2023 RBC Canadian Open: First-Round Leader Picks & Predictions
While all the buzz about the PGA-LIV merger is at its peak, the PGA Tour rolls on north of the border for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open. The site of this year’s tournament is Oakdale Golf & Country Club (7,264 yards, Par 72), a new host, so there’s no course history to draw on this week. Oakdale is a course that possesses punishing rough and tree-lined fairways. Accuracy off the tee will be at a premium this week.
There is some rain in the forecast for Thursday afternoon, meaning the morning wave may be at an advantage with cool, dry conditions. Last year’s first-round leader was Wyndham Clark, who posted a seven-under 63 at St. George's G&CC in Toronto. This event is known to be low scoring, so I’ll be looking for some value in the morning wave with players who are strong in driving accuracy numbers.
- 2023 RBC Canadian Open Bets
- Best Longshot Bets, Picks & Predictions
- Head-to-Head Matchups Picks & Predictions
- Golf Best Betting Odds
2023 RBC Canadian Open Best First-Round Leader Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Corey Conners (35-1)
Corey Conners will have plenty of support at Oakdale, and he’s off early on the back side Thursday morning. The Canadian doesn’t have a great historical record in this event, but that was all pre-COVID-19. Conners already has a win this year, two to 10s, and is 27th in the FedEx Cup standings. In his win at the Valero Texas Open, the 31-year-old fired an opening round 64. That’s enough for me to back the native Canadian.
Mackenzie Hughes (55-1)
Yes, it’s another Canadian, but Mackenzie Hughes has the numbers to prove he’s worth backing. Like his countryman Conners, the Hamilton native has a win this year at the Sanderson Farms Championship and a pair of top 10s. While not extremely accurate off the tee, the 32-year-old is great on the greens. If he can find the fairway more than the rough, he can put up a number similar to the 65 he opened with two weeks ago at the Byron Nelson Classic.
Doug Ghim (90-1)
If you’re looking for a long shot that provides some value, the University of Texas product is someone to seriously consider. Doug Ghim made his RBC Canadian Open last year and finished T18. The catalyst for that performance was an opening round 65. While it wasn’t the lowest on the day, it gives us proof that the 27 year-old can go low. If you’re not convinced yet, consider that Ghim opened with a 65 at the Byron Nelson last month, and closed with a 64, which was his last round on Tour until this week. Sprinkle a little and be pleasantly surprised when he’s atop the leaderboard Thursday night.
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