Betting Tips on 3 Golfers to Back at Players Championship

The Players Championship 2017 looks set to be bigger and better than ever thanks to course improvements and the fact that 48 of the world's leading golf pros will be swinging for a chance to win close to $2 million. When the PGA Tour's flagship tournament gets under way on May 11 at the TPC Sawgrass course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, it will welcome 147 pros hoping to lift the winner's trophy on May 14.

Despite not being considered a Major, this event always attracts the biggest names in the sport and, as usual, the likes of Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth all have short odds according to the top online betting sites. Naturally, when it comes to golf Major betting or, indeed, betting on an "unofficial" Major like The Players Championship, nothing is ever set in stone.

With the finest swingers and putters in the business out to claim one of the largest prizes around, everyone – including the lowest-ranked qualifiers – will be bringing their A-game. With this being the case, dishing out golf betting tips for this PGA classic isn't easy. However, in the spirit of competition and finding the best online betting odds, we've taken a look through our list of partner sites and picked out "the" players to look out for in The Players 2017!

Top 3 Player Odds at The Players Championship 2017

1. Martin Kaymer - Top 5 Finish

   Not his first rodeo at The Players, the 2014 The Players Championship winner has a course record of 63 and is able to tackle the fairways of TPC Sawgrass with a round average of 71.16. That kind of form would put Kaymer among the top-ranked players when the final putts were being made.

   In fact, when Day won his title last year, he shot 70-69 on the final weekend, which is just a notch under Kaymer's average but quite a way worse than his best. Now, it's worth noting that Day shot a course-record equalling 29 on the back nine to clinch the much sought-after title.

   This would suggest he's prone to a strong finish on this course, which would mean Kaymer would have to come out with force. However, if he can play to his potential and continue a run that's seen him earn five top-25 finishes this season, he could be one to watch. He's available to finish in the top 5 at odds of 12/1 with Ladbrokes now!

2. Rory McIlroy - Tournament Winner

   One of the game's finest, McIlroy will present a tough test for defending champion Day when things get under way. Perhaps the most intriguing point to note with regard to McIlroy is the fact he may be using a new driver for this tournament. When it comes to skills, we all know he's got all the attributes required to win an event like The Players Championship. However, the decision to change his club could go one of two ways.

   According to his Instagram account, McIlroy has been sizing up a TaylorMade driver. The exact model he intends to use isn't clear, but the switch could help him on some of TPC Sawgrass's longer tee shots. Of course, the opposite is also true.

   In a sport where the margin between success and failure is so fine, a subtle change can often have major consequences. It might be the case that McIlroy can't find his swing with the new club. In golf betting terms, this could be something to ponder as the event unfolds. Players looking to back Rory and his new driver to win the whole thing, he's available at odds of 11/1 with bet365 Sports today!

3. Jason Day - Tournament Winner

   When it comes to formulating a golf betting strategy, previous success is always a good indicator of how a player will perform in an upcoming event. Because golf is a sport where consistency counts, you can rely on the top players to deliver when it matters and that means Day will be a solid pick this time around.

   After winning The Players Championship by four shots in 2016, Day took his PGA Tour titles tally to 10. On that occasion, he started the final day with a four-shot lead, but was pushed to the end by some sublime shots by his opponents.

   Colt Knost had been on track for a course record earlier in the week and came out strong in the final session, while Kevin Chappell sunk an eagle to put the pressure on Day. However, the Australian didn't buckle and took home the trophy in comfortable fashion. If you think Day is poised to repeat as The Players' Champion, he's available at odds of 22/1 at bet365!

Strategy for Betting on The Players Championship 2017

Whichever way The Players Championship 2017 goes, there will be plenty of drama, entertainment and, of course, bets for you to enjoy. Whether you're a golf betting novice or online betting pro, this event is one that's always good for some odds or two and, if you fancy value outside of the big names, Martin Kaymer looks as though he's a great-value bet this year. For most of the odds listed above as well as the entire Players betting market, head over to bet365 Sports today!

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