Sobel’s Waste Management Open Matchup Bets: Channeling Emotion in Round 2

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Even if you weren’t at the Waste Management Phoenix Open on Thursday, the fumes from the area might leave you hungover this morning.

So here’s my gift to you: Not just three bets to play for the second round, but three afternoon bets.

Relax. Sleep in. Have a big lunch. You’ve got some time before these bets have to be made.

Billy Horschel over Daniel Berger (-120)

One by one, players strolled off TPC Scottsdale on Thursday in varying forms of contentment and disappointment. The opening round wasn’t exactly a lightning rod for emotions. Then there was Horschel, who slammed a few things against his golf bag and audibly voiced his displeasure with his own game for some five minutes.

Good, I like it.

After taking him to beat Berger in the opener, only to see them tie on Horschel’s bogey-par finish, I’m going back to this bet again in hopes that the emotional outburst is a catalyst for a big day.

Ryan Palmer over Chez Reavie (Even)

There aren’t many players who embrace the craziness of this tournament like Palmer, who a few years ago decided to one-up his fellow competitors by attaching “beer money” to golf balls and tossing them into the stands at 16.

That’s fun, but he can play a little here, too. On Thursday, Palmer bested Reavie by three after a 68; don’t be surprised if he does it again.

Grayson Murray over Keegan Bradley by +1.5 (+115)

Look, if you’re seeking consistency, Murray might be the last guy you want to hitch your wagon to. But this is a short-term buy. After each player opened with a 68, I love plus-money with the 1.5 on Murray, who has a tendency to play solid golf out of nowhere, but can keep it going for a few days once he finds it.