With the 2024 Tour Championship getting underway in Atlanta, Georgia, golf bettor and expert Brady Kannon shares his picks and insights for the tournament. As the final event of the FedEx Cup playoffs, the focus is on players like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, who are at the top of the points standings. Keegan Bradley, despite a recent win, is not expected to contend for the title amidst tough competition.
The tournament format, which awards starting strokes based on FedEx Cup rankings, has its flaws. While the top players get a head start, those at the bottom face a significant deficit. This can make betting less appealing for some, as only a handful of players have a realistic chance of winning. However, the drama and excitement of the playoffs leading up to the Tour Championship are still enjoyable for fans.
The East Lake Golf Club has undergone renovations to restore Donald Ross’s original design characteristics. With changes to the course layout and turf types, the players will face challenges, particularly with the Bermuda grass rough. Scrambling and driving accuracy will play a crucial role in navigating the course, which features long par-3 holes and varying par-4 distances.
Kannon’s preferred correlated courses for comparison include TPC Potomac, TPC River Highlands, Sedgefield, Royal Troon, Muirfield Village, TPC Southwind, and Innisbrook. Despite the varied course characteristics, Kannon believes the Tour Championship is set to be a two-person race between Scheffler and Schauffele, with both players showing strong form in previous editions of the tournament.
In addition to the stroke market, Kannon suggests looking at betting markets for the lowest 72-hole score without starting strokes. Players like Aaron Rai, Hideki Matsuyama, Viktor Hovland, and Billy Horschel offer value in this category. As for the stroke market, Kannon remains bullish on Schauffele’s chances at +225 odds, citing his past success at East Lake and other courses.
While Scheffler is a strong contender for Player of the Year, Kannon believes Schauffele is poised to claim victory at the Tour Championship. With a track record of success at East Lake and favorable odds, Schauffele presents a compelling option for bettors looking to capitalize on the tournament. Chirp Golf players also show interest in Schauffele’s prospects, further validating his status as a top pick for the event.
