Bryson DeChambeau enters LIV Golf Virginia as the betting favorite following his impressive two-stroke victory at the Korea event. The hard-hitting American now finds himself atop the odds board ahead of fellow stars Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
"We have greens that are rolling 14 to 15 on the Stimpmeter, just like we will next week... I think it's a great way to prepare for [the U.S. Open] without minimizing the importance of this week," Phil Mickelson noted about the course conditions.
Interestingly, these challenging green conditions might create opportunities for skilled putters in the field. Among the value picks generating buzz is Brooks Koepka at +3000 odds, whose motivation often peaks when major championships approach.
Koepka's pattern is clear - his LIV form typically improves when a major like the U.S. Open looms on the horizon. This season alone, he placed runner-up at LIV Golf Singapore and finished T-18 at Miami before the Masters. Most recently, he secured a T-17 finish in Korea ahead of the PGA Championship.
Cameron Smith, another notable contender, carries +140 odds for a Top 10 finish. The Australian's exceptional putting skills could prove decisive on these lightning-fast greens. Smith has consistently relied on his short game throughout his career, which has earned him four PGA Tour and three LIV Golf victories.
Do not overlook young talent Caleb Surratt at +100 for a Top 20 finish. The 21-year-old former SEC champion has been remarkable with his putter this season, currently tied for first on LIV in fewest putts per green. This putting prowess has helped him secure Top-20 finishes in two of the past four events.
DeChambeau's recent form extends beyond LIV - he finished T-2 at the PGA Championship and placed fifth at The Masters earlier this year. Meanwhile, Rahm is still hunting for his first LIV win of 2024, with his best result being a second-place finish back in February at Riyadh.
Will DeChambeau continue his hot streak, or might this be Koepka's moment to shine before the upcoming major? The greens at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club may ultimately determine who claims victory.
