Sleeper Picks with Value Bets for the Travelers Championship

Sleeper Picks with Value Bets for the Travelers Championship

Outright: Sungjae Im (+5000)

In this week’s Travelers Championship, the champion is often anticipated from the Power Rankings, but predicting the exact winner from the remaining 56 in the field requires strategic timing. Consider Sungjae Im, who missed the cut at the U.S. Open by five strokes at Pinehurst No. 2, and therefore, avoided the pressures and fatigue faced by the contenders. At just 26, Im’s youthful energy is an asset, especially after recent grueling tournaments. Known for playing frequently, he’s well-rested and ready. Im has a commendable record at TPC River Highlands, with a scoring average of 68.08, though he hasn’t yet cracked the top 20. Recently, his performance has been stellar, highlighted by a successful title defense at the Woori Bank Championship in South Korea and supported by several top finishes on the PGA TOUR.

Top 5: Christiaan Bezuidenhout (+900)

Opting for Christiaan Bezuidenhout in the top 5 market might seem risky, but it’s worth a calculated bet. Currently ranked No. 4 in the Aon Next 10, Bezuidenhout’s recent form is impressive, featuring two top-five finishes this year. Notably, he secured a top position at the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday just two weeks ago and achieved a T3 finish at the ISPS Handa Championship in Japan in late April. His current form makes him a compelling candidate for a top-five finish at TPC River Highlands.

Top 10: Michael Thorbjornsen (+750)

Michael Thorbjornsen, the latest addition to the PGA TOUR via PGA TOUR University, enters the Travelers Championship on a sponsor exemption. This marks his third appearance in the tournament, having placed fourth as an amateur in 2022. Thorbjornsen’s familiarity with the course, combined with two additional years of experience, strengthens his position. The Massachusetts native enjoys a home game advantage in Connecticut, making him an exciting prospect for a top-10 finish. His growth trajectory suggests that his odds will shorten as he continues to excel.

Top 20: Tom Hoge (+220)

Tom Hoge is a strong contender for a top-20 finish, replicating his performance at the RBC Heritage where he finished T18. In the limited field at TPC River Highlands, Hoge’s proficiency in hitting greens in regulation and his exceptional putting skills make him a formidable competitor. Although his best finish here has been T35, his experience and skill set position him well to secure a top-20 spot.

Top 30: Victor Perez (+150)

Victor Perez, the 31-year-old first-time PGA TOUR member from France, enters the field as the last man via the Aon Swing 5. Despite missing the cut at the U.S. Open and being a debutant at TPC River Highlands, Perez has consistently performed well on unfamiliar tracks. Since early March, he has posted five top-30 finishes, with several top-20 results. His accuracy in hitting greens on approach and efficient shot management make him a valuable pick for a top-30 finish.