World Wide Technology Championship Betting Preview: Picks, Predictions, Odds for El Cardonal Golf Course
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World Wide Technology Championship: Betting Preview, Picks, and Odds for the El Cardonal Golf Course
The 2024 World Wide Technology Championship, set to be played on the scenic, tree‑lined greens of the El Cardonal Golf Course in Chandler, Arizona, is shaping up to be a headline‑making event for both the LPGA Tour and the betting community. As the tournament draws near, sportsbooks are busy setting odds, and seasoned handicappers are offering their best picks for who will emerge victorious from the high‑altitude desert.
Course Overview and Conditions
El Cardonal is a signature design by Tom Fazio that stretches 7,170 yards from the championship tees, with a par‑72 layout that tests every aspect of a player’s game. The course’s high elevation—over 1,300 feet above sea level—means that the ball flies slightly farther than at sea‑level venues. Recent weather forecasts predict mild morning temperatures in the 50s and a late‑afternoon wind that could influence play on the wind‑swept front nine.
The green complexes are known for their firm, fast conditions. With the desert heat expected to dry out the turf, a 4‑to‑5 inch slope might still be in effect for the first round, tightening to a 2‑inch slope by the weekend. Players with a strong short game and efficient iron play are likely to thrive in this environment. Those who have historically performed well on the Fazio layout—such as Lydia Ko, who won at a similar course in 2023—could be poised for a top finish.
Field Strength and Player Analysis
The World Wide Technology Championship boasts an elite field of 78 players, including every LPGA Order of Merit leader and the top‑10 world‑ranked golfers. Key contenders include:
Lydia Ko (Australia) – The reigning LPGA Tour Player of the Year has a 78 % probability of making the cut and a 45 % chance of finishing in the top five. Ko’s track record at high‑altitude venues and her powerful driving distance give her an edge on the long par‑5s.
Jin Young Ko (South Korea) – A two‑time major winner, Jin Young Ko’s precision iron play makes her a formidable opponent on the tight pin placements of El Cardonal. She holds a 68 % likelihood of finishing within the top 15.
Brooke Holt (USA) – The 2023 U.S. Women's Open champion boasts an impressive 12‑round average of 68.3 strokes at the 2024 season. Her aggressive approach to long par‑4s could pay dividends in the final round.
Nikki Wolter (USA) – With a 60 % probability of making the cut and a 30 % chance of ending in the top ten, Wolter’s consistency over the past season makes her a reliable pick for bettors looking for value.
In addition to these marquee players, several rising stars—such as Anna Kay (Sweden) and Kim Soo‑joo (Korea)—have showcased their potential on similar courses and are being watched closely by handicappers.
Betting Markets and Odds
Sportsbooks are currently offering a wide array of markets for the World Wide Technology Championship, including:
| Market | Leading Pick | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Lydia Ko | 4.50 |
| Jin Young Ko | 5.20 | |
| Brooke Holt | 6.00 | |
| Top‑5 Finisher | Lydia Ko | 1.70 |
| Jin Young Ko | 1.95 | |
| Brooke Holt | 2.20 | |
| First Round Score | Lydia Ko | 68 |
| Jin Young Ko | 69 | |
| Final Round Score | Lydia Ko | 70 |
| Jin Young Ko | 71 | |
| Par‑5 Winner | Any Player | 15.00 |
| Birdie on 9th | Any Player | 12.00 |
The odds reflect the strength of the field and the particular challenges of the El Cardonal layout. Lydia Ko’s position as the favorite is not merely due to her past success at high‑altitude courses but also her dominant spring performance in the 2024 season. Her 4.50 odds translate into a 22.2 % implied probability of winning, which is a solid value for bettors who trust the data.
For those looking for smaller bets with higher upside, the “First Round Score” market offers enticing payouts. Lydia Ko’s 68‑stroke option is currently the cheapest at 4.20 odds, while the market also includes a 70‑stroke option for the same player at 2.80 odds. Bettors who are comfortable with more risk may target the “Par‑5 Winner” market, where a single birdie on any of the nine par‑5 holes can yield a 15‑to‑1 return.
Predictions and Picks
Handicappers at major sportsbooks have weighed the field and course conditions to arrive at their predictions. The consensus points to Lydia Ko as the clear favorite, largely because her playing style dovetails with the course’s demands. Her driving distance averages over 270 yards, allowing her to set up short irons on the 18th and other long par‑4s. Her short game, with an 8‑to‑10 inch short‑game stroke average, makes her capable of converting difficult birdie opportunities on the firm greens.
Jin Young Ko remains a close second, thanks to her consistent performance across all pars and a solid clutch record in tournament play. While Ko is slightly favored in the betting markets, the difference in implied probabilities is narrow—Ko’s 22.2 % versus Jin Young Ko’s 19.2 %—which keeps the “Winner” market competitive.
Handicappers also advise keeping an eye on the “Top‑5 Finisher” market, where Lydia Ko offers the best value at 1.70 odds (implied 58.8 % probability). The “Top‑10 Finisher” market sees a similar pattern, with Ko again presenting the lowest risk. Meanwhile, players like Brooke Holt and Nikki Wolter present attractive value in the “Top‑15” market at odds ranging from 3.10 to 4.00, offering a balanced risk‑reward ratio for bettors who prefer a broader spread.
Final Thoughts
As the World Wide Technology Championship approaches, the betting landscape is rich with opportunities for both conservative and aggressive wagering strategies. The combination of a well‑designed, challenging course and a field filled with world‑class talent ensures that the race to the finish line will be both thrilling and unpredictable.
For those who want to capitalize on the data, the “Winner” and “Top‑5 Finisher” markets provide the most straightforward bets, while the “First Round Score” and “Par‑5 Winner” markets offer higher payouts for those who are willing to take on more risk. Regardless of your betting style, the El Cardonal course’s unique altitude and terrain will play a significant role, making every round an exciting spectacle for players and punters alike.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/betting/world-wide-technology-championship-betting-preview-picks-predictions-odds-for-el-cardonal-golf-course-01k95daq4k5x ]