Pebble Beach Pro-Am: golf match bets and specials

TV: Sky Sports Golf, 8pm Thursday

Phil Mickelson will occupy his customary place as the darling of the galleries at this week's Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but he may struggle to wow the crowds in California.

The 48-year-old has claimed victory in the three-course event on four occasions, but he missed the cut at Scottsdale last week and although he was tied for second in this tournament in 2016 and 2018, he is passed over to secure glory this time.

He was unable to get over the line at the Desert Classic two weeks ago despite ripping an opening round of 60 and there is a feeling he can never really be trusted.

A glimpse of some Mickelson magic can never be ruled out but this may just be the week when Jordan Spieth flourishes on a course he enjoys just as much as the left-hander from San Diego.

The three-time Major winner has slipped out of the world's top 20 but there have been signs of life in the last few weeks.

He missed the cut at the Sony Open but showed good signs with a second-round 66 after his opening 73 had put him out of contention.

Spieth's 35th at the Phoenix Open could have been better after an opening 65 but the 2017 champion has finished at least 22nd in each of his six appearances, so while backing him for glory may be a bit of a leap of faith, he could get the better of Lefty in a 72-hole match bet.

Brandt Snedeker has triumphed twice on the Monterey Peninsula and loves putting on poa annua greens.

However, the Nashville native has claimed just one top-20 finish in his ten efforts since he lost in a playoff at the Safeway Open at the beginning of October.

Take a chance on the ten-time PGA Tour winner being upset by South Korean youngster Sungjae Im, who is going great guns after graduating from the Web.com Tour.

Im won twice and was second three times in secondary competition last year and has flourished among top company.

He was seventh at Scottsdale last week having posted top-20 finishes at the Sony Open and Desert Classic, and while the pro-am format on three courses may be unusual, he has the potential to make another big impression.

Paul Casey made a political decision not to go to Saudi Arabia last week and that should mean he is well rested after finishing second at the Singapore Open.

Last year was his first visit to the tournament since 2002 and he will have been delighted with eighth place and he claimed top-20 finishes in each of his five tournaments before he missed the cut at the Sony.

He looks a big price at 11-10 to get the better of Tony Finau, who was 23rd two years ago on his only visit and missed the cut by three shots at the Phoenix Open last week.

Recommendations
J Spieth to beat P Mickelson
2pts 10-11 Sky Bet
S Im to beat B Snedeker
2pts Evs bet365
P Casey to beat T Finau
2pts 11-10 Betfair, Paddy Power

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