Hero World Challenge 2023: Predictions, Best Bets, Sleepers

Even though it’s the end of November, it’s an exciting week in the golf world.

The Hero World Challenge at the Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas will host 20 of the best golfers in the world, including tournament host Tiger Woods. He hasn’t played an event since the Masters, so this will be when Woods plays next.

While Woods will get all the headlines, it’s a loaded field.

Viktor Hovland is the two-time defending champion, and he’s joined by major winners Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Wyndham Clark, Matt Fitzpatrick, Keegan Bradley, Justin Rose, Brian Harman, Jason Day and Lucas Glover.

Woods isn’t the only player returning this week, as Will Zalatoris will be teeing it up for the first time since he had back surgery last April.

Since it isn’t an official PGA Tour event, there isn’t much data to go on, and since it’s in the Bahamas, it’s a relaxing week for everyone.

It may be worth looking at players who have something to prove. For example, Thomas has had a tough year and will be looking to go into 2024 with some momentum. 

Woods has the worst odds in the field to win at +6600.

*All odds as of Nov. 28.

Below are some players to target, followed by my PGA Tour betting card for the week:

Hero World Challenge Prediction

Golfer Viktor Hovland is expected to win the Hero World Challenge with a 20% implied probability, according to betting markets. Scottie Scheffler is next at 18.18%, while Collin Morikawa follows at 11.76%.

Implied probability is the overall chance of a potential outcome in relation to the odds.

Hero World Challenge Best Bets

Viktor Hovland +400 Odds to Win

Hovland is an obvious favorite, as he’s won the event each of the last two years. He’s also entering in solid form after finishing T-2 in his last event at the DP World Championship. 

Hero World Challenge Sleeper Picks

Cameron Young +2000 Odds to Win

This isn’t much of a sleeper pick, but Young is low on the odds board, given the small field. Like Thomas, he had a disappointing year and will be looking to head into 2024 on a good note. Young finished third in his tournament debut a year ago.

Hero World Challenge Betting Card & Other Predictions

• Cameron Young Outright Win +2000
• Will Zalatoris Top-10 Finish -150

This is a very small card, and I’m going with players who have something to play for this week. 

Young has something to prove against the game’s best players following a down year, while Zalatoris will be itching to return to action following not teeing it up in an event since March.