from past years, we can make projections for success at the 2023 Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The raucous crowds at TPC Scottsdale create a unique atmosphere that affects player performance. Some thrive in the spotlight, while others struggle. A history of excelling in high-pressure events such as THE PLAYERS, Majors, Ryder, and Presidents Cups has been a consistent characteristic of contenders at the WM Phoenix Open.

TPC Scottsdale is not a course that favors one-dimensional players. To contend at the WM Phoenix Open, players need to have strong ball-striking skills and the ability to scramble for pars under pressure, similar to the requirements for performing well in Majors.

The Bets