America’s most telegenic muni is back in the spotlight this week as the Tour returns to Torrey Pines, in San Diego, for the 2022 Farmers Insurance Open. The coastal scenery never fails to deliver. And the big names tend to show up, too.
Patrick Reed, who cruised to a five-shot victory here last year, is in the field, but he hasn’t been in sparkling form of late. He’s listed at 50-1 to win, far down on the board below early betting favorites Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and San Diego native Xander Schauffele.
3 takeaways from the PGA Tour’s key stat leaders through the American Express
As usual, the first two rounds of the event will be played on Torrey’s North and South Courses before shifting to the tougher South Course for the weekend.
And, as usual, GOLF.com’s expert prognosticator Erick Lindgren will be making wagers. The deal is the same as ever. We give Lindgren a $1,000 in play money, and he supplies us with his 5 top picks. Here’s what he’s thinking for the Farmers, which kicks off Thursday morning along the Southern California coast.
(Looking to play any of these bets yourself? We teamed with BetMGM and the online sports book is offering a Risk-Free Bet of up to $1,000).
Bryson DeChambeau to win: +2,000 (wager: $200)
We all remember DeChambeau’s Sunday meltdown at Torrey at last year’s U.S. Open. What’s easy to forget, Lindgren says, Bryson had gone 34 holes without a bogey before his stumble. “His upside is massive,” Lindgren says. “So, we’ll take him to win before he wings off to Saudi Arabia next week.”
Matt Wolff to win: +6,600 (wager: $100)
The odds suggest a long shot. It isn’t, Lindgren says. “If Wolff isn’t a Top 10 golfer yet then he is on his way. No need to overthink him at this price.”
Joseph Bramlett to finish in the top 10: +1,000 (wager: $300)
Lindgren came close to cashing big on Bramlett last week in the desert. He hasn’t lost his faith. “He has course history on his side at Torrey,” Lindgren says. “I’m looking for him to step up.”
Sahith Theegala to finish in top 5 for first round on North Course: +1,100 (wager: $250)
The Pepperdine grad isn’t on the radar for the average fan. Lindgren is not a casual observer. “We’re starting to see glimpses of what he’s capable of,” Lindgren says. “Though he faded in the final round last week, I’m more interested in the 62 he posted in the second round.”
Sepp Straka to finish in the top 5 for the first round on the South Course: +1,400 (wager: $250)
Lindgren isn’t convinced that Straka can keep it up for four rounds, but the Austrian does make birdies in bunches. Combine that with his solid past at Torrey Pines, and Lindgren likes him to start strong.
Last week’s record: Lindgren was all over Francesco Molinari in the desert, wagering $200, at +1,200 odds, that the Italian would finish in the Top 10 at the American Express. He was right. Molinari’s T6 showing gave Lindgren a $2,400 win, for a net haul of $1,600.