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Honda Classic picks (Matt Kuchar is perfect fit for PGA National)

By Iain MacMillan

Feb 18, 2023; Pacific Palisades, California, USA; Matt Kuchar hits from the fifteenth hole tee
Feb 18, 2023; Pacific Palisades, California, USA; Matt Kuchar hits from the fifteenth hole tee / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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We have had a fantastic stretch of golf over the past few weeks, capped off with the Genesis Invitational that included Tiger Woods' return to competitive golf.

Now, unfortunately, we have a pretty weak field at the Honda Classic this week, which will kick-off the Florida swing.

While the field may not have much star power, that just means there's plenty of betting value available on the board.

Let's dive into the event, starting off with a look at the odds via BetMGM Sportsbook, and then I'll breakdown my three best bets.

Odds to Win Honda Classic

Honda Classic Best Bet to Win

Matt Kuchar +2500

Matt Kuchar has silently had a fairly strong 2023 season so far. He has three top 10 finishes in eight starts, including a solo eighth place at the Genesis Invitational in a stacked field.

Now, in an event with a MUCH weaker field, he could take advantage of his form and grab a win. The thing that I like most about Kuch this week is his ability to scramble and save par, which I think is the biggest key at PGA National, which has an abundance of trouble and hazards for players to hit into.

Steady and mistake-free golf is the aim of the game at the Honda Classic, and that description fits him to a tee (pun intended). Heading into the week, he's first in Scrambling (74.07%) and first in Sand Save % (82.76%).

He has also been solid everywhere else, ranking 16th in total strokes gained, and his lack of distance of the tee won't kill him at this course.

My only concern is his lack of experience at PGA National. The last time he competed at this event was in 2011. I'm willing to overlook that in this situation.

Honda Classic Top 10 Bet

Danny Willett (+500)

We're sticking with the same thought process behind the Kuchar pick, and wagering on a golfer who does a great job of saving par when he doesn't hit a green in regulation. Heading into the event, Willett ranks fifth on Tour in scrambling percentage (70.06%).

Add on a 12th ranking in strokes gained: putting, and he fits the mold of someone who can trek along and not shoot themselves out of the tournament.

He's also coming off a T18 finish at the Genesis Invitational, so he could bring that solid form into this week's event.

Honda Classic Top 20 Bet

Austin Cook (+650)

Austin Cook struggles off the tee and with his putting, but his 33rd ranking in strokes gained: approach could separate him from the weak field this weekend.

Not only that, but he ranks 29th in scrambling percentage (66.19%) and 41st in sand save percentage (57.45%). As long as he doesn't completely blow it off the tee, which is certainly possible, he has a great chance to make the cut and be somewhat in the mix on Sunday.

He's worth a longshot bet to finish in the top 20.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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