Betting PGA: Two head-to-head matchups for Farmers Insurance Open

The PGA moves away from the Hawaii swing into the California swing with the Farmers Insurance Open. Similar to last week, players will tackle two separate courses, Torrey Pines South and Torrey Pines North, playing each course once ahead of the 36-hole cut before closing out the weekend on the South course.

Both courses are Par 72 and over 7,200 yards. There are two types of players who could win this event: the tee-box bomber with the ability to avoid the fairway hazards, or the short-game heroes who can get up and down. In either case, a solid putter, preferably one that excels on Poa annua greens, is a benefit.

With this in mind, these are the two head-to-head matchups I like for the Farmers Insurance Open.

Sungjae Im (-115) versus Scottie Scheffler

Im’s game could be well suited for this weekend. He is both great off the tee and around the green. Where Im has lacked is with his irons and putting. However, I’m fading Scheffler. Poa annua is neither player’s best surface, but Im is still a little bit better, losing .19 strokes putting on those greens compared to Scheffler’s .51 strokes lost. Scheffler has back-to-back missed cuts at this event, while Im is coming into this event with some form, placing T11 in last week’s The American Express. In his last seven starts, Im has five top 20s, two of which are top 10s, including an October win in the Shriners Children’s Open.

Lanto Griffin (-105) versus Luke List

With Im, I was backing the better driver and around the green player. In this instance, I’m fading that style of golfer (List) and opting for the better iron player and putter (Griffin).

Both styles can excel in this event but the difference for me is in the putting surface. Poa annua greens are Griffin’s best surface, gaining .55 strokes, while List is a terrible putter all around, losing .31 on these types of greens.

If you’re unfamiliar with Poa annua greens, they are bumpy and difficult. A great putter can get away with this surface, because the flat stick is typically his best weapon. So, if you’re a great putter and Poa annua is your best surface, well then, the opportunity to contend will be there. Especially when you tie in solid iron play. Griffin also enters this contest with some confidence, finishing T3 in last week’s tournament, having gained strokes in every single category.