3 minute read

The PGA Tour heads to the Golden State and the Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades – a former and future US Open host - for the 2024 Genesis Invitational Open.

A par 71, 7,322-yard course – the 17th most challenging on the Tour - awaits some of the world's best golfers, and there will be a pair of former victors teeing off on Thursday, February 12.

Australia's Adam Scott (40/1) and American Max Homa (16/1) have both showcased form at the course on the more than one occasion.

2021 winner Homa, who was also the runner-up to Jon Rahm 12 months ago, has finished in the top 10 at the tournament in four consecutive years and is currently ranked eighth in the official world golf rankings.

Despite his success at the venue, his form in 2024 comes into question with zero top 10 finishes and one missed cut in four tournaments.

Statistically, his putting has been dire in 2024 – he ranks 132nd in shots gained putting (-0.384), 79th in putts per round (29.46), 77th in one-putt percentage (38.03) and 135th in putting average (1.813). The hope would be that he could compensate with other parts of his game, but he is lacking across the board this season.

Scott, meanwhile, may be the better option even at the much longer price. The Aussie has a pair of top 20 finishes in two tournaments this year including a T8 finish at last week's WM Phoenix Open – he also boasts four top seven finishes – including one victory - at the Riviera Country Club.

Scott to finish Top 20 is 6/5, with a Top 10 outing priced at 10/3. Homa is 13/8 to challenge for a Top 10 position.

In addition to the two former victors, several of the world's biggest names will be on show including world number one Scottie Scheffler (15/2), world number two Rory McIlroy (8/1), world number four Viktor Hovland (12/1) and world number five Xander Schauffele (12/1).

American Scheffler has three top 10 finishes in four tournaments this season but has failed to secure that elusive victory. It should soon come, however, as he ranks third in total shots gained (2.417), second in shots gained on approach (1.882) and first in greens hit in regulation (88.38%). On the downside he is 122nd in putts per round (29.91) - the discipline currently holding him back

If you're looking for a form horse, Chris Kirk (66/1), Grayson Murray (300/1), Nick Dunlap (250/1), Wyndham Clark (50/1) and Nick Taylor (80/1) have won five of the six events so far on the PGA Tour in 2024.

Kirk and Clark are likely the outside options to punt on, with both finishing in the Top 50 of four tournaments this season. Kirk at 17/10 to finish in the Top 20 seems a very backable given the statistical analyse – he's a well-rounded competitor who should enjoy the distance of this course.

Best Bets (5/1 - Double)

Adam Scott to finish Top 20 (6/5)

Chris Kirk to finish Top 20 (17/10)