Pebble Beach Pro-Am Tips and Preview

Gary Emmerson:

Some familiar names always tend to show up when it comes to the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but the unique event on the Pebble Beach Links also has a habit of throwing up a surprise winner. That is the big dilemma heading into this year's tournament.

Phil Mickelson is the defending champion and lefty loves the Pebble Beach week. He has won here five times in total and has been runner-up on two other occasions. Dustin Johnson, meanwhile, has twice been crowned champion and also finish second twice.

Both players head to California after competing in the Saudi International on the European Tour, a tournament in which Johnson finished second and Mickelson was third.

Therefore, it is no surprise to see Johnson at the top of the betting markets as the $6.50 favourite with bet365 and Mickelson in the top six contenders at a biggest price of $23.

At the prices, I’d much rather back Mickelson to continue his love affair with Pebble Beach as he is an excellent each-way proposition.

One who is sneaking under the radar at odds of $56 with bet365 is Max Homa. The American has been busy during the first month of the year, finishing 25th in the Tournament of Champions, 48th at The American Express, 9th in the Farmers Insurance Open and then 6th in the Phoenix Open last weekend.

I get the impression Homa is ready to add a second PGA Tour victory to his CV. He showed his ability when winning the Wells Fargo Championship last year and he can build on last year’s performance at Pebble Beach.

Homa was 10th in 2019 having had a previous best of 29th at Pebble Beach. He arrives playing some of his best golf and can be among the challengers for victory come Sunday at generous odds considering his current form.

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