The final major of the season is in the books, but do not think for a minute the PGA Tour season is over. Golf continues to roll on, with the end of the season approaching, followed by the FedEx Cup playoffs and the Ryder Cup. Last week Brian Harman took all the drama out of the Open Championship, but maybe the 3M Open will produce a more heated Sunday finish. From a betting standpoint, the weaker field resembles some of the lead-up events to the Open. This is one of the last weeks to make a move before the playoffs, and plenty of guys are worth keeping an eye on. With that in mind, let’s look at 2023 3M Open odds and make some picks for betting cards.
2023 3M Open Odds & Bets | Chasing Hot Putting Weeks
2023 3M Open Outright Bet: Gary Woodland (35-1, DraftKings)
The top of the 3M board does not resemble a major, with players like Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy not in the field. This does not mean the favorites do not deserve to be at the top of the board, but clearly the win equity is more dispersed among the field. Hideki Matsuyama is always worth some interest, but this week Gary Woodland is getting the nod at 35-1.
It has been an average-at-best 2023 for Woodland, with plenty of made cuts and a few top-10s but no true threats to win events. Form-wise, it is not all bad, as Woodland comes in with five straight made cuts, including the U.S. Open and Open Championship. Woodland did not play most of the easy events between the majors, which probably would have been his best opportunities for top-end finishes. If he showed some upside there, this number would be in the mid-20s instead of 35-1, and this is a good course for him given the layout. Tee to green, Woodland’s game is in form, he just needs a hot putter to have a chance to compete.
2023 3M Open Outright Bet: Stephen Jaeger (42-1, FanDuel)
Those who read any content this week know that Stephen Jaeger was going to be mentioned. It is early, but already the buzz is brewing for a guy who the community seems to love betting. He has been close, and with the putter coming around, Jaeger is an obvious choice here. Like with everyone, the key is getting a good enough number, but 42-1 is just that.
Jaeger has had a quality 2023, with 11 straight made cuts heading into the 3M. The upside is starting to show as well, with a ninth at the Rocket Mortgage followed up by a 13th at the John Deere. Scoring is not the issue, as Jaeger poured in 21, 18 and 20 birdies in his last three events, so it is just about limiting the mistakes. His 3M history is not good, with a 66th and a missed cut, but that means almost nothing, especially since he lost strokes putting in both appearances. If Jaeger can find stable putting, the stage is set for him to get that win and cash a ton of tickets.
2023 3M Open Longshot Bet: Doug Ghim (80-1, FanDuel)
Doug Ghim is another guy on the list of players on tour who have proven they can compete but still have not notched their first career win. Ghim has found his form in 2023, and besides a missed cut across the pond in Scotland, he is producing great results. He is consistently making cuts and doing it with the irons, which is huge. Plus, Ghim can get hot with the putter, and synchronizing up the ball striking could be the missing piece.
Recent form shows that Ghim’s game is in good shape, and the course suits his skills. Ghim has played here the last three years and has been positive tee to green in all three, which is encouraging. Last year he gained 4.5 strokes putting but could not find the irons to get in the mix, ultimately finishing 16th. At 80-1, this is a dangerous player who in a field like this deserves some looks as a potential threat to compete come Sunday.
