There’s a certain smell in the air this week. And that’s not just because it’s the Waste Management Open (just a horrible joke, genuinely sorry about that), it smells like golf because this tournament is one of the best the game has to offer. The smell could also very well be the booze that is already being hammered by fans at the practice rounds. The Waste Management is synonymous with this time of year and is by far the biggest party in golf. People come from far and wide to gather on hole 16, or really anywhere near TPC Scottsdale, to drink anything out of their 32oz water bottle that isn’t water. It’s the biggest party in golf and I am almost as excited for it as our friends below in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle shirts.
Not only does this tournament draw degenerates from around the US to watch, it manages to draw most of the game’s best players. People that follow golf closely have heard that it might start to be called the fifth major. I for one am fully on board with this. Comparing this tournament to The Players is a non-contest in my mind. Golf needs a little bit of exactly what Scottsdale has to offer. A place for fans to shed their inhibitions, drink a couple too many Bud Lights, and watch incredible golf.
The setup for this tournament is no joke. The stands are set up so that any hole can get rowdy given the state of the tournament. If this video doesn’t get you fired the fuck up to watch golf this week we have serious problems.
Where else do you get to see true athletes like this?
I’m about to deliver a shocking statement. This is Scottie Scheffler’s first time being a defending champion. Scottie finally broke through and won this event last year before going on to having one of the best years in golf history. Here’s another shocker, he still is not even close to the top two favorites this week. So far this year there have been two juggernauts in golf. Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy. It is here at TPC Scottsdale where they will go at it as the number 1 and 2 in the world.
With driving distance usually being higher at the Waste Management than other tournaments, this course allows players to get after it with the big dawg. This puts scoring at a relatively easy number, but not quite as severe as some of the 30 under par birdie contests we’ve been sitting through lately. TPC Scottsdale plays at 7,115 yards, and is a par 71 track that is most famous for it’s “Coliseum” Par 3 16th hole where caddies will race to the green and fans surround the entire hole in the stands. Overall this week, with how strong the field is, I will be choosing players that can win a big tournament, guys that don’t get scared of the bright lights. Beast and I are due.
Picks:
Top 20:
Magz: JT Poston +230
I am not entirely sure why I am choosing to go with a player that is this high of odds instead of a safer play, but JT is balling right now. He had a T21 at The Sony Open and a T6 at The American Express. JT has also finished in the top 25 of this event two years in a row. This price is simply too good to pass up.
Beast: Taylor Montgomery +185
Taylor Montgomery is making a name for himself on tour real quick. He’s quickly became one of the best putters on the planet and he’s addicted to making cuts. This is his first time at the WM, but being the new guy at the event has yet to be an issue for Taylor this year. Regardless of the field, I like his odds of finishing top 20 in pretty much every event. +5000 outright is tempting too, if the rest of his game gets as hot as his putter, look out Scottsdale.
Top 10:
Magz: Xander Schauffele +150
Xander finished 3rd in this event last year and he ranks 3rd on the entire PGA Tour in total strokes gained. All around Xander is a very safe play this week and +150 is a fair price for a guy that is one of the most reliable on tour.
Beast: Max Homa +200
Max Homa has been on an absolute tear to start the 2023 season, he already has two wins and is up to 12 in the OWGR. He’s a Scottsdale, AZ resident and is more than familiar with desert golf (playing his college golf at Cal). Max has played well in his 4 previous trips to the WM, never missing a cut. Last year, Max was in the hunt on Sunday until a back nine 38 derailed his chances at winning (finished T-14). Max has a new found sense of confidence and I expect him to once again be in contention come Sunday.
Matchups:
Magz: Tyrell Hatton to beat Shane Lowry -125
Even though I am a big Shane Lowry guy, Hatton has been on a heater so far this season. With 4 of his last 5 finishes in the top 10. Lowry also just missed a cut at the Hero Dubai Classic and flat out may not be in the best form right now. Take Hatton.
Beast: Sahith Theegala to beat Si Woo Kim -115
Flashback to a year ago, you have no idea who Sahith Theegala is. This kid comes out firing at the Waste Management and ends up finishing T-3. He’s become a guy a lot of people like to root for and also has really developed his game in just this past year. Sahith should have another solid showing in Scottsdale.
*The last time I bet against Si Woo he won the tournament, so I don’t recommend putting the mortgage on this by anymeans.
Outright Winners:
Magz: Rory McIlroy +750
This pick makes me want to punch myself in the face, but I absolutely have to do it. Rory is playing so well right now and I absolutely refuse to not bet him this week. He is the best player in this field and therefore he should win this tournament. Maybe he will, he probably will, he is definitely going to. Let’s go Rory.
Beast: Sungjae +2800
I predict Sungjae will make his presence felt this week amongst the best players in the world. There’s honestly about 15-20 guys that I could see making a legit run at it this week, but Sungjae’s name jumps off the board for me. Anytime I can get Sungjae at odds this long, it’s worth considering in my opinion. Sungjae has been in contention in a bunch of really big tournaments, raking in the top 10’s however he hasn’t been able to get that big win…. YET. It’s just a matter of time now, so why not at TPC Scottsdale where he’s played well in his 3 prior trips?
Season Totals:
Magz: -4.3U YTD
Beast: -5U YTD
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