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Heavyweights Collide at Phoenix Open

Rahm vs McIlroy in the Desert

· Feb 07 - 4 minutes read

It’s the clash we all wanted to see as Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy battle for golfing supremacy at the Phoenix Open this week.

Rahm, who has been vocal about his world ranking status, is chasing down No. 1 McIlroy, who has been off the scene on the PGA Tour since the CJ Cup in October, despite being a strong advocate for playing on the PGA.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland — Heavyweights Collide at Phoenix Open - Karim Sahib / AFP

Golf odds have them tied at +800, but the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Justin Thomas are there for the upset.

Let’s check the latest Golf news, stats, injury reports, and Golf lines for Phoenix Open. We’ve got plenty of Golf picks for you to consider.

Rahm vs McIlroy: Who Wins?

Bettors are inclined to back either Rahm or McIlroy at the Phoenix Open, but which one has a better chance of winning?

Neither Rahm or McIlroy has won the Phoenix Open, but with McIlroy’s recent success in Dubai, bettors should be confident of his chances.

The Northern Irishman shot -19 to beat Patrick Reed by one stroke in the Dubai Desert Classic. He has been in good form, including a fourth at the DP World Tour Championship, which was enough to take the overall title.

However, after winning that tournament was Rahm, who has since added the Tournament of Champions and The American Express to his record.

Rahm believes he deserves to be ranked as the best player in the world.

“Since the playoffs … I’ve won three times and I don’t even get close to him. So I’m trying to understand what’s going on,” Rahm said. “But in my mind, I feel like since August I’ve been the best player in the world.”

McIlroy can make a statement at the Phoenix Open and we think his +800 odds could firm throughout the week at the sportsbook.

Pick: Rory McIlroy +800

Scheffler Eyes Consecutive Wins

Scottie Scheffler plays his shot from the third tee during the first round of The American Express at PGA West La Quinta Country Club — Scottie Scheffler plays his shot – Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images/AFP

The tournament that launched Scheffler into the limelight was the 2022 Phoenix Open, so he has fond memories of this event.

The more relaxed atmosphere helped the young player to post his first victory on the PGA Tour before he would capture the Masters in April. His temperament since hasn’t been the best, so we’re hoping to play in Phoenix relaxes the American.

He hasn’t won since the Masters, but this is the time of the year when he got hot in 2022. He won four tournaments within a two-month period, so if Scheffler is going to score an overdue win, it will be this week.

Betting online markets are respecting the defending champion, who is on the third line of betting at +1200. We wouldn’t have a wager on this tournament without Scheffler in our golf picks.

Pick: Scottie Scheffler +1200

Sticking with Young

Cameron Young is always around the mark but he has yet to win, which is becoming increasingly frustrating for bettors.

However, the beauty of betting on golf is that you can chase and the payoff is exceptional. Young is a +2500 chance in Phoenix Open betting markets, so there is great value available for the 25-year-old.

Young owns two top-three finishes at the majors, including a T3 at the 2022 PGA Championship and a second at the Open Championship. It’s tough to overlook that form and he comes off another runner-up finish at the Saudi International.

He’s excited about the golf in store over the next few weeks.

“I’ve got Waste Management next week,” Young said, “and then Riviera, and then Arnold Palmer and Players. I’ve got a really nice stretch of golf lined up.“