Action Report: Bettors Favoring Tom Kim Ahead of Shriners Children’s Open

Tom Kim of Korea throws his ball into the stands after finishing his second round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland, Friday, July 19, 2024.
(AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

It’s not often a player on the PGA Tour is going for three consecutive wins at an event, but that is what Tom Kim is looking at ahead of this week’s Shriners Children’s Open from TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.

The last time a player won a tournament three times in a row was Steve Stricker at the John Deere Classic (2009-11). 

Even with that in mind, bettors at the BetMGM online sportsbook are favoring Kim this week as he’s the most popular player in pre-tournament golf betting.

As of Wednesday, he’s bringing in the most money (16.2%) on the most bets (10%). Kim has also seen his odds go from +1600 to +1200, which are the shortest in the field.

Kim had an inconsistent 2024 season, but all he’s done at this event is win. His highest score in eight rounds is 68 (twice) and his average is 65.50.

Another popular pick is Taylor Pendrith, who is +2200 after opening +2500. He is taking in the second-most bets (5.5%) and the second-most money (12%).

Like Kim, Pendrith was a member of the International team at last month’s Presidents Cup, where he went 2-3-1. He had a solid 2024 season, logging 12 top 25 finishes, including a win at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. 

In addition to the strong year, he finished T-3 at this event a year ago.

Kim, Harry Hall (+4000) and Pendrith are BetMGM’s biggest liabilities. 

Current Handle & Tickets

Handle

  1. Tom Kim – 16.2%
  2. Taylor Pendrith – 12%
  3. Harry Hall – 7.9%
  4. Eric Cole – 6.7%
  5. Matt McCarty – 5.8%

Tickets

  1. Tom Kim – 10%
  2. Taylor Pendrith – 5.5%
  3. Beau Hossler – 4.4%
  4. Harry Hall – 4.2%
  5. Davis Thompson – 3.9%

Hall played collegiately at nearby UNLV and has played this event three times, finishing T8-T15-T26, with a scoring average of 67.25.

jamie-foxx-latest-promo-9-24
About the Author

Jason Sobel

Read More @JasonSobelGolf

Jason Sobel is a Brand Ambassador for BetMGM. He joins after six years with Action Network. Prior to Action, Jason spent a total of 17 years in two stints at ESPN (1997-2011; 2015-18) and four years at Golf Channel (2011-15). He also currently works as a host for "Hitting the Green" on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio and contributes to the channel's on-site coverage during major championships. He's won four Sports Emmy awards, more than a dozen Golf Writers Association of America accolades and has earned an honorable mention in the Best of American Sportswriting series.

Jason Sobel is a Brand Ambassador for BetMGM. He joins after six years with Action Network. Prior to Action, Jason spent a total of 17 years in two stints at ESPN (1997-2011; 2015-18) and four years at Golf Channel (2011-15). He also currently works as a host for "Hitting the Green" on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio and contributes to the channel's on-site coverage during major championships. He's won four Sports Emmy awards, more than a dozen Golf Writers Association of America accolades and has earned an honorable mention in the Best of American Sportswriting series.