2023 Genesis Invitational Betting Preview, Predictions & Top Pick

The world’s top golfers had already committed to competing in The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, but last Friday, we learned that the sport’s biggest celebrity would also be competing. The tournament’s host, Tiger Woods, will start on the PGA TOUR for the first time since last July.

The 82-time PGA TOUR champion will serve as the head of a strong field vying for 550 FedEx Cup points. The event this week already had 23 of the top 25 players in the world commit, so he won’t be the only golf celeb there. We have a field list that is overflowing, with 130 players scheduled as of the time of writing, much like last week. Let’s dive into this exciting event from top to bottom.

• Best Longshot Picks & Predictions
• 2023 Genesis Invitational Odds, Picks & Predictions

2023 Genesis Invitational Preview

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Previous Winners of the Genesis Invitational

• • 2022: Joaquin Niemann
  • 2021: Max Homas
  • 2020: Adam Scott

Course Preview: Riviera Country Club

This event will once again be held at the Riviera Country Club. Since 1973, it has served as the host, with a few breaks along the way (1983 was held at Rancho Municipal GC, and 1998 was played at Valencia CC). The 1920s layout of this George Thomas design was well accepted by the golf architecture community and has turned into one of the most coveted in the world.

Golfers find themselves attacking off the tee with little concern for missing the fairway. Even though this facility has one of the lowest fairway-hit rates on the TOUR, it doesn’t mean that players won’t miss fairways because the consequences are less severe than they would be at a more typical location on Tour.

The difficulty of the greens increases the significance of approach play. When playing on uneven poa annua greens, you should try to avoid short sides as much as possible and take fewer five-footers for par. At Riviera, even the best putters can’t count on them to routinely fall.

Relevant Betting Stats

• • Driving Distance
  • SG: Approach
  • SG: Putting

Outright Betting Pick: Viktor Hovland (+4500) 

Once again, problems with Hovland’s chipping caused him to sink last week at the WMO.  As usual, as well, however, the ball striking and putting were excellent. Hovland will have a chance to make things right this week in Cali if he keeps up his current pace. Coming into the week at Riviera Country Club, Hovland has finished T4 and T5 in his only two appearances (last two years).

A guy that has proven he can compete with the best of the best on Tour, I like for a strong start for Hovland to carry him into the weekend. Come Sunday, don’t be surprised to see his name in the mix up top.

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