Scottie Scheffler Favored at TPC Scottsdale for WM Phoenix Open

Scheffler's ball-striking prowess and course history make him the top pick, but other players like Pierceson Coody and Nick Taylor offer value

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:31pm

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The PGA TOUR heads to TPC Scottsdale this week for the WM Phoenix Open, where Scottie Scheffler enters as the heavy favorite. Scheffler's elite ball-striking and strong course history at this event make him the top pick, but other players like Pierceson Coody and Nick Taylor could provide value in placement and first-round leader markets.

Why it matters

The WM Phoenix Open is one of the most unique events on the PGA TOUR calendar, with a raucous atmosphere that requires players to handle the pressure and chaos. Ball-striking and course history are key factors for success at TPC Scottsdale, which puts a premium on hitting fairways and greens in regulation.

The details

Scottie Scheffler is the clear favorite this week, having won this event in the past and ranking first in the field in Strokes Gained: Ball-Striking over the last 36 rounds. Other top ball-strikers include Si Woo Kim, Austin Smotherman, Kurt Kitayama, and Pierceson Coody. Coody, in particular, could provide value in placement markets like Top 20 or Top 40 given his strong recent form on the PGA TOUR. Meanwhile, Nick Taylor has excelled in opening rounds at TPC Scottsdale, making him an intriguing first-round leader pick at long odds.

  • Scottie Scheffler has gained an average of +3.04 strokes per first round in his 5 career appearances at TPC Scottsdale.
  • Nick Taylor won the WM Phoenix Open in 2024 and finished runner-up in 2023.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

The world's top-ranked golfer and multiple-time winner at TPC Scottsdale, Scheffler is the clear favorite this week thanks to his elite ball-striking ability.

Pierceson Coody

A rising star on the PGA TOUR, Coody has been one of the best ball-strikers in the field over the last 36 rounds and could provide value in placement markets.

Nick Taylor

A past champion and runner-up at TPC Scottsdale, Taylor has excelled in opening rounds at this event and is an intriguing long-shot pick for first-round leader.

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What they’re saying

“Scottie Scheffler is the best golfer in the world, and he's a perfect fit for this golf course.”

— Brad Thomas, Writer

“Sometimes it's one sharp conversation that points you toward the right market, and this was one of those spots.”

— Byron Lindeque, Back 9 Bets

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Scottie Scheffler's dominance at TPC Scottsdale and his current form make him the clear favorite this week, but savvy bettors may find value in targeting players like Pierceson Coody and Nick Taylor in placement and first-round leader markets.