Steve Palmer's Sentry Tournament of Champions first-round preview, best bets

When to watch

Sky Sports Golf, 7.30pm Thursday

Best bets

Scottie Scheffler to win 10.15pm twoball
5pts 5-6 Betfair, Power

Scott Stallings to win 7.45pm twoball
3pts 10-11 Betfair, Power

Trey Mullinax to win 8.50pm twoball
2pts 11-10 general

Viktor Hovland top Continental
1pt 11-5 Coral, Ladbrokes

Sungjae Im-Jordan Spieth dual forecast
0.5pt 275-1 bet365

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Preview

Will Zalatoris is easing his way back into action after a long injury lay-off and the Californian is readily opposed on his Sentry Tournament of Champions debut.

Zalatoris suffered two herniated discs in his back, leading to a four-month rehabilitation process, and he has decided to change his swing to protect himself from future injury. He is also employing a shorter driver for the Sentry to help him with the new technique.

All things considered, it may pay to expect little from Zalatoris on his first look at the Plantation Course, and playing partner Scottie Scheffler looks a great investment at 5-6 to win their twoball.

Fitness and rust issues aside, Zalatoris is also at a course knowledge disadvantage to Scheffler, who finished 13th in the 2021 Sentry.

Scheffler signed off for 2022 by finishing third at Mayakoba, ninth in the Houston Open and runner-up in the Hero World Challenge. The world number two seems much more likely to exit the gates smartly in Hawaii.

A wide-open course which puts a premium on short-game skills is the antithesis of what Chez Reavie needs to succeed, so Scott Stallings appeals in the 7.45pm twoball, while Trey Mullinax can outgun JJ Spaun in the 8.50pm contest.

Jon Rahm is being shown huge respect by the layers in the top Continental European market. Viktor Hovland, who won the Hero World Challenge last time out and has a superb record on tropical islands, is well capable of defeating Rahm and Sepp Straka in this three-runner affair.

Sungjae Im and Jordan Spieth can have high hopes of making an impact in this wide-open event, so there are reasons for starting the year with a 275-1 dual-forecast tickle.

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