2022 Zurich Classic Dark Horse Picks (Longshot Bets to Back at TPC Louisiana)

The Zurich Classic is here!

Not exactly an event that gets a ton of love from casual golf fans and bettors, but the team format makes for some interesting betting opportunities. The format has only been in place for four iterations of the tournament and the first ever saw a 100/1 winner, which means if you love longshot bets, this could be the tournament for you.

Check out my betting preview for my top three outright bets. Here, I'm going to list my three favorite dark horses.

All odds listed are via WynnBET Sportsbook.

Dark Horse Bets to Win the Zurich Classic

Harry Higgs and Austin Smotherman +12500

The people love Harry Higgs! And after a T14 at the Masters a couple of weeks ago, he gave them even more reason to be a fan. He has shown spurts of excellence throughout his career, and he compliments his teammate, Austin Smotherman, well.

You may not have heard of Smotherman's name considering he's a rookie on the PGA Tour, but he's been solid so far this season. Especially in the ball striking department. He ranks 32nd in strokes gained: off-the-tee and 18th in strokes gained: approach. He struggled with his short game, but that's exactly where Higgs excels. These two fit together like a puzzle piece, so don't be surprised if they're in contention on the weekend.

Hayden Buckley and Alex Smalley +15000

This partnership was my pick for this week's Closet to the Win segment on Green on the Greens, so obviously I like them at 150/1. They're both very strong off the tee, which is paramount in Friday and Sunday's alternate shot format.

Sam Ryder and Doc Redman +15000

My Green on the Greens co-host, Cody Williams, wrote up these guys as his longshot pick to win in his own betting preview, and this is what he had to say about them.

"In our video preview up above, we have our new Closest to the Win segment where we have a longshot pick going head-to-head. For that, I took Tom Hoge and Paul Barjon at the same odds. However, I’m pivoting a bit here to Ryder and Redman."

"Again, ball-striking is always going to catch my eye. This team has been showing good approach play as of late and, while not particularly long off the tee as a whole, they are solidly accurate and can be in good spots. The team is also gaining strokes on the green over the last 24 rounds. At these longshot odds, I’ll take a bite at the upside of this team and what they could potentially do."

You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.