Henrik Stenson and Bubba Watson are the two highest-ranked golfers in the field at next week's Olympics. But despite being separated by just one spot in the Official World Golf Ranking (Stenson is No. 5, Watson is No. 6), it's the Swede who has been made a pretty big favorite by Vegas to win in Rio.
On Tuesday, Westgate Las Vegas Superbook released betting lines for the event and Stenson checks in at 9-to-2 odds. Only two players (Jordan Spieth at the even-more-limited field Hyundai TOC and Rory McIlroy at the Wells Fargo) had better odds (4/1) to win entering a PGA Tour event this season. And at the four majors, Jason Day's 6-to-1 odds to win the U.S. Open were the lowest odds.
In other words, Stenson's line is pretty low, although it shouldn't be too surprising. Sadly, it speaks more to a disappointing field of 60 heading to Rio than Stenson's recent hot play.
What's more surprising is that Sergio Garcia is the second favorite at 7/1. The Spaniard had T-5s at the U.S. and British Opens, but is coming off a missed cut at Baltusrol.
Watson, his USA teammate Rickie Fowler, and England's Justin Rose are tied for the third-lowest odds at 12/1. They are followed by the rest of Team USA, Patrick Reed and Matt Kuchar, as well as German Martin Kaymer at 15/1.
Watson also happens to be the favorite at this week's Travelers Championship at 12/1. You'd think it would be more difficult to claim a gold medal than to win a random tour event, but apparently, it's not. Sorry, Olympics.
Another surprise is that reigning Masters champ Danny Willett is only listed at 20/1. That might just be the best value bet of the bunch.
So who has the worst odds in the field? Rudolfo Cazaubon (Mexico) and Danny Chia (Malaysia), both of whom are big long shots at 300/1.
Check out golfodds.com for the full list.
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