Henrik Stenson of Sweden watches his drive from the first tee during the first round of the Sanderson Farms Championship golf tournament in Jackson, Miss., Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020.
Henrik Stenson of Sweden watches his drive from the first tee during the first round of the Sanderson Farms Championship golf tournament in Jackson, Miss., Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. Rogelio V. Solis | Associated Press

The Masters is coming so many are skipping the Bermuda Championship; Mike Kern seeks a payday from weak field

Where and when to watch: Thursday-Saturday, noon to 3 pm on the Golf Channel; Sunday, 11 am to 2 pm on the Golf Channel

Last week we at least, as has been our tendency lately, gave you Bubba Watson not only to win at decent odds but also to finish in the top 10 at 4-1 and top five at 8-1. And he ended up in a tie for fourth. So hopefully you got something back. It isn’t like cashing a win ticket, but it’s still cashing. And that’s always something good.

Now it’s on to the second Bermuda Championship, which the big names are skipping as they get ready for the upcoming Masters. But there’s still money to be made, so by all means let’s try. And remember — I actually played this course in August of 2019, for whatever might be worth.

Will Zalatoris is the favorite, at 11-1. He was the fave several weeks ago in a similar situation and came up light. But he’s been playing really well. Brendon Todd, the defending champion, is 12-1. Harold Varner, who’s been inconsistent, is 18-1. Emiliano Grillo and Doc Rodman are next at 22-1.

There’s a whole bunch at 33-1: Charley Hoffman, Denny McCarthy, Henrik Norlander, Henrik Stenson, Justin Suh, Cameron Tringale, Kristoffer Ventura and Aaron Wise. Peter Malnati is 35-1. Stewart Cink, Rasmussen Hojgard, Luke List, Pat Perez, Adam Schenk and Scott Stallings are all 40-1.

Some others maybe worth mentioning: Russell Knox and Danny Willett at 50-1, Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Padraig Harrington at 60-1. How the once mighty have dropped. Oh well. It happens.

I’m not willing to get too carried away with this one, just because. I don’t think I’m going to back Zalatoris, but I might try something on him to finish in the top five at plus $275. Same with Brendon Todd, at plus $300. That way you can just root for both of them to at least be near the top at the end. Zalatoris has been in the top 10 in three of his last four starts. And this is a much weaker field.

If I was going to back a guy or two, I think I might lean toward Doc Redman at 22-1. In his least five starts he has a second and a third, again against better competition. I’ll take a chance on that.

Also, I’d go with Peter Malnati at 35-1. He’s had a second and fifth in his last four appearances. He’s also plus $800 for a top five, and plus four for a top 10. Sounds like a play. As does Redman at plus 5.5 for a top five. Just saying.

Henrik Stenson is likewise plus eight for a top five. In this field that seems doable. Or even plus four for a top 10. You can’t bet everything, but you can afford to spread it around because you can cash on more than one bet this way.

I’m not really sure about any legit longshot, but I could throw out Tyler McCumber at 50-1. Don’t know if that constitutes a longshot, but he has two top sixes this season. That’s something. Other than that I’d pretty much just be making a stab. But feel free to make a few of those if you’re so inclined. You only have to bet a few bucks to maybe get you a nice payout.

And yes, the Masters can’t get here quickly enough. We’ve been waiting way too long. But hopefully it’ll be worth it.

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