Pure-Silk Bahamas Preview

Nine weeks after Charley Hull hoisted the CME Group Tour Championship trophy last November to close out the 2016 LPGA season, the best in the world are set to return with the 2017 season kicking off with this week’s Pure-Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic. Paradise Island in the Bahamas will be the host of the opening tournament of 2017 as the fifth edition of the Pure-Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic takes place at the Ocean Club Golf Course with the top talent in the world looking to open the year on a high note.

Event

Event Details: Pure-Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic

Category: LPGA

Date: January 26-29

Location: Ocean Club Golf Course, Paradise Island, Bahamas

There are plenty of storylines to keep an eye out for at this week’s event with Hyo-joo Kim looking to become the first back-to-back winner at the Pure-Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic. The veterans are expected to have an edge at a course they have become more familiar with over the years but after Ariya Jutanugarn’s incredible run in 2016 it will be very interesting to see whether another rookie golfer emerges as a true contender in 2017.

Past Four Winners

2016: Hyo-joo Kim -18

2015: Sei-yong Kim -14

2014: Jessica Korda -10

2013: Ilhee Lee -11

What To Know About The Course

The weather is expected to be favorable this week although there is a chance for rain on Friday and Sunday. However, the conditions should be calm enough to expect a smooth weekend of golf although the crosswinds can often catch the less experienced players off guard. The Ocean Club Golf Course isn’t very long and aside from the wind it shouldn’t be too challenging compared to other courses. That should allow golfers a chance to knock off the rust and find their game this week.

The Field

After dominating on the PGA Tour in 2016, Jutanugarn enters the first tournament of 2017 as the obvious sports betting favorite, especially considering that Lydia Ko will not compete this week. Jutanugarn is listed at +350 odds to win this event outright, which is a testament to her dominance a year ago and the fact that the sportsbooks expect she will pick up from where she left off. Meanwhile, Amy Yang, Lexi Thompson, Charley Hull and the 2016 winner Hyo-joo Kim round out the list of sports betting favorites for this week’s action. Canadian Brooke Henderson and 2014 winner Jessica Korda could be decent picks based on value at +2000 and +2200 respectively this week.

A Good Matchup To Bet: Brooke Henderson over Stacy Lewis

Henderson in particular showed flashes of her incredible ability a year ago but struggled with consistency at times. After some substantial time off to rest and regroup, she should be focus at playing at a high level this week. Lewis is a veteran golfer that won’t fade too far down the leaderboard but considering the value here we like Henderson as a strong pick to come out on top in the head-to-head sports betting matchup this week.

Top-Five Pick: Ariya Jutanugarn

While the sports betting odds aren’t exactly what you want in terms of value, there is absolutely no reason to expect Jutanugarn will finish outside of the top-five this week. The rising star is looking to pick up from where she left off in 2016 and she should be able to figure out the best approach to coming out on top in the Bahamas this week.

Pure-Silk Bahamas Tee Times

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