PGA picks: Rahm set to continue hot stretch with win at CareerBuilder Challenge
The PGA Tour heads back to the mainland this week with the CareerBuilder Challenge at the Stadium Course at PGA West.
With many of the top players in the world teeing it up in Abu Dhabi, it's a wide open event with Jon Rahm the only golfer listed in the top-10 of the world golf rankings making the start.
Here's who to target this week in California.
Favorite to watch (odds less than 20-1)
Jon Rahm
Rahm's last two tournaments feature a win in the European Tour season finale and a second-place showing at the Sentry Tournament of Champions. He closed in Hawaii by shooting 11-under par on the weekend and will look to keep that going in California this week. He finished 34th in the event last season, and that experience, combined with his red-hot form should see the 23-year-old to victory.
Odds to win: 8-1
Top-5 odds: 2-1
Second tier (odds 20-1 or greater)
Bud Cauley
With two top-10 finishes in his last two starts in the United States, Cauley is rolling heading in to the CareerBuilder Challenge. Expect his fine form to continue at PGA West as the 27-year-old posted a third-place finish at the venue last year. Cauley has yet to win an event on the PGA Tour, but don't be shocked if this weekend is his first.
Odds to win: 33-1
Top-5 odds: 7-1
Long shot (odds 50-1 or greater)
Peter Uihlein
Technically, Uihlein is considered a rookie on the PGA Tour, but the 28-year-old American has been a star on the European Tour for a few years. Uihlein missed the cut in Hawaii last week but posted fifth- and 10th-place place showings at the WGC-HSBC Champions and CIMB Classic, respectively, in his previous two starts. Those fields featured more star power than this week, and Uihlein could notch his first PGA Tour win as a result.
Odds to win: 50-1
Top-5 odds: 10-1
Super long shot (odds 80-1 or greater)
Aaron Wise
Wise is technically also a PGA Tour rookie, but the former Oregon star actually played in the CareerBuilder Challenge last year. After opening with back-to-back 68s in the event, Wise faded on the weekend but still finished 34th. The 21-year-old is off to a decent start this year, with a 13th-place showing in the RSM Classic two starts ago.
Odds to win: 150-1
Top-5 odds: 25-1
Hit this bet, buy a car (odds 125-1 or greater)
Maverick McNealy
The prolific McNealy won 11 college tournaments in his career at Stanford, a record shared with Patrick Rodgers and some guy named Tiger Woods. He's playing this week on a sponsor exemption, but is no stranger to PGA Tour events having made six of 10 cuts on the big circuit. He's familiar with California golf and should feel right at home this week at PGA West.
Odds to win: 200-1
Top-5 odds: 33-1
Last week's results
Jordan Spieth: T-18
Brian Harman: T-4
J.J. Spaun: T-47
William McGirt: T-65
Ryan Palmer: T-58
Record for year (2 events)
Wins: 1 (Dustin Johnson 15-2)
Top 5: 2
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
(Odds courtesy: Bodog)