The first stop of the FedExCup (FEC) playoffs is a big tournament to win. A victory this week brings more than just job security on the PGA TOUR, money and championship hardware - it comes with a bevy of FedExCup points and a really good shot of making the TOUR Championship, the last leg of the playoffs.
Historically, the winner of the first NORTHERN TRUST has been a top-ranked golfer. Five of the previous 10 winners ranked inside the top 10 heading into the tournament. Also, nine of the last 10 winners secured a win or a top 5 in this region before claiming their victory.
For a full course preview, key statistics breakdown, and additional players to consider, refer to the DraftKings Preview on DraftKings Playbook.
Here are the bets we should be considering this week on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Rory McIlroy to Win +2200
A top 20 here in 2013 and a sixth in 2019’s renewal is a good start when looking for reasons to back Rory this week. McIlroy has gained a massive amount of strokes with his irons, ranking fifth in approach over the previous 24 rounds. He’s one of the best in the playoffs and has won the FedExCup twice (2016, 2019). Rory ranks 26th in FedExCup points coming into this week; a win here should get him in the top 10 heading into the BMW Championship and the TOUR Championship at East Lake, a course he dominates.
Patrick Cantlay to Win +3000
As mentioned in the preview article, Cantlay’s ball-striking suits extremely well at Liberty National, where you need to be hitting greens. Cantlay can afford to be more aggressive into these smaller greens; good thing he ranks 33rd in opportunities gained, 39th in SG: Around-the-Green and first in greens in regulation over the previous 24 rounds. A win at Muirfield Village GC is a great sign, and the ninth-ranked golfer in the world should be playing stress-free, sitting at No. 3 in the FedExCup standings.
Bubba Watson Top 20 +500
Watson has made the FedExCup playoffs every year since its inception and the BMW Championship 12 times. He’s been solid in the Northeast, with multiple wins at TPC River Highlands (Travelers) and top finishes at Plainfield CC (2015 Northern Trust). If Bubba can lean on his ability to hit these small greens, ranking 12th in GIR over the previous 12 rounds, a top 20 should be well within reason. Aaron Wise (+20000) is one of my favorite longshots. I spoke about him last week on “Get The Green,” and is someone to consider again this week with how well he plays coastal courses.
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All betting odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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