2022 Charles Schwab Challenge FRL Odds & Picks: Justin Rose, 3 More to Back for First-Round Leader

Bet the Charles Schwab Challenge, Win $200 (No Matter What!)

Bet Now

Historically at Colonial Country Club, there hasn't been a major advantage for morning or afternoon starters in terms of the first-round leader market at the Charles Schwab Challenge.

There have been a few more morning starters to start fast than afternoon starters, but both should absolutely be in play. Each of the past two seasons have produced co-leaders at 7-under with one of the two players having come from the morning and the other from the afternoon.

When looking at the wind forecast in Fort Worth this week for Thursday's first round, it appears that 10 a.m.-4 p.m. might get a bit breezy with gusts around 20 mph. It might be wise to have at least one golfer on your first-round leader card that tees off prior to 8 a.m. CT.

Get up to $2,200 FREE to bet the Charles Schwab Challenge.

Bet Now

2022 Charles Schwab Challenge FRL Picks

Jordan Spieth +2200

I am incredibly high on Jordan Spieth's chances of winning this golf tournament, as I stated in my tournament preview. His course history is too strong to ignore with seven top-10 finishes in his past nine starts including three runners-up and a win at the course. His current form is also excellent, as he's striking the ball beautifully and seems to be as confident as I can remember from tee to green.

When Spieth wins, he tends to start hot. Last year at this event, he was the first-round co-leader with Sergio Garcia after schooling a seven-under 63. I'd argue that in most cases, an outright bet on Spieth should be accompanied with a first-round leader bet.

The Texan isn't the type to chase the leader down on Sunday or backdoor his way into a win. If he wins this week, it will be in large part due to his ability to start fast.

Justin Rose +5000

"Rosie" was the first-round leader at this event in 2020. He was able to rise to the top on Thursday in one of the most stacked fields we've ever seen at Colonial Country Club. He eventually finished third that week but won the tournament back in 2018. The Englishman clearly really enjoys the golf course.

Rose's iron play really came around last week, gaining 5.2 strokes on approach. With Colonial having smaller than TOUR average greens, precision on his second shots will be a major asset this week. He also has the capability to get extremely hot with the putter which is a skill I love targeting for a first-round leader.

Rose ranks third in the field in Strokes Gained: Total at Colonial Country Club.

C.T. Pan +6600

Pan's consistent iron play over the course of the 2022 season is what makes him a good bet in all markets this week. The 30-year-old has gained strokes on approach in seven consecutive events.

When Pan gets to a course that isn't too long for him to contend, he tends to take advantage. He ranks 12th in the field in Strokes Gained: Total on short par 70s, and Colonial isn't a course that will penalize him too harshly for being short off the tee.

While he isn't the best putter on TOUR, Pan tends to do his best putting on Bentgrass, which is what we'll see this week.

Rory Sabbatini +10000

You probably wouldn't know it, but in his last 12 rounds, Rory Sabbatini ranks 18th in this strong field in Strokes Gained: Total in the first round. The 46-year old has been quietly playing some good golf of late. He gained 4.4 strokes on approach in his most recent start at the Byron Nelson and has made five consecutive cuts on TOUR.

In addition to the recent resurgence, Sabbatini also has some strong course form at Colonial. Three of his past four trips to the golf course have resulted in a top-20 finish.

"Sabbs" has already shown us he can go low this season, as he fired a first round 64 at the Honda Classic earlier this year. The strong start left him one shot shy of the first-round lead.

At this stage of his career, Sabbatini may not have what it takes to win the event, but he's capable of beating the field on Thursday.

The must-have app for golf bettors

Custom scoreboard for your bets

Free picks from experts

Live odds for every golfer

Download Now