Steve Palmer's RSM Classic first-round preview, best bets, free golf tips

Golf tips, best bets and player analysis for the first round of the RSM Classic at the Seaside Course on the PGA Tour.

When to watch

Sky Sports Main Event and Golf, 2.30pm Thursday

Best bets

Mackenzie Hughes top rest of the world
1pt each-way 7-1 Betfair, Power

Davis Thompson to win 4pm threeball
1pt 13-10 BoyleSports, Coral, Ladbrokes

Preview

Mackenzie Hughes won the RSM Classic six years ago when he was a nervous PGA Tour maiden ranked 287th in the world and this week he has returned to Sea Island as a two-time champion housed in the top 50 of the rankings.

Hughes appeals as a strong option in the top rest of the world market, with healthy odds of 7-1 allied to each-way terms of a quarter the odds, the first four places.

The Canadian, a grinder blessed with a razor-sharp short-game, threatened a second RSM Classic victory when closing with a 62 last year. That was enough for runner-up honours behind Talor Gooch, who has since defected to the LIV Golf circuit.

The liking for this week's venue, combined with red-hot recent form, makes Hughes by far the most attractive option in this section. He won the Sanderson Farms Championship last month and has finished in the top 25 in his last four events.

First-round threeball punters are pointed towards Davis Thompson in the 4pm (UK and Ireland) match. Sea Island is home for Thompson and he is ultra-comfortable at the Seaside Course, which he tackles in round one.

Thompson, a former world number one amateur making great strides as a PGA Tour rookie, can outgun Harry Hall and Andrew Novak.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A 65" TV

Not got a Paddy Power account? Sign up and get up to £50 in free sports bets

Place a single £10 Sportsbook bet and get money back as a free bet if it loses. There are x5 Free Bets available. Max refund per qualifying bet is £10. Only deposits made via Credit/Debit Card will be eligible for the promotion. Paddy's Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport