Wells Fargo Championship 2021 Odds Abraham Ancer a value play

Our man J.N. Campbell takes us through his top choices for the 2021 Wells Fargo as he picks out ten players with value odds in the betting markets.
All the winner odds pre-tournament are below...
Last week, the PGA made their annual stop at the “Snake Pit,” also known as the Valspar Championship down in Florida. Young Sam Burns earned his 1st PGA title. The Southern Swing now moves toward the Carolinas as the scene shifts to the prestigious Quail Hollow Club for the 2021 edition of the Wells Fargo Championship. The 2020 version was put on ice with COVID-19 cancelling every sporting event, save horse racing and online chess.
This course sets up with some superfast greens, along with walls of tree-lined fairways. With Masters-like turf, and a rough that has some “give,” it will be a true test for all involved. Speaking of who shows, it will be the best set of matches in between Majors. One other impactful point, and there are numerous subplots . . . With a schedule unlike previous years, the PGA Championship sits firmly in May. That means the tournaments in the weeks leading up to it (namely, this one, and the Byron Nelson outside of Dallas) will take on a refreshing significance.
Some major supernova star power is going to be rolling into Charlotte this week . . . Stroke play will be the name of the game as the top ball strikers in the land will descend on what promises to be an excellent test of mind, body, and spirit. How about Justin Thomas? Check . . . Bryson DeChambeau? Check . . . Viktor Hovland? Check . . . Xander Schauffele? Check . . . Cameron Smith? Ch- . . . Oh well, 4 of 5 is not too shabby.
With postponement of the 2021 Presidents Cup, which was slated to be played at Quail Hollow, that gave the course the opportunity to continue to play as tough as nails. That event between the Americans, and “Team World” is now on the books for 2022 on the redesigned Fazio course that will see an interesting configuration next year (Stay tuned for that . . .). In the meantime, pros will be tested in a variety of ways by the Par-71 and the sum 7,521 yards, which is capped by the final 3 holes in what is known as the “The Green Mile.” Max Homa (-15) is the defending champ dating from 2019. This year’s purse is chock full to the tune of $8.1 million ($1.458 million to winner).
I want to spotlight several picks that appear to be choice selections from the some 150-odd players that will try and make the cut, in order to play on Saturday. Which one of these has a shot to gain momentum headed into the year’s 2nd Major? Read on!
Top Ten Picks w/Fair Odds to Win . . .
10. Viktor Hovland (+1800)
With a nice Final Round 65 at the Valspar, the Norwegian-born youngster has his prototype Pings singing the right tune. Though he and his fellow countryman, Kris Ventura, didn’t end up marching too well in New Orleans in the Zurich Classic’s match play format, he continues to be a mark of consistency. That Puerto Rican win back during the winter may be his own “win,” but several Top Ten finishes (including 2nd Torrey Pines) speak to this one being a rising Scandinavian star.
9. Justin Thomas (+800)
This JT is a “Triple Threat,” whenever he and regular Caddie Johnson come to town. With double-digit PGA Tour victories to his name, plus a Major, he may not be able to sing, dance, and act, but his driving, irons, and greens-work are incredibly steady. I don’t know if he offers much value when it comes to a wager. Betting him to make the weekend, or a 1st Round score of -68 is probably too simplistic. I would tend to give him a chance when it comes to contention, but he might not be clicking on all cylinders. The goal for the Alabama alum is to be tightened for another run at the Wannamaker trophy. It would be his 2nd, just for the record. His 2017 win . . . did come at Quail Hollow.
8. Bryson DeChambeau (+1400)
The physics of sport continues to be explored, and there is no greater practitioner in any professional realm than this kid. He is growing up fast, and he continues his march when it comes to racking up tee to green wins with alacrity. There is no reason to think that the long fairways he will have in front of him in Charlotte cannot be assailed by some of his monster drives. His dexterity around the greens could always use improvement, even if his custom clubs with their thick grips gets more notoriety than most. Continuing to top the “SG Total Category” is a pretty impressive stat, especially when it comes to “every shot counting.”
7. Xander Schauffele (+1600)
Speaking of the “SG Category,” not far behind in the “Overall” is this Aztec, who is 5th in the FedEx Standings. He needs to be considered every time he enters a tournament because his creative shot-making ability is 100% surgical. With a pair of 2nd Place finishes in the Phoenix and Farmers Opens, he comes into the Wells Fargo full of ability. If you could get these kinds of odds by the time he tees, then it might qualify as an overlay.
6. Rory McIlroy (+1800)
Missing the cut at The Masters was more than a disappointment for this now more than established figure on Tour. To some, it might be a signal The Irishman is looking to come to the Hollow and right this ship. He has hit the rocks on several occasions, and now is 51st when it comes to his position on the FedEx docket. A returning 2-time champion, he could use this tourney as a springboard for smoother sailing. If he floats toward +2000, then that might be the time to lay down some cash and make a wager.
5. Tony Finau (+2500)
There are so many aspects to Finau’s game that incite a healthy dose of confidence. He has driving ability, which puts him in a strong position to score. If he can exercise more consistency in that department, it might serve this week in North Carolina. His effort at The Masters wasn’t a poor finish at all—coming in tied for 10th. His odds should offer value, and if he can hang around for the weekend, and improve his touch around the greens, then he could be a sleeper pick.
4. Max Homa (+3500)
The former champ of this event is back and maybe better than ever. Homa is 2/5 when it comes to his Top 10 finishes. That speaks volumes, and 6th in the Valspar should give him some extra belief in himself. I like his touch around the greens, and his ability to save what could be a massive disaster hole-to-hole. The Genesis win back in mid-February was a crowning achievement, and this young man has a bright future if he can keep building a strong resume. If you could get around +4000 for this striker, then it would be a must from a betting perspective.
3. Patrick Reed (+2800)
For some reason, Reed has become persona non grata in the World of Golf. It is honestly odd, considering he has done much for the game, representing its interests. His best score in 2021 was the rounds he put together at the Farmers Open. It was an impressive 5-stroke display of power and artistry. He should be able to handle the glass greens that make up this challenging course at Quail Hollow. Maybe concentrating more on his golf game, and less on his image would be a good move—a la Agassi. Image isn’t everything, you know . . . With possible odds like these, I like his chances.
2. Jon Rahm (+900)
The power hitting Spanish masher is primed to take on the tree-lined North Carolina carpet, and he is going to bring those Top 10 finishes in from The Players and The Masters. He has the light touch to go with a thunder stroke out of the box. That makes for a lethal combination. If he can stay focused mentally, and keep his head about him . . . whoa Nelly, he can win this thing. Of the faves, I think he has the best chance, even if the price isn’t as high as a bettor might like.
1. Abraham Ancer (+4000)
Here is my top pick, and this is a long shot. But don’t forget that in a field like this one . . . anything can happen. A dual citizen of Mexico and the U.S., Ancer has some qualities that make him one to back. Yes, he is facing a course that is much longer than he is used to, but he is coming in hot after making 6 cuts in a row. He has a sound game, and with a strong up-and-down ability, he should be able to make up for any shortcomings in distance with his own creativity. From a betting perspective, he looks to be in a good spot coming into Quail Hollow. Since he took on the U.S. as a member of the President’s Cup “World Team,” he continues to blossom. Last week in the Valspar, his -12 finish struck the right tone for an upgrade this week. He has the opportunity to win his 1st PGA Tour event, and these odds are quite inviting. TOP PICK . . .
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Enjoy the Wells Fargo Championship! Should be a great weekend on the PGA Tour . . .