Guidelines for wagering on the WM Phoenix Open: Top betting options, DFS advice, and additional insights

The Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is known for its high scoring potential. The previous year’s champion finished at 24 under par, leading by seven strokes, which clearly indicates the type of performance this venue rewards.

Players who can accumulate birdies, manage wedge-heavy approach shots, and maintain an aggressive style without making mistakes on par 5s are essential. This course benefits those with strong iron play, comfort on fast greens, and a willingness to take risks when scoring conditions are favorable.

As always, I concentrate on players who possess the attributes to contend for the title, but I prefer to bet conservatively, focusing on the top 20/30 markets where the scoring suitability exists and the odds remain appealing.

Here are the players to consider for WMPO for betting and fantasy.

Best bets

Maverick McNealy: Top 20 (+125)

Full odds:

• Top 30 -135

• Top 10 +265

• Top 5 +1550

• To win +3400

I am relying on the player’s profile rather than just their past finishes. McNealy excels tee-to-green (13th), particularly with his irons (18th). Consistently giving yourself opportunities inside 20 feet increases your chances to compete, and McNealy does just that. Recent performances support this, as he has achieved strong results on courses that correlate with Scottsdale, such as Summerlin and Twin Cities, both of which emphasize iron play and greens in regulation. While his putting can be inconsistent, that is acceptable for a top 20 finish. When his ball striking is solid, the plus-money odds are attractive for a dependable profile with genuine scoring potential.

Pierceson Coody: Top 30 (+110)

Full odds:

• Top 20 +175

• Top 10 +385

• Top 5 +830

• To win +5500

Maintaining the ball in play, hitting numerous greens, and avoiding high scores are key for Coody. He performs well tee-to-green (7th) and excels in greens in regulation and bogey avoidance. This combination allows a player to remain steady while others may falter. Recent top 20 finishes at The American Express and Farmers Insurance Open demonstrate that Coody can navigate challenging ball striking situations, both of which are relevant to Scottsdale. He has also shown potential in desert-style events where iron play and scrambling are more critical than putting. His putting is average, which is why I am not endorsing a top 20, but for a top 30, Coody’s consistency makes him a reasonable choice.

Si Woo Kim: Top 20 (-105)

Full odds:

• Top 10 +215

• Top 5 +450

• To win +2700

Kim fits the profile of a player I favor when ball striking is paramount, and I am not expecting an extraordinary putting performance. His recent form includes five consecutive top-20 finishes, which is consistent due to his statistics—second in the field from tee-to-green, fourth on approach, strong off the tee, and effective in bogey avoidance.

Scottsdale is a course that encourages birdies, but high scores can occur if one becomes careless. Kim’s ball striking can help him avoid such pitfalls. His course history is solid, with multiple top 25 finishes, including T12 in 2024. The putting remains a concern, but a top-20 price suggests that Kim’s iron play will provide him with enough opportunities to succeed.

Players to consider for Daily Fantasy

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Haotong Li, $7,500: Offers ball-striking potential without the premium price tag. His iron play has been exceptional recently, allowing any player to create birdie opportunities in clusters. His pricing is reasonable for someone capable of delivering a standout round or two and accumulating birdies, making him a cost-effective option.

Jacob Bridgeman, $7,100: He embodies a floor-first approach, avoiding volatility. He is consistent from tee-to-green, keeps the ball in play, and minimizes mistakes, which has led to consecutive top-15 finishes. Bridgeman’s iron play has been sufficiently strong to provide opportunities, gaining strokes in his last two rounds, and his scrambling ability prevents rounds from deteriorating. He is a selection aimed at making the cut, completing four rounds, and accumulating points without jeopardizing your lineup.

DFS player to fade

Xander Schauffele, $10,500: Despite having the second-highest salary, his recent performance does not warrant such an investment, as he has limited competitive appearances and lacks recent rhythm. His ball striking has not been sharp, having lost strokes off the tee at Torrey and being neutral at best on approach, with no significant differentiation in his scoring metrics to justify the salary disparity. Investing in him would be based on name recognition rather than current form. In a week where balanced lineups and mid-range players can outperform, Schauffele’s chances of justifying this salary are slim. It would be more prudent to allocate that salary to players with stronger approach trends and better value for the investment.