John Rathouz has several years of experience as a Tour caddie. And now… he’s applying that insider knowledge to help you make proper picks each week with his best bets and predictions. This week, the PGA Tour is in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, for the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass — designer Pete Dye’s crown jewel.
Technically, Rory McIlroy returns as the defending champ. He won in 2019 and his title defense was cut short last March when the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly ended the tournament after one round of play and the PGA Tour went on a 13-week hiatus.
MORE: Players Championship 2021: Fantasy picks, power rankings and analysis | Caddie Line homepage
This loaded field at TPC Sawgrass includes 48 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking.
While McIlroy is a favorite whenever he tees it up, Rathouz thinks you might be wise to fade him this week. As far as players he likes — check out the likes of Xander Shauffele, Patrick Cantlay and Joaquin Niemann, as well as Christiaan Bezuidenhout and, if you’re looking for a solid dark horse, Brian Harman.
2021 Players Championship Best Bets
These are the golfers Rathouz likes this week when looking at their odds of winning (where you can actually make some money), current form and fit at TPC Sawgrass.
– Xander Shauffele, +2000
– Patrick Cantlay, +2200
– Joaquin Niemann, +6600
– Brian Harman, +22500
Caddie contest champion: J.J. Jakovac
Watch the video above to find out who else Rathouz likes at value marks that could provide you with a nice haul come Sunday.
Rathouz will be back Friday with picks for the weekend. Check back at The Caddie Line homepage for those best bets and fades from the 2021 Players Championship, plus more expert picks each week on the PGA Tour.