PGA Tour 2019 Desert Classic Odds and Picks: Rahm & Rose Clear Favorites

• Jon Rahm and Justin Rose headline the Desert Classic field
• What should you expect from two-time champ Phil Mickelson?
• We’ve narrowed down the golfers with the best chance of emerging victorious

Jon Rahm returns to The Club at PGA WEST to defend his title at the 2019 Desert Classic from January 17th-20th. He’s joined by Justin Rose in what is an otherwise relatively weak field.

Phil Mickelson will also be there. What can we expect from Lefty in his first event since “The Match” victory over Tiger Woods?

2019 Desert Classic Odds

*Follow the link in the table to see all options

Will Anyone Other than Rahm or Rose win?

Rahm and Rose are head and shoulders better than the rest of their contemporaries playing this week. Rahm won his second tour title here last year and won his most recent tournament (the unofficial Hero World Challenge).

Jon Rahm, who's defending his Desert Classic win, is playing – and winning – all over the world. https://t.co/eFEPSpluMB pic.twitter.com/ykM6i96Y27

— The Desert Sun (@MyDesert) January 11, 2019

There’s no reason to discount Rahm’s chances, but at +650 there’s not a ton of value for a guy who to this point has two PGA Tour victories. Rose, on the other hand, has been lights out. In his last eight events he has a victory, two seconds, two thirds, a fourth, an eighth, and a 17th place showing.

Are you ready for some golf? Here are the top 10 storylines of the Desert Classic tournament. #PGATour https://t.co/aiWJyQ7rvo

— The Desert Sun (@MyDesert) January 14, 2019

The world No. 1 hasn’t played here since 2010 and is breaking in new clubs, so there’s a chance he’s a bit off. However, given that he has slightly longer odds and has been on cruise control, he’s the safer betting option than Rahm.

Adam Hadwin’s Last 3 Desert Classics

The affable Canadian Adam Hadwin (+2500) presents solid value to wager on this week. He’s been oh-so-close to capturing the trophy, in particular when he shot 59 in the third round en route to his second place finish two years ago. Bank on him having a strong showing again this time around.

ICYMI: Adam Hadwin aiming for Presidents Cup spot, return to major championships https://t.co/fHeNLbAvtL pic.twitter.com/KcdWTgZ1Gq

— Province Sports (@provincesports) January 9, 2019

What Should We Expect from Phil Mickelson?

Phil Mickelson will always garner attention, especially this week since he’s won the Desert Classic twice (2002, 2004). His game was a mess down the stretch last season likely caused by fatigue (though he did defeat Tiger in “The Match”). He’s refreshed and rejuvenated, but with just one win since 2013 and just one top ten (t-3rd in 2016) in his last six tries in the desert, his +4000 line isn’t juicy enough to merit serious consideration.

Last 5 Desert Classic Winners

2019 Desert Classic Best Value Picks

1. Hudson Swafford (+4000): Won this event in 2017 and is coming off a strong t-3 showing last week at the Sony Open.
2. Daniel Berger (+5000): Teeing it up for first time this season after recovering from a wrist injury which slowed him last year. These odds are juicy for the two-time winner who is capable of dominance at any time.
3. Andrew Landry (+9000): Boom or bust type player. Finished runner-up to Rahm in last year’s playoff in the Desert and also won first tour title in Texas later that year.