The PGA Tour heads back to Texas this week for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch. If you're looking for our favorite outright bets, you can't find those here. For now, though, we're looking at two players priced at 100-1 or higher to target with outright and finishing position bets. Let's check out our two favorite long shots for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
We nailed Jake Knapp at 40-1 to win the Mexico Open at Vidanta back in February, and this is a similar handicap with a much juicier price. TPC Craig Ranch, like Vidanta Vallarta, is a driver's paradise with wide landing areas. The 7,438-yard golf course emphasizes driving distance, making it a perfect course for Knapp.
Knapp ranks 18th on the PGA Tour this season in total driving and eighth in club head speed. He has effortless power off the tee and thrives when he can let it rip, which is exactly what he'll be able to do at TPC Craig Ranch. The rookie has also gained strokes on approach in eight of his last nine starts and gained strokes putting in seven of those nine, so he's built to go low and compete in a birdie fest.
This price is too long for a proven PGA Tour winner.
Top-20 finish: +350
Top-40 finish: +125
Speaking of PGA Tour winners, three-time winner Cameron Champ fits the bill this week as a bomber who can stack up birdies in a hurry. Champ ranks first on Tour this year in driving distance, second in club head speed and fourth in strokes gained from off the tee. The Californian plays his best golf on wide-open golf courses where he can rip driver and set himself up for shorter approach shots.
The issue for Champ has always been the putter, but he's gained strokes on the green in two of his last three measured starts. He should easily be able to gain strokes off the tee and on approach on a golf course that suits him well, so all we need is a mediocre putting week from Champ for him to contend.
Top-20 finish: +550
Top-40 finish: +175
More must-reads:
Bark Bets is Yardbarker's free daily guide to the world of sports betting. You'll get:
Subscribe now!