CJ Cup betting tips as Rory McIlroy heads a stellar cast at Congaree Golf Club, Collin Morikawa catches the eye

After an unsurprisingly quiet start to the new PGA Tour season, things ramp up a notch at the CJ Cup in South Carolina. A star-studded cast will tee it up, as 15 of the world’s top 20 head to Congaree Golf Club. Ad Rory McIlroy is in action as the defending champion, and heads the betting at 6/1.

The CJ CupMcIlroy and Scheffler headline star-studded field for CJ Cup15/10/2022 AT 12:01 It is of little surprise the world No. 2 is the market leader, as he has been playing some of the best golf in the world for months. But there are reasons to oppose McIlroy on this occasion — arguably there are reasons to support him if you are of that mindset — one of which is down to a value perspective given the depth of talent in opposition.

McIlroy is the best driver of the ball in the game, and at first glance the lengthy test that is Congaree Golf Club looks one that would suit. Congaree meanders between lakes and pine trees and gives off the impression it has been around for years. The plot of land has, but the course was only put into play by designer Tom Fazio in 2017.

It has quickly established a reputation, and stepped in to host the Canadian Open (it was renamed the Palmetto Championship) when that was pulled from the roster in 2021 due to Covid travel restrictions. Garrick Higgo made off with the win, but he was one of only a couple of players in the top 10 on the final leaderboard to feature in the top 10 for driving. It is only a small sample size, but the suggestion is that Congaree could be a second-shot golf course.