2023 Fortinet Championship’s High-Stakes Golf Extravaganza – The professional golf calendar is a wheel that never stops turning. Barely has the last putt sunk in the 2022 FedEx Cup when we find ourselves on the precipice of another exciting season. The 2023 Fortinet Championship, with a generous $8.4 million prize pot, is slated to begin shortly. Held at the illustrious Silverado Country Club in California’s Napa Valley, this event will see 155 golfers vying for the title. Max Homa is the talk of the town, looking to etch his name into the annals of golf history by bagging his third consecutive win in this event—a feat last seen when Steve Stricker dominated the John Deere Classic from 2009-2011. Leading with odds of +700, Homa’s performance last year against Danny Willett sets a high bar for drama and skill.
The Inside Track: Handicapping the Top 12
Here are the top twelve players (plus ties) with the most favorable odds, according to the best online betting sites in Canada:
Max Homa +700
Justin Thomas +1400
Sahith Theegala +1600
Cam Davis +1800
Stephan Jaeger +2200
Beau Hossler +2500
Eric Cole +3000
Lucas Herbert +3500
J.J. Spaun +3500
Brendon Todd +3500
Andrew Putnam +3500
Davis Thompson +4000
Unlocking Silverado: A Strategic Deep Dive
Tucked within the lush vineyards of California’s wine country, the North Course of the Silverado Country Club is a masterpiece designed by PGA Hall-of-Famer Johnny Miller. Measuring 7,123 yards, the par-72 course features narrow, tree-bordered fairways and deep bunkers that demand meticulous planning and execution. To underscore its challenges, every single one of the previous 16 winners posted scores in double digits under par.
Sahith Theegala: The Next Big Thing? (+1600)
Sahith Theegala is the West Coast’s pride in the golfing circuit. Despite lacking a tour win to his name, his performances suggest he’s on the cusp of victory. With two strong showings at Silverado, including 6th and 14th place finishes, Theegala’s odds for a win are becoming increasingly compelling. Moreover, he closed last season with commendable top-15 finishes in elite FedEx Playoffs fields. He’s a golfer on the rise, and this weekend could be his breakthrough.
Cam Davis: The Australian Thunder (+1800)
The hard-hitting Australian, Cam Davis, had an above-par 2022-23 season that culminated in six top-10 finishes. His consistency in recent events, notably the BMW Championship, is commendable. His golf style offers a compelling match to the Silverado course’s intricate challenges, especially considering his victory at the 2021 Rocket Mortgage Classic. Offering strong value amidst a field somewhat lacking in marquee names, Davis finished T4 at the PGA Championship and T6 at the Players Championship. Don’t overlook this dark horse.
Beau Hossler: The Putt Master (+2500)
Beau Hossler is another player on the threshold of his first career win, and his recent form shows he’s knocking on the door of victory. In his last five starts, he’s finished 26th or better four times, a performance streak highlighted by a T6 at the Barracuda Championship. When it comes to this specific event, he has been within the top-25 the last three times he has graced the Fortinet Championship. His putting and total strokes gained make him a worthy wager at 25-1 odds.
Cameron Champ: The Fall Season Maverick (+7500)
Cameron Champ has a particular fondness for autumn. Two of his three career titles came during the fall, including a 2019 Fortinet Championship win. His stats at Silverado are noteworthy—ranking first in strokes gained off-the-tee and third tee-to-green. While Champ is a volatile pick, his 75-1 odds and a strong course history make him an enticing proposition for those willing to take a gamble.
Time to Place Your Bets: Final Recommendations
To Secure a Win: Theegala, Davis, Hossler, and Champ stand out as promising picks.
Top-10 Lock-ins: Consider Hossler at +280 and Champ at +700.
A Note on Justin Thomas
While not highlighted above, Justin Thomas deserves a mention. After a lackluster season that saw him miss the playoffs, he’s the second favorite according to the oddsmakers at +1400. While his past season has been rocky, Thomas is a former World No. 1 and has the skill set to bounce back. Keep an eye on him as a potential sleeper pick.
As the first swing is taken at the 2023 Fortinet Championship, the atmosphere will be charged with intense competition and sky-high excitement. Whether you’re an avid follower of the sport or someone looking to place a savvy bet, the event is teeming with opportunities for both. When considering your 2023 Fortinet Championship best picks, choose wisely to capitalize on this thrilling tournament, and may fortune favor your selections.