PGA picks: Spieth to continue strong ball-striking with win at Sony Open
Dustin Johnson got things off to a roaring start in 2018 with a runaway victory at Kapalua, obliterating the field with an incredible performance.
Luckily for the field at the Sony Open this week, Johnson isn't participating, while Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are the only top-10 players in the world teeing it up.
The longtime host of the event, Waialae Country Club, is a par-70 that requires supreme accuracy on both tee shots and approaches to the green.
Here are some players to target on the betting board this week:
Favorite to watch (odds less than 20-1)
Jordan Spieth
Spieth finished third at Waialae last season and hasn't finished outside the top 20 in the event in three years. He continues to showcase his brilliant iron play, while a balky putter was the only thing keeping him from the top five last week at Kapalua. It's a safe bet that the world No. 2 will fix those issues and walk off with the victory Sunday evening.
Odds to win: 5-1
Top-5 odds: Even
Second tier (odds 20-1 or greater)
Brian Harman
Harman is among the hottest players on tour right now, as he finished third last week to post his fourth top-10 in as many starts. He's also been a strong player at Waialae in recent years, posting three consecutive top-20s. Look for the Georgia alum to be back in contention for the second event in a row in Hawaii.
Odds to win: 20-1
Top-5 odds: 16-5
Long shot (odds 50-1 or greater)
J.J. Spaun
Spaun missed the cut in Hawaii last year, but has been in top form since the start of the wraparound season. The 27-year-old has three top-15 finishes in his last three events, including a second-place showing at The RSM Classic in late November.
Odds to win: 66-1
Top-5 odds: 11-1
Super long shot (odds 80-1 or greater)
William McGirt
McGirt has been in fine form to start the 2017-18 season, posting back-to-back top-10s at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and The RSM Classic. He's also very familiar with the Waialae layout, having posted two top-20 showings in his career at the course. A player of McGirt's talent - who's both in-form and has a strong history at the event - is a must-bet at 80-1.
Odds to win: 80-1
Top-5 odds: 10-1
Hit this bet, buy a car (odds 100-1 or greater)
Ryan Palmer
A player with Palmer's talent normally wouldn't have such an intriguing price, but the 41-year-old is making his first start since August due to shoulder surgery. While he did miss the cut here last year, his previous history at Waialae makes him a great long shot, with three top-17 showings from 2014-16.
Odds to win: 125-1
Top-5 odds: 16-1
Last week's results
Dustin Johnson: 1st
Patrick Cantlay: T-15
Brendan Steele: 29th
Ryan Armour: 20th
Adam Hadwin: 32nd
Record for year (1 event)
Wins: 1 (Dustin Johnson 15-2)
Top 5: 1
Odds courtesy: Bodog
Photos courtesy: Getty Images