Puerto Rico Open tips: Perfect chance for Robert MacIntyre to make his mark on USPGA Tour

Puerto Rico Open key stats:

• When: March 7-10 2024
• Where: Grand Reserve Country Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
• How long: 7,506 yards - par 72
• What to expect: Flat coastal course, can be tricky if the wind blows
• Who won last year: Nicolas Echavarria (-21)

Rasmus Hojgaard spearheads the European challenge, and after five straight top-11 finishes on the DP World Tour, he will be hoping to improve on his down-the-field finish at the Cognizant Classic last weekend.

However, even in this weakened field there’s too much quality on hand to get too excited about the Dane’s 14/1 price, and if we’re looking for a European win, then there is better value to found with Robert MacIntyre, whose first taste of the PGA Tour this year tasted a little sour with three straight missed cuts, but a better sixth-placed performance in a stronger field than this at the Mexican Open suggested that his odds might never be bigger than their current 33/1. 

Suggested bet: Robert MacIntyre (33/1) each-way in the Puerto Rico Open

Elsewhere, it is never easy to defend a title in the competitive minefield of modern golf, but it would be unwise to write off the chances of 2023 winner Nicolas Echavarria, who held off the challenge of Akshay Bhatia by a couple of shots 12 months ago.

The Colombian arrives in decent form after finishing tied for 21st alongside names as illustrious as Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitxpatrick at last week’s Cognizant Classic, and if he can bring that form to a course that clearly suits his game, then he could well be in the mix again at tasty odds.

Suggested bet: Nicolas Echavarria (35/1) each-way in the Puerto Rico Open

Others to watch:

• Daniel Berger (20/1) - Leads the American challenge and after a long lay-off is showing glimpses of the form that has earned him four Tour wins
• Nate Lashley (33/1) - Shouldn’t be discounted after coming third in this last year and third again in the Farmers Insurance Open in late January.
• Martin Laird (55/1) - The Scot has found his place on the US Tour, and is in good nick after shooting under 70 in all of his four rounds at the Cognizant last week.
• Garrick Higgo (35/1) - Not yet produced the results to support his undoubted talent, the South African was let down by last Saturday’s over-par round, but still finished well to tie for 11th
• Ryo Hisatsune (20/1) - Has been close without contending all year, and this might be the perfect chance to show his capabilities and string four decent rounds together

Suggested bet: Nyo Hisatsune (40/1) each-way in the Puerto Rico Open