We’re still a couple of months away from any major golf championships, but it will be a major-like atmosphere at this weekend’s Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif.
The former Nissan Open became the Genesis Invitational in 2017, and the 2021 version will feature seven of the top 10 players in the world. It will make for a competitive and exciting end to the PGA Tour’s West Coast swing – the last of the California tournaments before play moves east to Puerto Rico and Florida.
Dustin Johnson (+500)
Dustin Johnson is the world’s No. 1 player, and he is the prohibitive favorite whenever he tees it up. He won at this event in 2017, and the reigning Masters Champion is the online sports betting favorite to win the Genesis Invitational for the second time this week.
Johnson withdrew unexpectedly from the Pebble Beach Pro-Am last week, which should make him well rested for the challenge of the smaller greens at Riviera.
Bubba Watson (+4000)
Three different golfers have won this tournament three times. Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Bubba Watson. You may not think of Watson as being in the same league as those other two, nor should you.
But he loves this course, and he thrives here. And it’s not as though his success in the Palisades is ancient history. His victories in this tournament came in 2014, 2016, and 2018.
He’s been solid from tee to green of late, but the putter has let him down. That will be his Achilles heel this weekend if he can’t get it straightened out. But if he can, +4000 is a really nice play.
Adam Scott (+2800)
A win this weekend, and Adam Scott will join the list of three-time winners at this tournament. He is the defending champion but almost an afterthought when you look at the rest of the field.
But do not overlook Scott, who not only won here in 2020 but also 2005. He’s also been playing very well to start this season, making every cut so far and netting a top-10 finish down the coast at Torrey Pines.
Scott only ranks 23rd in the world at the moment, so he gets lost among the bigger names. But along with Watson, Scott is the only multiple winner at Riviera in this weekend’s field.
Brooks Koepka (+2000)
The world’s former No. 1 player, Brooks Koepka is coming off a win in Phoenix and is playing much better golf than when he finished tied for 43rd in last year’s tournament. If you’re looking for one of the best in the world to rise up and win for the first time at Riviera, Koepka is a solid choice. And with online bookmakers listing him at +2000, he’s a solid payday.
Daniel Berger (+2500)
Daniel Berger just won at Pebble Beach and has top-10 finishes at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and the Sony Open in January. He’s also lurking around the top players in the world at No. 13.
It would be quite a feat if Berger were to win in back-to-back weeks, but his current form makes it very possible.
PGA Field at Riviera Odds
Player | Odds |
---|---|
Dustin Johnson | +500 |
Bubba Watson | +4000 |
Adam Scott | +2800 |
Brooks Koepka | +2000 |
Daniel Berger | +2500 |