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Maverick McNealy, Pierceson Coody Headline First Round Leader Bets at WM Phoenix Open
Blake Krass breaks down the top picks to lead after the first round at TPC Scottsdale
Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:07am
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The PGA Tour heads to TPC Scottsdale this week for the WM Phoenix Open, one of the most exciting events on the calendar. Blake Krass analyzes the top first-round leader bets, including Maverick McNealy and Pierceson Coody, who have both performed well at this event in the past and are off to strong starts to the 2026 season.
Why it matters
The WM Phoenix Open is one of the most popular and high-profile events on the PGA Tour, attracting a star-studded field. Getting out to a fast start on Thursday is crucial, as it can set the tone for the rest of the tournament. Identifying the players most likely to take the first-round lead can provide valuable betting opportunities.
The details
Maverick McNealy has finished in the top 10 in both of his career starts at the WM Phoenix Open, including a T2 finish after the first round in 2024. He's been a strong putter and driver of the ball so far this season, ranking 26th in strokes gained putting and 18th in driving distance. If McNealy can continue that form, he could go low on Thursday. Pierceson Coody has been one of the breakout stars on Tour this season, finishing in the top 20 in all three of his starts, including a T2 at the Farmers Insurance Open. Coody has shown the ability to go low in opening rounds, including a 62 at The American Express that gave him a share of the first-round lead. He'll look to replicate that success at TPC Scottsdale.
- The WM Phoenix Open is being played this week at TPC Scottsdale.
The players
Maverick McNealy
A PGA Tour player who had seven top-10 finishes in 26 events during the 2025 season and has carried that momentum into 2026 with strong starts at the Sony Open and Farmers Insurance Open.
Pierceson Coody
A breakout star on the PGA Tour this season, having finished in the top 20 in all three of his starts, including a T2 at the Farmers Insurance Open.
What they’re saying
“If McNealy can give himself some birdie looks with his iron play, he should roll in some putts and could go very low on Thursday.”
— Blake Krass, Author
“Coody might not outduel Scottie Scheffler over four days, but he could be better than him on Thursday.”
— Blake Krass, Author
The takeaway
The WM Phoenix Open is one of the most exciting events on the PGA Tour calendar, and getting off to a fast start on Thursday can be crucial. Maverick McNealy and Pierceson Coody, who have both performed well at this event in the past and are playing well to start the 2026 season, present intriguing first-round leader betting options.
