Garcia Set to Defend Title

It’s early days in the FedEx Cup, but winning early tournaments is a good way to book your ticket to the playoffs next year.

Spaniard Represents Value

Playing a week after an emotionally charged Ryder Cup is never easy, but we love the way Sergio Garcia was hitting the ball at Whistling Straits.

The Spaniard was on fire when partnering with Jon Rahm before losing his singles match on Sunday. He won the 2020 Sanderson Farms Championship, which followed three wins on the European Tour in between his victory at the 2017 Masters.

Being the defending champion can come with pressure, but Garcia plays well on this course, which should only be seen as a positive.

Sergio Garcia just spit out his drink laughing so hard at Brooks Koepka going back and forth with the rules official. pic.twitter.com/bJLd9SdYdq

— By The Flagstick (@ByTheFlagstick) September 25, 2021

Garcia was given an award at the Ryder Cup, which reflects good team spirit. He has put his controversial ways behind him, which is excellent to see.

“I try to play the game to the best of my ability, but always with respect and I enjoy it,” Garcia told RyderCup.com. “I enjoyed this week and I thought we played with good energy, which is important to show the young players that you can play with respect and have fun, even in defeat.”

Golf odds this week have Garcia at +2000 to defend his title. He probably would have liked to rest following the tough week in Wisconsin, but he should be ready to fire in Jackson.

Pick: Sergio Garcia +2000

Chris Kirk Loves Sanderson Farms

Chris Kirk loves playing the Sanderson Farms Championship. The 36-year-old won in 2011 and has since recorded a top-10 finish, so we’re surprised at the odds.

Kirk also finished second in the 2014 FedEx Cup playoffs so he has faced pressure before, but he has been forgotten about in betting markets.

The sportsbook has Kirk at +8000 to win, which is an incredible price. He might not be in stellar form, but he made the FedEx Cup playoffs and finished 48th in the BMW Championship.

His best finishes last season included a T-2 at the Sony Open, T-6 at the Valero Texas Open and a top-10 finish at the RBC Heritage.

Kirk isn’t facing an overly tough field at the Sanderson Farms Championship, so take the odds available before they drop.

Pick: Chris Kirk +8000

Rookie of the Year Returns

Will Zalatoris won Rookie of the Year last season, and although he didn’t win a tournament, we get the feeling it won’t take long.

The 25-year-old Californian finished T-6 at the 2020 U.S. Open and followed it with a runner-up finish at the Masters behind Hideki Matsuyama.

He has commanded plenty of attention with bookmakers, who have Zalatoris at the top of betting at +1600. It’s a fair price given his lack of winning experience, compared to the likes of Garcia and Burns, but there is confidence surrounding him.

Be on the lookout for these guys on the course next week at the #SFChamp!

💥 2011 FedExCup Champion Brandt Snedeker
💥 2021 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year Will Zalatoris
💥 2017 Players Champion Si Woo Kim#MississippisMainCourse pic.twitter.com/dWyCzNefZJ

— Sanderson Farms Championship (@Sanderson_Champ) September 24, 2021

We would have priced him a little higher than +1600, but we still think he has an excellent chance at winning when they tee off on Thursday.

Zalatoris should carry plenty of betting support and that’s likely to be the case throughout the year. Bettors will confidently follow him until he breaks through on the PGA Tour, which shouldn’t be too much longer.

Pick: Will Zalatoris +1600