Zurich Classic & Chevron Championship Picks: Expert Golf Betting Breakdown

Introduction

In this week’s episode of the Golf Preview Podcast, Will Doctor delivers comprehensive betting analysis and player evaluations for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans (PGA Tour), Chevron Championship (LPGA), and the upcoming Veritex Bank Championship (Korn Ferry Tour). With in-depth commentary and on-the-ground reporting from Carlton Woods, Texas, this article captures key takeaways, quote analysis, and data-driven insights from Will's predictions.

RBC Heritage Recap: Thomas Triumphs

Justin Thomas claimed his 16th PGA Tour victory by defeating Andrew Novak in a playoff at the RBC Heritage. Thomas opened with a scorching 61 and closed with a bogey-free 68 to force extra holes. His playoff win, sealed with a 21-foot birdie, marked his fifth victory in seven playoff appearances. Novak, praised as a rising star comparable to Jon Rahm, missed key birdie opportunities on holes 13 and 18, ultimately falling short despite exceptional short game performance and a composed approach.

Will reflects on his betting misses, lamenting the absence of Thomas and Novak on his card. Novak, already with five top-15s and three podium finishes in 2025, was a glaring omission. The overall week ended with Will’s card dropping 6.7 units, bringing his season deficit to 81.2 units.

Player Breakdown and Matchup Results

Scheffler’s T8 finish came with elite ball-striking but was undermined by a double bogey on 15 due to an awkward lie in a sandy area. Though his putting wasn't off, it failed to gain traction in key rounds. Daniel Berger secured a T3 finish, salvaging his week with a final-round 65. Despite outstanding ball-striking, his early putting struggles prevented a win.

Poston narrowly missed a top 10, finishing T11, while Siwoo Kim’s birdie on 16 nullified a top Asian bet on Sungjae Im. Ryan Gerard’s bogey on 18 sank a top 20 ticket, and Xander Schauffele’s final round surge fell short, ending T18.

Corrales Championship: Higgo Emerges

Garrick Higgo earned his second PGA Tour win in the Dominican Republic, a notable oversight on Will’s card despite the South African’s excellent lead-in form. Keith Mitchell’s early 64 raised hopes for a first-round win, but Domin’s round of 62 overshadowed it. Alejandro Cañizares’ top 10 finish partially redeemed a disappointing card.

Zurich Classic Picks

Outright #1: Andrew Novak & Ben Griffin (28/1)
This team blends Novak’s all-around consistency with Griffin’s strong ball-striking. Griffin’s putting has slumped recently, but his historical Bermuda performance suggests a bounce-back.

Outright #2: Billy Horschel & Tom Hoge (28/1)
Horschel, a past Zurich winner and Bermuda expert, pairs with the red-hot Hoge, who’s finished 18th or better in his last four starts. Hoge’s improved driving accuracy and elite approach play make this a dangerous duo.

Top 20 Pick: Nico Echavarria & Max Greyserman (+130)
Ranked 1st and 28th in Bermuda putting, this pairing finished 4th last year. Recent ball-striking concerns are offset by elite putting synergy, suggesting a strong chance to finish inside the top 20 again.

Additional Team Evaluations

Carl Yuan and Michael Thorbjornsen are considered long-term stars but are avoided this week due to inconsistencies. Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo show strong chemistry, but Velo’s current stat line lacks the reliability for a top 10 wager.

Chevron Championship Insights

The Nicholas Course at Carlton Woods favors long hitters due to its length and tight driving lanes. Rain could further soften the course, intensifying the demand for precise long-iron play and quadrant-based putting accuracy.

Outright #1: Nelly Korda (9/1)
The defending champion remains elite across all metrics. Though not coming off four consecutive wins like last year, her improved putting and consistently high-level play make her a top pick.

Outright #2 and Top 10: Ingrid Lindblad (70/1 and 4/1)
Lindblad, the former world number one amateur, recently won her first LPGA event in just her third start. She ranks high in driving, approach, and putting, and her power sets her up well for the course’s demands.

Korn Ferry Tour Preview

Will plans to visit the Veritex Bank Championship in Arlington for interviews and updates, with picks to follow on social media. He previews future episodes from Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch and the Truest Championship at Philadelphia Cricket Club.

Conclusion

Will Doctor’s predictions blend statistical rigor with real-time observations. His picks for Zurich and Chevron reflect deep familiarity with course profiles, player trends, and betting value. As always, his commitment to on-site scouting and strategic betting insights provides listeners and readers a compelling edge during golf season.