Ryder Cup odds: Predictions and best bets for former Alabama golfer Justin Thomas
Catena Media provides exclusive sports betting content to AL.com, including picks, analysis, tools and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly.
The highly-anticipated 2023 Ryder Cup is upon us as Team USA and Justin Thomas prepare to take on Team Europe at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy.
Alabama fans typically root for former Crimson Tide players on Sundays in the NFL, but there’s a Ryder Cup rooting interest in Thomas, who golfed for the Tide in 2012 and 2013. You can access an array of Thomas and Team USA betting markets after creating an account with our sports betting promo code links.
Ryder Cup odds: Top Justin Thomas betting picks
Justin Thomas over 1.5 points (-110 or better)
Unlike PGA Tour events that mainly follow the stroke-play scoring system, the Ryder Cup is unique as it requires strong performances from each team member to win the event. Each golfer competes in three matches, and winning a point is done by winning a match.
The first match is four-ball, meaning two golfers from Team USA will clash with two European players. Each golfer plays their own ball, with the lowest score from each team marked on the scorecard, and the round will follow match-play scoring.
Match two is foursomes, in which the players from each team will alternate shots. So if Thomas tees off, his Team USA partner will hit the second shot, and so on. The foursomes rounds will also utilize match-play scoring.
Last is the singles match, in which one Team USA player squares off with one Team Europe golfer. The player that shoots the lowest score on the most holes wins the round and earns a point.
Thomas was a controversial captain’s pick by Zach Johnson after failing to qualify for Team USA by finishing in the top six of the points rankings. Thomas was invited to the Ryder Cup thanks to his familiarity with the golfers and his past dominance in the event.
JT holds a 6-2-1 record in Ryder Cup matches, and his top events are four-ball (2-0-1) and singles (2-0-0). Look for Thomas to be unfazed by a sour ending to his PGA Tour season, leading to continued success at the Ryder Cup.
Justin Thomas to beat Rory McIlroy in singles (+1800 or better)
This Ryder Cup betting market can be found on FanDuel Sportsbook under the Ryder Cup Specials tab.
When Thomas and McIlroy squared off in the 2018 Ryder Cup singles, JT came out on top, winning 10-7. Thomas is undefeated in singles matches, with wins in 2018 and 2021.
McIlroy has more Ryder Cup experience, playing in the event six times dating back to 2010. But the Northern Irishman’s performances have been average.
In singles, Rory is 3-2-1 and has a 12-12-4 overall record. Considering Thomas’ ability to turn it on at the Ryder Cup, taking him to beat Rory at +1800 odds offers sensational value.
Think you know Alabama and Auburn football? Play the AL.com Prop Bet Showdown for a chance to win prizes!
If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.