The third tournament of the controversial Saudi-funded LIV Golf series tees off this weekend at Trump National in Bedminster, New Jersey. Named the LIV Golf Invitational – New Jersey but simply referred to as “LIV Golf Bedminster,” the event will be LIV’s second on U.S. soil. The first, LIV Gold Portland at Pumpkin Ridge, took place in early July.
There will be plenty of controversy surrounding this event (as there always seems to be with LIV events), but let’s talk about golf and who will take down the $4 million jackpot from this weekend’s $25 million in prize money. Dustin Johnson sits atop the odds boards for this weekend’s event as an overwhelming +500 favorite to win. After finishing tied for sixth at the Open Championship at St. Andrews, DJ has the attention of the sportsbooks.
MORE: LIV Golf Tour Schedule | Updated List of PGA Tour Defectors
Talor Gooch (+1000), the second on the odds board, is the only other golfer of the field of 48 with shorter odds than +1200. Bryson DeChambeau and Abraham Ancer, who both also fared well at the Open, sit with Louis Oosthauizen at +1200.
Who will win LIV Golf Bedminster? Sporting News breaks down the latest tournament odds, best bets, and sleepers for this polarizing midsummer tournament.
All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
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MORE: Charles Barkley wants an exorbitant offer from LIV Golf… ASAP
We never like to advise going chalk on a predominant favorite with short odds, but DJ is the best golfer in the field of 48 this weekend. He also enters the weekend as the hottest golfer on the circuit after his T6 at the Open at St. Andrews.
Johnson’s driving and approach shots largely fuel his success, including a T3 at Pumpkin Ridge and an eighth-place finish at LIV Golf London, the debut event at Centurion Club. He appears the least fazed by the copious controversy, and seems like the best bet of the bunch for pretty much every LIV tourney. Look for DJ to pull down his first LIV win, which would also be the first LIV victory by an American.
Ancer has enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2022, moving all the way up to 22 on the world rankings (OWGR) after a T9 at the PGA Championship at T11 at the Open. The Mexican native has been making noise with his iron as well as his putter, and the results are impressive. Ancer shot a final-round 65 to finish -11 at the Old Course. He seems like a great bet at +1200 or +230 to finish in the top five.
Grace has made plenty of noise on the LIV circuit in its short period of existence. He won LIV Portland at Pumpkin Ridge, finishing -11, and placed third at LIV London in June. His driving, approach shots, and putting have all been brilliant, and his nerves of steel helped him surmount Johnson and Carlos Ortiz in a dominant final round in Portland. The South African shot a final-round 65 to finish -13 and pull in millions. Consider at least a small wager on +2000, or the fish-in-a-barrel +140 to finish top 10.
Also worth consideration: Carlos Ortiz (+3000), who finished second at LIV Portland; Charl Schwartzel (+4500), who shot -7 to win LIV London.
Stenson recently joined the LIV Tour despite pledging previously that he would stay away from the divisive Saudi-backed series. His announcement resulted in his subsequent removal as Ryder Cup captain for Team Europe. The latest big name to enter into the fray, the Swede’s new salary is reported to be in the area of $40 million.
With the event about 50 miles away from the site of 9/11, protests against Stenson and President Trump will be plentiful. However, it’s doubtful they will spill into Trump National at Bedminster. The private course was listed as one of the official presidential residences during Trump’s four years as Commander-in-Chief, so let’s just say the security of the course has been pretty solid. Stenson, 46, brings plenty of experience. He has six career wins and 48 top-10 finishes. Here’s betting he nets his first top-10 finish on the LIV Tour this weekend.
Also worth consideration: Phil Mickelson (+500 to finish top 10) has a knack for playing well in the elements. With rain and wind forecasted early on in the event, Lefty could finally make some noise for the first time in a while.
MORE: Henrik Stenson Stripped of Ryder Cup Captaincy | Who will replace him?
A par 72 like Bedminster’s ‘Old Course,’ Trump National Bedminster’s ‘New Course’ measures 7,511 yards and mirrors the majestic beauty of the Old Course (Old Course was designed by Tom Fazio — New Course was designed by Tom Fazio II). New Course features plenty of tough angles, slopes, bunkers, and small greens.
Players will need to have their A-game when driving and setting up approach and around-the-green shots. The greens may be short, but it’s always a tall order to get to them at Bedminster. The course favors Johnson’s tee-to-green skills and consistent all-around game.
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