Excited for the 2018 WGC Mexico Championship? We’ve got you covered with an in-depth preview of the action at Club de Golf Chapultepec from 1 to 4 March.
The new year kicks off with the prestigious WGC Mexico Championship making a return to the scenic Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City, now hosting for the second year running. Originating in 1999 as the WGC American Express Championship, this event has evolved through various identities including the WGC CA Championships and Cadillac Championships.
After a memorable stint at Doral, renovations under Donald Trump’s ownership led to the tournament’s move to Mexico—a shift that stirred quite a buzz in golfing circles.
Event Details:
2018 WGC Mexico Championship | 1 March – 4 March | Club de Golf Chapultepec, Mexico City
2018 WGC Mexico Championship | 1 March – 4 March | Club de Golf Chapultepec, Mexico City
Despite its formidable 7,330-yard layout, playing at altitude softens the course’s challenge considerably. Designed in 1928 by Scottish brothers Willie and Alex Smith, the course boasts lush kikuyu fairways lined with towering trees and smooth poa annua-bentgrass hybrid greens similar to those at Riviera. While the field is elite with 65 players, it appears a bit less strong than last year, possibly due to food poisoning incidents that deterred some participants.
Top names like Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, Henrik Stenson, Hideki Matsuyama, and Brooks Koepka won’t be teeing off, but defending champ Dustin Johnson along with Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Ricky Fowler bring a competitive American flavour. European contenders Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood, plus dark horses like Paul Casey and Phil Mickelson, also add intrigue. Masters champ Sergio Garcia aims to sharpen his game ahead of Augusta’s big stage.
Recent Champions
2017: Dustin Johnson (-14)
2016: Adam Scott (-13)
2015: Dustin Johnson (-9)
2014: Patrick Reed (-4)
2013: Tiger Woods (-19)
Outright Win Odds:
Dustin Johnson 6/1 | Justin Thomas 8/1 | Jon Rahm 12/1 | Jordan Spieth 12/1 | Tommy Fleetwood 16/1
Top Value Bets to Watch:
Alex Noren – To Win 25/1, To Place 11/2
The Swedish star has been on a steady upward trajectory recently. A close miss at last week’s playoff with Justin Thomas and Luke List highlights his competitive edge. His recent form — 3-16-21-2-12-31-45-12 in his last eight events — shows great consistency. His impressive driving stats (300+ yards average) bode well for success at this course.
Thomas Pieters – To Win 50/1, To Place 11/1
The lanky Belgian impressed with a fifth-place finish here last season and has earned top spots in other major tourneys. Highlights include second behind DJ at Riviera and solid finishes at the Masters and Bridgestone. Pieters aims to make an impact this season, with recent performances hinting at potential big moves ahead of the Ryder Cup.
Tony Finau – To Win 50/1, To Place 11/1
The powerful American’s only win was at the Puerto Rico Open, but he has shown he can contend internationally. Among his achievements are top 25 finishes at the Mexico Championship and OHL Classic. His affinity for poa annua/bentgrass greens and a recent second-place finish at Riviera put him in good stead for this event.
The Man to Beat – Tommy Fleetwood – To Win 16/1, To Place 7/2
Among frontrunners, Fleetwood offers strong value. After a disappointing start at Riviera, he bounced back with fourth place at the Honda Classic. His recent form includes several top-10 finishes and a notable tenth-place at the Nedbank Classic, also held at altitude. Last season’s runner-up finish here highlights his ability on this course.
Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets