Bob Hope Classic Betting Odds & Prediction

The article below was written for the 2011 Bob Hope Classic. When we get closer to the 2012 tournament we will update this post with the latest Bob Hope Classic betting odds and our predictions.

The Bob Hope Classic is one of the most fun events on the PGA Tour. With the celebrity pro-am format before the pros go at it on Sunday, the Hope is must see TV and very good golf. Comics George Lopez and Bill Murray are fan favorites and there will be numerous pro athletes on the card including Dr J, Julius Erving; NFL Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson, MLB pitcher Greg Maddox, and CART driver Danny Sullivan among others.

2011 Bob Hope Classic Betting Odds

For bets on tournament favorite Matt Kuchar, the best odds are at Sportsbook.com. For the other top players, refer to the list below. This list was compiled on Tuesday, Jan. 18th at 4pm EST. To view the latest Bob Hope Classic betting odds, use any of the links to our favorite sportsbooks below.

Each of these sportsbooks also offer matchup betting and various prop bets. For the best prop bets on this PGA tournament, we recommend the Bodog Sportsbook. They’re offering a large number of prop bets for the 2011 Bob Hope Classic.

2011 Bob Hope Classic PGA Golf Tournament

Founded in 1960, by entertainer and golf-addict Bob Hope, the Classic has always drawn enthusiastic and large galleries giving professionals a true big-time audience. Many of golf’s legends are former champions here including five-time winner Arnold Palmer, Billy Casper and Johnny Miller, the only-back-to-back winner. Phil Mickelson has won here twice but is not in the field for the 52nd version of the Classic. Bill Haas is the defending champion scoring a 330 in a rainy, sloppy event last year.

The Bob Hope Classic is played over multiple courses in a five day format. Celebrities are included every day except Sunday which makes the tournament unique on the PGA Tour. The four courses used are the SilverRock Resort, La Quinta Country Club, Nicklaus Private at PGA West and the Palmer Private at PGA West. Scores are often ridiculously low, including last year when Bubba Watson fired a course record 62 at the SilverRock Resort and Shane Bertsch carded a 62 at the Nicklaus Private course. The final round is played Sunday at the Palmer Private course.

Last year, rain forced the tournament to finish on Monday for the first time in over 30 years. Haas topped a field of five challengers down the stretch continuing a tradition of competitive play at the Bob Hope Classic. Among the bigger names on the card for the 2011 event are Rich Beem, Mark Brooks, Chad Campbell, Stewart Cink, Chris DeMarco, Lee Janzen, Jerry Kelly, Justin Leonard, Jeff Maggert, Billy Mayfair, 2009 Hope Champion Pat Perez, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank and Mike Weir.

For complete odds on every player, visit Sportsbook.com.

Bob Hope Classic Contendors

Last week’s winner in Hawaii, Mark Wilson (40/1 at the 2011 Bob Hope Classic) was solid if not spectacular in his victory, carding a 16-under 264, two shots better than South Africa’s Tim Clark. Other contenders last week that are expected at the Hope are Steve Marino, Jimmy Walker, Matt Bettencourt and Matt Kuchar.

Shigeki Maruyama was among the top finishers in Hawaii but is not listed as a Hope participant, along with Sony Open first and second round leader, Stuart Appleby. The Australian faded in the final two rounds to finish tied for 13th and did not register for the Classic. Check the last minute pairings for these two names as both would have to be among the favorites this week.

This weekend look for low scores again as the weather forecast appears clear. Matt Kuchar has fared well at the Hope in the past, finishing in the top five in 2010 and is as good a bet as any.

Matt Bettencourt (80/1) let a few shots get away from him at the Sony Open, but could be a factor here as well. Steve Marino (30/1), is only a few putts away from earning a title, and Pat Perez could be among the leaders too. Look for Stewart Cink (33/1) and Mike Weir (50/1) to offer shots at the leader board as well.

2011 Bob Hope Classic Bets Bet

The best bet for the 2011 Bob Hope Classic is Matt Kuchar, who has a history here. He is playing well, and as long as he doesn’t get paired with Bill Murray (whose group is notorious for laughter but not winning results), Kuchar looks like the man to beat.

The best betting odds for Matt Kuchar are at Sportsbook.com, where they’re offering 10/1. Matchup bets are also offered there, along with 2011 Bob Hope Classic prop bets.