This weeks’ PGA Tour stop, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, has what looks like a fun lineup. Webb Simpson is the favorite (and why not?) at 14/1. He’s followed by last week’s winner, Brandt Snedeker (whom I’m surprised is still in the lineup) at 20/1. Martin Laird and Nick Watney are in at 22/1. Then there’s a big pile at 25/1, including Matt Kuchar, Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler and Bill Haas.
Given the egalitarian state of the Tour these days, practically anyone could win this event. The one I’d most like to see win is Phil, of course. But—even taking into account the fact that he has been (rightfully) distracted by family issues—his short game and putting are off. Phil has always been wild off the tee, but has made up for it with his crazy good wedge play and putting. Without those …
If you’re looking for a feel-good story this week, how about JB Holmes. He’s a two-time winner (2006, 2008), who is coming off brain surgery for structural defects on the cerebellum called Chiari malformations. The initial surgery went well, but a month later doctors discovered he was allergic to an adhesive used in the titanium plate in his skull. He was airlifted from his home in Kentucky to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore for another surgery. Holmes actually returned to the tour last week, where he missed the cut after opening with a 76. He recovered in the second round, though, with a 69.
Rickie Fowler may be the best bet overall, however. He was T13 last year, and in second alone in 2010. He also shot a 62 on this course last year.
The complete odds for the Waste Management Phoenix Open are below, courtesy of Bovada, the world’s largest betting destination.
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