FedEx Cup runner-up picked to take Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge

In just an 18-strong field, the off-season Hero World Challenge doesn’t quite provide the depth of punting possibilities that a regular PGA Tour event normally would, but that actually isn’t such a bad thing.

There may not be the prospect of a triple-figure winner in the betting, with Steve Stricker the longest shot in the field at 40/1, but with such a small entry list it means that the outside picks Ladbrokes customers do make stand a better chance of glory.

The defending champion is Zach Johnson, who is a 33/1 chance to keep his hands on the trophy, but the course he’ll be bidding to do so on is new, with the tournament switching to the Isleworth Golf and Country Club in Florida.

As the home course of tournament host Tiger Woods, the former world number one should hold some advantage over the rest of the field, but with a new “swing consultant” on board and the player making his first start since missing the cut in the USPGA in August there’s plenty of reason to swerve him at 14s.

At 25/1, Chris Kirk is instead a far better prospect. The 29-year-old finished last season in strong, if heartbreaking, fashion, winning the third-last tournament of the season before a tie for fourth in the final event of the year saw him claim the silver medal in the FedEx Cup.

While his victor in those standings, the 25/1-rated Billy Horschel, has made a disappointing return to the course, Kirk has continued his steady form opening with another T4 at the McGladrey Classic then finishing T14 at the WGC HSBC Champions last time out.

Backing him each-way with Ladbrokes will return a fifth of the odds if Kirk finishes in the top four again here, although confidence can be easily placed in him claiming victory outright too.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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