The golf world is abuzz with the start of the 2026 PGA TOUR season's first Signature Event, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where a thrilling lineup of players is already making waves on the Monterey Peninsula. Among them, Ryo Hisatsune (+1100) emerged as a surprise early leader, closing with three straight birdies on Thursday to post an impressive 10-under 62, a remarkable turnaround from his +15000 longshot status at FanDuel Sportsbook just a week prior. Hisatsune's recent form has been nothing short of remarkable, consistently placing him near the top of the leaderboard and in the thick of contention for three straight weeks.
However, the day's biggest story might be Scottie Scheffler (+2700), who found himself 10 shots off the lead after shooting an even-par 72 at Pebble Beach. This marks a slow start in back-to-back events for Scheffler, the world No. 1, who is known for his resilience and ability to bounce back. Despite the slow rounds, Scheffler remains a force to be reckoned with, and his performance at the WM Phoenix Open last week, where he closed the gap and finished just one stroke shy of the playoff, further underscores his prowess.
The key to Scheffler's success lies in his unique strengths. He excels in positioning off the tee and being clinical with wedges, ranking No. 1 in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach from 50-100 yards and 100-150 yards. With his irons approaching his normal baseline and the putter finding its rhythm, a top-20 finish seems achievable. Moreover, the 80-man, no-cut format of this event provides Scheffler with three full rounds to climb the leaderboard while his competitors strive to maintain their pace.
Another standout performer is Chris Gotterup (+1000 to win), who opened the round with six straight birdies and turned in 5-under 31, posting 8-under for the day, just two shots off the lead. Gotterup's stat profile is impressive, gaining +3.77 strokes on approach and showcasing a well-rounded game. Despite losing -0.79 strokes off the tee and gaining just +0.81 with the putter, there's room for improvement, and when he's on his game, he's a force to be reckoned with. Gotterup's recent wins at the Sony Open in Hawaii and the WM Phoenix Open, despite putting struggles, further solidify his talent and consistency.
As the tournament unfolds, the market's adjustments will become clearer, and the top-5 finish seems like a strong bet. With his recent form and the event's format, Scheffler and Gotterup are poised to make their mark, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the outcomes of this thrilling golf tournament.
