The future of golf is bright and 2023 could be a monumental year on the links.
We predict both a PGA Tour bounce back and growing numbers on the LIV Tour, so there are plenty of fans of all levels.
Most of the talk has been about whether world No. 1 Rory McIlroy will win his first major since 2014, so golf odds are focused on the Northern Irishman.
Let’s check the latest Golf picks, stats, injury reports, and Golf predictions. We’ve plenty of Golf expert picks for you to consider.
PGA Tour Gets Shot in the Arm
The PGA Tour needed a major shot in the arm and it took a rival tour to force the change.
There is now more incentive to play on the U.S.-based tour, which had been declining in popularity since the LIV Tour came to the fore in 2022. However, we expect the PGA to bounce back and have a big year.
Not only is there more prize money available but now that the horrendous fall season is over with, we can get into some serious golf fields.
Golf betting markets have suffered since the end of the FedEx Cup. The wraparound season is a failure in our eyes, so we can’t wait for the Tournament of Champions and Sony Open in Hawaii to kick-start 2023.
The majors will be talked about, especially with regard to LIV players. The Masters is allowing LIV players to tee it up, which is excellent news. Bettors get to see the likes of Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith and two-time champion Bubba Watson at Augusta National.
“Regrettably, recent actions have divided men’s professional golf by diminishing the virtues of the game and the meaningful legacies of those who built it,” Masters chairman Fred Riley said.
“Although we are disappointed in these developments, our focus is to honor the tradition of bringing together a pre-eminent field of golfers this coming April. Therefore, as invitations are sent this week, we will invite those eligible under our current criteria to compete in the 2023 Masters Tournament.”
Rory’s Year to Roar?
McIlroy is the world’s best player, but he hasn’t won a major since 2014 and that’s playing on the minds of everyone.
We’re not sure someone who hasn’t won a major in eight years should be ranked No. 1, but McIlroy has done enough to secure the points on a weekly basis.
The pressure won’t come off his shoulders until he wins and it could come at the Masters, where he is favored to win. McIlroy is paying +200 at the sportsbook to win a major in 2023, which is a fair price.
There was outrage when McIlroy wasn’t given BBC Personality of the Year. However, having not won a major in 2022, we’re not surprised by the result. He’s still a star of the sport, but until he gets that major win, there will be doubters.
The Breakout Star
There is always a breakout star every year. In 2022, it was Scottie Scheffler, who won four tournaments in quick succession.
Scheffler hasn’t won since taking out the 2022 Masters, but that leaves room for another young star to come to the fore.
Looking at 2023, it could be the year of Will Zalatoris, providing he’s healthy. The American underwent surgery late last year, which doesn’t help, but there’s no denying his talents.
He was one of the most consistent golfers at the top level and he could win multiple tournaments, so he’s worth backing with betting online markets.
If it’s not Zalatoris, keep an eye on Taylor Montgomery, who is +5000 to win the FedEx Cup. That puts him ahead of Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth and Zalatoris, so he’s well-respected.
He’s not a household name but the 27-year-old Montgomery finished third at the Fortinet Championship and he was consistent in limited playing time.
He could be worth a wager at that price.
