Waste Management Phoenix Open 2023

It feels odd writing a preview while the previous week's tournament is still in progress. But with a Monday finish and a subpar display from our golfers, I’ve given myself a head start. Mind you, Ben Silverman won the Pro-Am, so I was kind of right.

This week we find ourselves at TPC Scottsdale for the Phoenix Open. I hope this will be a good omen, as we picked up our first winner of the year here twelve months ago. Last year, it was Scottie Scheffler who prevailed in a dramatic playoff with Patrick Cantlay. This year I hope it will be another one of our picks, but hopefully, it can be under more stress-free circumstances. The signature stadium-style 16th hole, the magnificent driveable par four 17th, and a very tricky closing hole offer the perfect test for any golfer looking to prevail this week.

Five names in total for you all this week. An impressive field this week with the world's number one, two, and three in attendance. I’ve done my best to find the usual bit of value in the rest of the market. It surely can’t be as dismal as last week, right?

Cameron Young 2pts ew 30/1 (8 places William Hill)

Fresh from a runner-up finish in the Saudi International on Sunday, Cameron could be ready to capture his maiden PGA Tour title this week. Last season’s Rookie of the Year finished 2nd a remarkable five times on tour last year. In my mind, it’s only a matter of time before he eventually wins. Perfect in four starts this season with a pair of top-25 finishes to show for his efforts. One of the most impressive drivers of a golf ball on tour, which can be a tremendous advantage around this layout. Finished in a tie for 26th last year here on debut and given his start to 2023, I believe he is on track to build on that this week.

Hideki Matsuyama 2 pts ew 33/1 (8 places Skybet)

The Japanese superstar has struggled with injuries over the last year, but recent weeks have given me hope Hideki is nearing full fitness again. Three top 25 finishes in seven starts this season, this included at top 10 at the Farmers last time out. Something that surprises me this season with Matsuyama is it’s been his putting and chipping, which has given him these strong results. Normally it’s his proficient driving and sublime iron play that wins the plaudits. A fully fit Hideki can’t be ignored at TPC Scottsdale, a venue where he won back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017. In fact, he’s only finished outside the top 16 here twice in nine visits, a W/D in 2018 and T42 in 2021.

I can’t think of a better week to be on Hideki on his quest to get back into the winner's circle.

Keegan Bradley 1pt ew 66/1 (8 places Skybet)

Two weeks removed from Keegan’s unexpected change at Torrey Pines to put Max Homa under pressure in his closing holes. Keegan has had a supremely impressive start to this season, with a T5, 2nd, and a win to his name in six starts. Newfound confidence with the putter is the direct cause for these finishes and if he can keep that form going, I believe he can be a big factor this week. Bradley hasn’t missed a trip to Phoenix since he made his debut here in 2012. Five top 25 finishes in those eleven starts, and although a T15 back in 2012 is his best finish here, I have faith the best is yet to come.

Rickie Fowler 1pt ew 66/1 (8 places Boyles)

I said last year I would not pick Rickie Fowler anymore for these previews after he left us down time after time. But here we are, and here he is. In six events this season, Rickie has already amassed more FedEx Cup points and accumulated more money than he did in all of his twenty-two starts last year. This sharp turnaround in his fortunes is mainly ‌down to Rickie going back to working with Butch Harmon. Similar to Keegan at the Farmers, Fowler was putting together a final round charge before an abysmal run on his back. Nine halted his efforts. He still recovered for a T11 finish, but to a player of Fowler’s ability, that won’t be good enough. From 2016-2019 Rickie’s form here in Phoenix read 2-4-11-1, he is no stranger to performing to a high standard here. A return to a course with fond memories combined with his recent upturn in form could be the perfect combination for another run at a title here at the Waste Management.

Corey Conners 1pt ew 70/1 (8 places William Hill)

Since missing the cut at the season-opening Fortinet Championship, Corey has connected for four straight top-25 finishes. He’s perfect in three starts here at TPC Scottsdale, but he has failed to catch fire in those efforts. A tie for 17th in 2021 was his most successful attempt. But coming here on the back of four solid results, confidence must be high for the Canadian who is still looking to add to his solitary PGA Tour title. Conners is tee to green behemoth, but that’s where his struggles begin, his putting leaves a lot to be desired. If Corey can manage even a half-decent week with the putter, he could be a dark horse this week.