TOUR Championship: McIlroy Best Bet at Enticing Prices

There is plenty of value with the sportsbook, especially for three-time winner Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy To Run Them Down

TOUR Championship betting has McIlroy price at +330 to win, which is a fair price given his record in this event.

The three-time winner ran down Scheffler to win last year, and we expect nothing different in 2023.

The Northern Irishman hasn’t been at his best this year, but despite a lack of recent wins, he’s still third in the FedEx Cup rankings, which puts him three strokes behind Scheffer and one stroke behind BMW Championship winner Viktor Hovland.

Still possessing the ability to pull off incredible shots, McIlroy can’t be overlooked. He knows how to win this time of the year, and he could make up the deficit in the opening round.

McIlroy has been getting off to fast starts, so he could move into the top position after Thursday. If he’s anywhere near the top spot after Round 1, he should move into favoritism with TOUR Championship Live Betting markets.

“Played good tee to green,” McIlroy said. “Missed a lot of chances. Sort of a similar story to last week in Memphis.

“Yeah, we’ll see. I’m going to go home for a couple of nights and come back up to Atlanta Tuesday, work on my game a little bit for a day and a half, and go try to win another FedExCup.”

Pick: Rory McIlroy (+330)

No Lead Is Safe

Online betting markets have McIlroy at +350 to lead after Round 1, which is worth entertaining.

Three strokes is nothing in golf. Hovland was four strokes behind with nine holes to go at the BMW Championship, so McIlroy can bridge the gap and take the lead into Friday’s play.

Having three FedEx Cup wins under his belt can’t be understated. What also can’t be understated is Scheffler’s inability to win this time of the year.

Scheffler has yet to win a professional tournament in January, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December. That’s 9 of the 12 calendar months, so despite being the best player in the world, he’s not assured of a victory.

Sport betting odds are generous for McIlroy, and he’s worth including in golf picks.

Pick: Rory McIlroy First Round Leader (+350)

Most wins this season:

1. Jon Rahm, 4
2. Scottie Scheffler, 2
2. Rory McIlroy, 2
2. Viktor Hovland, 2
2. Max Homa, 2
2. Tony Finau, 2
2. Lucas Glover, 2
2. Keegan Bradley, 2
2. Wyndham Clark, 2
10. 27 players tied, 1 pic.twitter.com/9zvcxQpTin

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 22, 2023

Hovland Has Momentum

After shooting the course record (61) to win the BMW Championship, momentum is with Norway’s Hovland.

It was his first tournament win of note, and although he had won on the PGA Tour prior, those wins came against sub-par fields.

He could use that momentum, and his -8 starting score, to win the TOUR Championship at East Lake on Sunday.

His confidence is through the roof, and he might have needed that performance to go to another level.

Scheffler looks a bit shaky, especially on the greens, so getting +400 for Hovland to run him down is a good price.

Winning consecutive tournaments has already been done recently by Lucas Glover, so Hovland looks to replicate.

Pick: Viktor Hovland (+400)

Have a Gander at Xander

There has been money for Xander Schauffele, who starts at -3, seven shots behind Scheffler.

The American has enough ability to bridge the gap, especially if he goes deep in the opening two rounds.

The Olympic gold medal winner firmed into +3000 with tournament winner markets, and that’s a solid betting push.

Players can come from seven shots behind to win the TOUR Championship, and given his experience playing well in the biggest tournaments, he’s a solid saver bet behind McIlroy and Hovland.

Pick: Xander Schauffele (+3000)