Honda Classic odds – can Sergio shake off the rust
With the biggest PGA tournaments in online betting on the horizon – the Masters is just over a month away – time is running out for fringe golfers to make their money (and be good underdog sportsbook picks) against weaker, Tiger-less fields. Time is also running out for big names to work out the kinks in their swings, which is why Sergio Garcia joins an otherwise forgettable field in the 2009 Honda Classic odds.
Honda Classic odds: Sergio playing his first stroke-play PGA event of 2009
- WHAT: Honda Classic
- WHEN: Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8
- WHERE: PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach, FL
- PICK: Luke Donald
Technically, the Honda Classic odds aren’t Sergio Garcia’s 2009 PGA betting debut, but last week’s World Match Play Championship almost doesn’t count considering it’s a different golfing experience altogether; it’s more about playing to your opponent than managing a course, so the Honda Classic line gives golf betting fans their first real look at Sergio this season.
Honda Classic odds:
- SERGIO GARCIA +1100
- CAMILO VILLEGAS +1200
- ERNIE ELS +1400
- RORY MCILROY +1600
- ROBERT ALLENBY +2000
- LUKE DONALD +2200
- STEWART CINK +2500
- JUSTIN ROSE +2800
- BOO WEEKLEY +2800
- JUSTIN LEONARD +3300
- FIELD +500
Will Sergio finally win that elusive major? Maybe – in fact, I’d bet at the sportsbook that it happens this year – but that prediction doesn’t help online betting fans this week. Sergio, a top seed at the World Match Play Championship last week, looked rusty in his loss to Charl “Who?” Schwartzel. One week – not to mention one match – isn’t enough to get Sergio ready to win a PGA betting event. Think of the Honda Classic as a tune-up for Sergio and don’t expect him to win. Stay away from him at the sportsbook.
The best picks in Honda Classic betting are three past winners: Luke Donald, Ernie Els and Justin Leonard. Els, the defending champion, may be the top internet sportsbook favorite this week, but golf betting fans should stay away. He won’t offer great value and he’s disappointed more often than not this season; he opened the year with a sixth-place finish but followed that up with a 39th and 51st. The Big Easy isn’t at the top of his game right now.
2003 winner Justin Leonard, who has the Honda Classic odds record at -24, could be a nice underdog PGA betting pick this week. His 2009 finishes to date are downright ugly – fifth at the Mercedes Championship followed by a 42nd and two missed cuts – but he looked sharp in the early rounds of the Match Play Championship and has past success at the Honda Classic. If you want great value, consider Leonard.
Luke Donald, the 2006 Honda Classic champ, may be the safest pick of all in the sports betting lines. Compared to the rusty Sergio, Donald is on the other side of the spectrum, having played five events. The results are steadily progressing – 23rd, 25th, seventh, sixth – and, though he fell to Els, he impressed PGA betting fans by defeating Vijay Singh in match play last week. Without the same name value as Els, he may offer better value.
MARCO’S PICK: If you were to chart Luke Donald’s progress this season, you’d see a steady, gradual curve upward. He has been as consistent as any golfer on tour this season and the time is right for a win. Bet on Luke Donald.
For Honda Classic odds and analysis on betting sports and PGA betting, hit up BetOnline.com.
Marco Sussman isn't too bad on the links, reportedly a five handicap. But, he's great in the sports betting game. He'll watch just about anything you put in front of him, but golf is what really gets his juices flowing. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
