Sharps Backing Collin Morikawa to Snag Gold Medal in Paris

With the Olympic men's golf competition being an event seen only twice in our lifetimes and occurring every four years, it presents a unique challenge and excitement different from the regular PGA TOUR routine. This week's column features fresh insights from bookmakers and focuses on both the outright market and head-to-head matchups for the upcoming Olympics.

Key Players and Betting Insights

Collin Morikawa: Collin Morikawa has garnered significant sharp action, with many believing he is primed for an Olympic victory. Despite not winning a major this season, Morikawa has consistently been near the top, making him a strong contender for the gold medal.

Jon Rahm: Jon Rahm, who struggled in major championships this season until a seventh-place finish at The Open, is another favorite. His past performances at Le Golf National, including a win over Tiger Woods in the 2018 Ryder Cup, make him a strong candidate.

Shane Lowry: Shane Lowry, who led at Royal Troon two weeks ago, is seen as a strong contender due to his recent form and national pride. Thomas Gable from The Borgata recommends betting on Lowry at +2400 or better.

Corey Conners: Corey Conners has also been highlighted, although he hasn't received as much attention as others. His performance metrics and consistency make him a potential dark horse.

Other Contenders:

  • Alex Noren: With a strong track record at Le Golf National, including a win at the 2018 Open de France, Noren is a notable contender.
  • Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele: Both have strong current forms and are expected to draw significant betting action due to their recent successes.
  • Tommy Fleetwood and Joaquin Niemann: These players have seen strong betting action, with Fleetwood's past success at Le Golf National making him a favorite.
  • Victor Perez and Tom Kim: Vinny Magliulo highlights Perez for a home advantage and Tom Kim for his potential.

Head-to-Head Matchups:

  • Ancer vs. Ortiz: Preference for Ancer.
  • Min Woo Lee vs. Jason Day: Favoring Min Woo Lee.
  • Thorbjorn Olesen vs. Ryan Fox: Picking Olesen.

Notable Mentions:

  • Thomas Detry: Detry's extensive experience at Le Golf National and his recent good form make him a notable pick. His strong performance on par 4s and putting skills rank him highly among contenders.

Overall, this Olympic golf event, with its unique international flair and infrequency, provides an exciting betting landscape with several potential candidates for the gold medal.