Steve Palmer's The Match: Brooks v Bryson predictions & free golf betting tips

Golf tips, best bets and player analysis The Match between Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau at Wynn Las Vegas.

When to bet

Starts 9pm, Friday

Best bets

Bryson DeChambeau to win
3pts 5-6 BoyleSports

Preview

Whether Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau really hate each other is open to debate - their long-running feud seemed to cool during the Ryder Cup and they actually hugged after the post-match media conference - but the rivalry has done enough to earn them the latest Stateside TV head-to-head joust.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were the combatants for the inaugural 'Match' three years ago, then two further pairs matches followed in 2020, with Woods and Mickelson teaming up with stars from the NFL and NBA.

Last July, Match 4 took place with DeChambeau and Aaron Rodgers beating Mickelson and Tom Brady three and two in Montana.

DeChambeau has had a successful taste of what The Match is all about, while Koepka is making his debut. That is one of a few reasons for believing that the latest contest at Wynn Las Vegas will go the way of big Bryson.

Perhaps the most important reason for siding with DeChambeau is that Koepka will be using some new equipment, having just signed a deal with Srixon. The former free agent will be obliged to use a Srixon driver, irons and balls, as well as Cleveland wedges, and may take time to adjust.

Koepka tries to play things down, revelling in his reputation as somebody who can only get motivated for Majors. DeChambeau, in contrast, is full throttle every time he steps on to a golf course, so it will be more natural and comfortable for him to attack this match with 100 per cent focus and passion. Koepka, the 'laid-back Floridian', is ill-suited to the fervour and hostility which traditionally accompany The Match.

DeChambeau knows he can bully Koepka off the tee. The Californian is significantly longer but just as straight - Koepka has been struggling with his driver for a while and is without a top-20 finish since the Open - while DeChambeau has an even more considerable edge with putter in hand.

DeChambeau has won a PGA Tour event in Las Vegas - the 2018 Shriners - and the impetus he gained from the Ryder Cup can carry him to Match glory.

He won over American fans at Whistling Straits, where he was unbeaten, and the 6,722-yard, par-70 Wynn track seems at his mercy this week. The only negative is that the match is over just 12 holes so stakes should be kept sensible.

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