Ben Coley Golf Tips This Week: This week’s RSM Classic offers a fantastic opportunity for golf bettors, as Ben Coley, the expert golf analyst, is back with his selections for the final PGA Tour event of 2024. After a string of successful picks, including two impressive 45/1 winners in his last four previews, Coley’s insights have proven to be valuable for punters looking for well-researched tips. Let’s break down his picks for this week, which feature a mix of seasoned pros and rising stars.
Ben Coley Golf Tips This Week: RSM Classic Betting Selections
- Davis Thompson (22/1) – A solid pick with local knowledge, as his father is the Tournament Director and he has over 100 rounds at Sea Island. Despite mixed form, he’s a strong contender at these odds.
- Brian Harman (30/1) – A consistent PGA Tour veteran with experience on similar course layouts. Not flashy, but reliable for a solid finish.
- Andrew Putnam (60/1) – A good value pick for an each-way bet, with strong fundamentals and the ability to hit fairways and greens. Worth considering as an outsider.
- Daniel Berger (75/1) – A risky but appealing option, given his past PGA success. If he returns to form, he could surprise at long odds.
- Chandler Phillips (80/1) – A young, emerging talent with potential. A good each-way bet for those looking for a sleeper pick.
- Robby Shelton (350/1) – A true outsider with flashes of brilliance. A high-risk, high-reward pick for a big payout.
- Will Gordon (300/1) – Another deep outsider with potential, but consistency is a concern. Small each-way bet could be worthwhile.
- Troy Merritt (400/1) – A veteran with solid past performances. Long odds, but offers value if he surprises this week.
Ben Coley Golf Tips This Week: RSM Classic – In-Depth Betting Preview
The RSM Classic at Sea Island is upon us, and after a stellar run of picks, Ben Coley is back with his insights for this final PGA Tour event of 2024. While there is some hesitation around backing the favourites, Coley’s strategic selections blend proven talent and local course knowledge with the potential for some surprise performances. Below, we break down his tips for this week, including an in-depth look at Brian Harman, and why Coley has hesitations about the returning favourites.
Davis Thompson: A Strong Bet at 22/1
Coley’s top pick is Davis Thompson at 22/1, a golfer deeply connected to Sea Island. No one knows the course better than Thompson, with his dad, Todd, as tournament director. Being raised around these golf courses offers Thompson a unique advantage. In previous events, he managed a 23rd place finish and claimed victory at the nearby Jones Cup. Although Thompson hasn’t shown the same promise since 2019, Coley thinks his familiarity with Sea Island may work in his favor. Although he isn’t fully confident in Thompson’s chances, due to his recent track record, Coley believes there’s potential in the 22/1 bet.
Brian Harman: Backing the Georgia Native at 30/1
Coley’s in favor of Brian Harman’s prospects for the RSM Classic—it’s a pretty safe bet. His Sea Island record? Impressive! It includes 2nd place in 2022, 4th in 2017, and many times in the top-10. On this course, precision counts more than power, which is Harman’s specialty. Some have doubted Harman after the Presidents Cup snub, but according to Coley, Harman’s had a far-from-terrible year. Performance-wise, Harman’s been spot-on, bagging top spots in tournaments like The PLAYERS (2nd place), the Travelers Championship (9th), and the Sentry Tournament of Champions (5th).
His expertise on Bermuda Green—his speciality—has been a significant contributor to his winnings, and he could benefit greatly from Sea Island’s similar greens. As a Sea Island resident himself, Harman’s performance at a local tournament can be expected to be nothing less than exceptional—the event’s course setup fits his skills perfectly. Daring betters might find it important to note, Coley believes in Harman’s potential as a valuable wager at 30/1, and sees him as a possible winner.
Andrew Putnam and Daniel Berger: Solid Long-Shot Options
For those willing to take on more risk with their bets, Coley suggests two golfers at longer odds: Andrew Putnam (60/1) and Daniel Berger (75/1). Both players have the tools to succeed, but for different reasons.
- Andrew Putnam: Putnam may not be a fan favorite at 60/1, but Coley says that he is an interesting pick because he is consistent and can stay in the running. Putnam should be able to handle Sea Island’s tricky layout thanks to his strong fundamentals and consistent ball striking. He hasn’t been a standout on the PGA Tour, but this could be the event where he sneaks into the top positions.
- Daniel Berger: Berger is a riskier pick at 75/1 because he has been hurt a lot lately, but his talent is clear. He could be in the running if he can get back to his old form, especially on a course like Sea Island. Even though the odds are long, Coley thinks it’s a good idea to back Berger for an each-way bet because he has experience and has done well on the PGA Tour before.
Why Coley Is Cautious on the Favorites, Including Ludvig Åberg
The buzz surrounding the RSM Classic revolves around Ludvig Åberg’s comeback, last year’s winner. Åberg, known for his remarkable golfing prowess, holds the record of 253 total strokes at the same event. However, his 10/1 backing gives Coley pause due to recent surgery knocking Åberg out of the loop. Åberg’s last year triumph was exceptional, but his lack of wins after that, despite his huge potential, puzzles Coley.
The dilemma stands: Can Åberg bounce back immediately after surgery? Or, will the RSM Classic prove quite a hurdle for the young sensation? Coley feels the 10/1 backing for Åberg’s a gamble with his recovery still up in the air and sky-high anticipations. In the same vein, Coley isn’t particularly stoked about other front-runners like Denny McCarthy, absent from the game since August. Coley implies that while these talents may possess winning skills, betting on them is risky due to factors like injury, inactivity, or uneven performance.
The Long Shots: Robby Shelton, Will Gordon, and Troy Merritt
For those willing to go for the long shots, Coley offers a few deep-value picks:
- Robby Shelton (350/1): A true outsider, Shelton has shown flashes of potential but lacks the consistency needed to be a top contender. Still, at 350/1, he represents a massive value for anyone looking for a huge payout. A small each-way bet could pay off if Shelton catches fire.
- Will Gordon (300/1): Like Shelton, Gordon has shown promise in past performances but hasn’t been able to string together top finishes consistently. At 300/1, Gordon is another deep outsider with the potential for a surprise performance.
- Troy Merritt (400/1): Merritt is a veteran with experience, but his recent form has been underwhelming. Still, at 400/1, a small each-way bet on Merritt could yield a massive return if he finds his form at Sea Island.
At Sea Island, where the RSM Classic is being held, Ben Coley talks about Andrew Putnam and Daniel Berger, two players who might be about to make a big move. Both players have had a few close calls lately, and Coley thinks that both could have a good game, especially at this familiar course where accuracy and putting are important. Find out more about each golfer’s style and why Coley thinks this might be their lucky week.
Andrew Putnam: On the Verge of a Breakthrough at 60/1
Andrew Putnam isn’t topping PGA Tour leaderboards now, but he’s picking up steam. He might hit gold in the RSM Classic, as Coley is guessing. Putnam’s recent games, marked by five top-30 finishes in his last eight starts, demonstrate steady performance, though not quite leading the pack. He didn’t make a huge splash in the Wyndham Championship, missing the cut by a hair. He came in 25th at Dunhill Links and also managed a 16th position finish at Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, ending on a high note with an impressive 64.
The pieces are not all there yet for Putnam, but his trajectory seems positive. Once a sore spot, his putting is getting better. Also, he’s got the drive accuracy, impressive approach play, and consistent green saves to put him on the map for a promising week. He works well on Sea Island’s seaside and plantation courses he will encounter during the iconic RSM Classic, as Coley points out. Putnam’s past performance at this venue suggests he’s got what it takes to shine on such landscapes.
A Crucial Week for Berger
Berger is a great deal at 75/1, especially when you consider his history. Even though Berger isn’t having the best season of his career right now, Coley thinks this is the perfect event for him to turn things around. Because he has played and done well on similar courses before, it’s possible that he could find his best golf again at Sea Island and have a good chance to win.
Berger is also under extra pressure because he needs a good result to make sure he stays on the PGA Tour for next season. If he fails, he might have to go on the Korn Ferry Tour next year. According to Coley, this might be Berger’s last chance to make a statement. The odds of 75/1 might work out to be a good deal this week if all the stars are in the right place.
Ben Coley Golf Tips This Week: Why Chandler Phillips Could Be the One to Watch at the RSM Classic
This week at the RSM Classic, one name stands out as a potential sleeper pick: Chandler Phillips. Coley highlights Phillips as a player who could turn heads at Sea Island, pointing to his solid all-around game, impressive putting ability, and previous strong showings. Let’s take a closer look at why Phillips is a solid bet and why Coley believes he could contend at this event.
Chandler Phillips: A Rising Star with All the Right Tools at Sea Island
When Ben Coley talks about Chandler Phillips, he’s clearly high on the young Texan’s potential. At odds of 80/1, Phillips is a value pick this week at the RSM Classic. His game ticks all the boxes for this type of event: accuracy off the tee, strong approach play, and one of the better putting strokes in the field. While the field at Sea Island is filled with established names and proven winners, Phillips is a rising star who has shown he can compete with the best.
Impressive Performance at the Valspar Championship
Phillips showcased his skill earlier this year at the Valspar Championship. He stayed in the running for a good ranking, even when his ball hit a bystander. The unexpected event didn’t fluster him. He stayed on course, showing his inner grit under stress. The RSM Classic favors those with strong overall skill and stability through the match’s trials. Phillips epitomizes this with his precision and reliability. If he stays strong for all four rounds, he’s in a position to vie for a high result
A Strong All-Around Game
Coley points out Chandler Phillips as a standout player. He’s a sharp shooter, especially when driving off the tee, a skill essential for the Sea Island course. Despite power being useful, it’s precision that earns the accolades and Phillips’ game upholds this statement. His knack for sure-shot tee-off, strategic approaches, and, most importantly, focused putting, set him apart. Many competitors struggle in the putting realm.
Add his tenacious mindset that aids focus, and the formula for Phillips’ success in the forthcoming week is complete. Reflect on his recent games — they’ve been stable and impressive. With numerous ranks in the top-30 out of his recent eight matches, Phillips has shown he’s a worthy contender in the PGA Tour. His steady performances along with his ramping up form, make him worth considering at the odds of 80/1 for seekers of a wild-card risk in the upcoming RSM Classic.
Why Phillips Could Deliver This Week?
A few reasons make Coley back Phillips: his versatile game, handling pivotal moments, and the course at Sea Island suits him. The man from Texas could potentially rank high if he plays smart—keeping shots precise off the tee, landing solid approaches, and getting some putts in.
The RSM Classic often favors consistent and accurate players, particularly when the course conditions are favorable, and the tension of the concluding rounds kicks in. Phillips’ well-rounded talent makes Coley convinced that he might be a key player to observe as the tournament progresses.