Tiger Woods’ Return Sparks Massive Betting Surge for Genesis Invitational
The anticipation is building as golf legend Tiger Woods prepares to make his return to the Genesis Invitational. Known for his ability to captivate audiences and draw attention to the sport, Woods has sparked a surge in sports betting activity surrounding the tournament. Despite being the biggest long shot he’s been in over 15 years, fans are eager to see him back on the golf course and have rushed to place their wagers.
Closing at 125-1 odds to win the Genesis Invitational, Woods is defying expectations. This is a significant increase from his previous longest odds of 100-1 at the 2023 Genesis. The public’s excitement is evident in the betting numbers, with Woods garnering a tournament-leading 8.0% of the tickets at BetMGM. ESPN BET also saw a notable uptick in overall wagers compared to other golf tournaments when Woods is in the field, with 6.5% of bets placed on the 48-year-old.
However, not all sportsbooks are experiencing the same level of increased action. DraftKings reported only 5% of its tickets on Woods, placing him sixth among all golfers playing. In an attempt to boost betting activity, DraftKings offered a profit boost for Woods to make the cut at +130, up from -140. The sportsbooks could face significant challenges if Woods performs well at Riviera Country Club, given his status as a major liability for them.
“Tiger Woods is by far the biggest liability, not just in winning the Genesis Invitational but also in making the cut and finishing top 5/10/20,” said Matthew Wall, BetMGM’s golf trading lead. “We’re expecting the action on Tiger to double over the weekend as well. The book needs anyone except for Tiger raising the trophy on Sunday evening.”
Despite the potential risks for sportsbooks, the sharp action suggests that they may not have much to worry about. Woods ranks seventh in betting handle at ESPN BET, eighth at BetMGM, and ninth at DraftKings. The big money seems to be backing other contenders at a higher rate, indicating that Woods is attracting smaller wagers from more novice golf bettors.
Adding to the challenge for Woods is his history at Riviera. In his 14 starts at the venue, he has yet to secure a win, making it the most elusive course in his career. PGA National, TPC Scottsdale, and Westchester Country Club are the next closest venues where Woods has struggled, with four starts each without a win.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for Woods and his fans. The start of this PGA Tour year has been favorable to long shots, with every tournament winner in 2024 having odds of 80-1 or longer before the tournament. Excluding the 80-1 winner, every other champion has been at least 125-1, with two winners in the 300s. This trend suggests that anything is possible in the world of golf, and Woods may have a shot at defying the odds and securing a victory.
As the Genesis Invitational approaches, excitement continues to build around Tiger Woods’ return to the sport. The surge in betting activity reflects the public’s eagerness to witness his comeback and their willingness to take a chance on his success. While the odds may be stacked against him, Woods has proven time and time again that he is capable of defying expectations. Only time will tell if he can overcome the challenges and emerge victorious once again.