Money talks, as they say, and it spoke loud enough to Jon Rahm getting one of if not the best player in the world to crossover to LIV Golf where the Spaniard will make his debut this week at LIV Golf Mayakoba. Just like last year the 14-tournament season debuts south of the border at El Camaleon Golf Course in the resort town of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with Charles Howell III set to defend the title he won by four swings 12 months ago. However, there are some changes for the third season with the field size increased to 54 players with an additional team and two wild card spots added. Joining reigning Masters champion Rahm as a new LIV player is Tyrrell Hatton, a six-time winner on the European Tour with 10 professional titles overall. Not surprisingly Rahm opened as a massive favorite in the outright market and will likely be at the top of the odds board for every event. That doesn’t mean he’s going to win and past troubles at El Camaleon could be problematic. All the favorites are included in a matchup or two so visit BookMaker.eu for a complete updated list of matchup betting odds when you’re ready to place a wager.
LIV Golf Mayakoba Matchup Odds
Jon Rahm -141 vs. Tyrrell Hatton +111
Bryson DeChambeau +143 vs. Joaquin Niemann -180
Cameron Smith +111 vs. Talor Gooch -141
Dustin Johnson -122 vs. Brooks Koepka -108
Adrian Meronk -137 vs. Mito Pereira +107
Abraham Ancer -176 vs. Sergio Garcia +140
Louis Oosthuizen -135 vs. Patrick Reed +105
Sebastian Munoz -120 vs. Carlos Ortiz -110
Charles Howell III -135 vs. Dean Burmester +105
Harold Varner III -118 vs. Jason Kokrak -112
Marc Leishman -220 vs. Peter Uihlein +172
Anirban Lahiri +118 vs. Cameron Tringale -148
Brendan Steele -137 vs. Branden Grace +107
Henrik Stenson -178 vs. Lucas Herbert +141
David Puig -130 vs. Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra +100
Thomas Pieters +163 vs. Richard Bland -207
Ian Poulter -132 vs. Charl Schwartzel +102
Sam Horsfield +143 vs. Kevin Na -180
Bubba Watson +115 vs. Graeme McDowell -145
Phil Mickelson +168 vs. Pat Perez -215
Need to Know
The tournament format remains the same with 54 holes of stroke play, a shotgun start and no cut. And another marketing ploy to incorporate the number 54 the size of the field was increased with a one additional four-player team and two wild cards who are not team affiliated. There is a betting market for the team concept as well. At just over 7,000 yards El Camaleon is short by pro standards. It is a resort course with few obstacles and forgiving fairways. The previous four winners here on the PGA side all scored 20-under or better and Howell was -16 over 54 holes a year ago, so expect some low numbers. Some players have had success with Carlos Ortiz a runner-up in 2019 and 2021, and Pat Perez a winner at 21-under in 2016. Because of its length, accuracy is more important than distance.
LIV Golf Mayakoba Matchup Picks
Cameron Smith +111 vs. Talor Gooch
There were some players I wanted to back but the price was too high. And as you know I’m looking for value in my picks instead of going with a massive favorite. This is one matchup between three-time winners that gives Smith plenty of value. I like the smooth swing and more consistent play of Smith, who finished sixth here last year for one of his six top 10s.
Dean Burmester +105 vs. Charles Howell III
I wanted to back Howell in this matchup especially after he mastered the course last year closing with a tournament-low 63 to win by 4-swings. However, his price is a little steep for my liking and it’s not like I’m rolling over for Burmester. The South African won twice on the DP World Tour a few months ago staying sharp with rounds of 62 and 64 to win the Joburg Open and carding a 65 to win the South African Championship.
Patrick Reed +105 vs. Louis Oosthuizen
Like Burmester, Oosthuizen had a glorious time on the DP World Tour winning a pair of titles, which is a big reason why he’s a heavy favorite in this matchup. Going back to the three-round format is tough and Oosthuizen struggled last season. Meanwhile, Reed is a beast on tidy courses like El Camaleon and although he didn’t display that last year I think he’s ready for a breakthrough after coming close to that first LIV win a few times last season.
Brooks Koepka -108 vs. Dustin Johnson
This is another sterling matchup between two of the sport’s best players. Koepka had a strong close to last season winning the regular season finale in Jeddah becoming the first LIV golfer to successfully defend. This is a different layout, though, and one that could present problems to both players like it did last year when they finished outside the top 30. DJ won enough money the first season to last three lifetimes so I’m a little concerned about his motivation because sometimes just competing isn’t enough.
Phil Mickelson +168 vs. Pat Perez
This might be the last hurrah for Lefty so why not go out with a bang. On the other hand the less taxing LIV schedule might have put a few extra years on his aging frame. Either way it hasn’t changed the fact that I’m a fan and I’m breaking the No. 1 rule by betting with my heart. Just throw some pocket change on Mickelson for a nice return and it won’t hurt your bankroll.
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