Tackling the Genesis Invitational with our DraftKings golf picks to build the best PGA DFS lineup for this week at Riviera.
The Genesis Invitational is the type of PGA Tour event that every golf fan should be looking forward to. Historic course, top-tier field, tons of history and Tiger Woods hosting — what more could you ask for? Well, besides getting on DraftKings and constructing a winning PGA DFS lineup this week.
What’s interesting about a tournament with a smaller field and elevated status, though, is that the DraftKings slate becomes more difficult to navigate. Yes, there are a bevy of options, but one misstep could be the difference between cashing and not because of that exact reason and the quality of players in the field.
After some less than stellar lineups over the past few weeks, we’re tightening up the ship and going through every pricing tier on DraftKings to select our plays and fades before building our PGA DFS lineup for the Genesis Invitational.
DraftKings picks for Genesis Invitational PGA DFS lineup: Top Plays
$10,000: Dustin Johnson ($10,200) – It’s hard to go wrong with any of the guys in the $10K range but I’m trying to play a little contrarian here. People are going to be all over Jon Rahm ($11,300) and Patrick Cantlay ($11,000) and they have every reason to do that. But DJ has been a top-10 machine at Riviera and showed good form in Saudi Arabia recently. I like the pivot to him that also allows more lineup flexibility in the $9K and $8K range.
$9,000: Cameron Smith ($9,100) – Somewhat looking for value again, Smith being at the bottom of this price range is lovely. He finished outright fourth at this tournament last year, won the Sentry Tournament of Champions to kick off 2022, and has the all-around game needed to play well at Riviera. Love his price and the fit for him to succeed here. Also consider: Xander Schauffele ($9,900), Viktor Hovland ($9,400), Hideki Matsuyama ($9,300)
$8,000: Will Zalatoris ($8,800) – Selecting a top play in the $8K range was extremely difficult because I’m in love with the majority of it. But I’m going with Will Zalatoris. His form has been impeccable when he’s been healthy and I love his ball-striking to push him to the top of the leaderboard this week. But please don’t discount the other players listed next because, rest assured, I’m high on them too. Also consider: Sam Burns ($8,700), Bubba Watson ($8,500), Max Homa ($8,300), Adam Scott ($8,200), Talor Gooch ($8,000)
$7,000: Sahith Theegala ($7,300) – We’re going to need an explanation why Theegala, who was one shot out of last week’s playoff finish, is at the bottom-half of this range. Actually, we’ll just take advantage of it. Theegala has the game to compete anywhere and his form is obviously good after last week. BetSided’s Iain MacMillan agrees as he’s one of his dark horse picks to win, which I’m wholeheartedly in agreement with.
Sahith Theegala introduced himself to the world at least week’s Phoenix Open, and you already know how high I am on him this season. So why can’t he put himself in contention again this week? He was one stroke back of a spot in the playoff last week, and the tournament featured almost as many of the top golfers in the world as this week will.
Theegala isn’t going anywhere, and if his odds continue to be this long, he presents value from a betting standpoint.
Take advantage of this pricing and don’t think twice. Also consider: Joaquin Niemann ($7,800), Paul Casey ($7,600), Seamus Power ($7,500), Luke List ($7,400), Lanto Griffin ($7,200), Mackenzie Hughes ($7,100)
$6,000: Cameron Young ($6,700) – A recent Korn Ferry Tour graduate, Young has been trending quietly in an extremely positive direction. He’s been top-40 in his last three starts, including T-26 and T-20 at Phoenix and the Farmers. Young has the game to contend and he offers great value being in the bottom pricing tier on DraftKings. Also Consider: Martin Laird ($6,900), Matt Jones ($6,900), Patrick Rodgers ($6,500), Wyndham Clark ($6,500), J.J. Spaun ($6,400)
DraftKings picks for Genesis Invitational PGA DFS lineup: Top Fades
$10,000: Nobody – This is a cop-out like last week. But if you can find me a legitimate reason why any of the five $10K guys aren’t worth playing, I’d love to hear it.
$9,000: Rory McIlroy ($9,700) – Rory always has the potential to find it for a week and burn you if you fade him. That’s just the talent that he posseses. With that being said, he hasn’t played in the United States in 2022 and, while he’s played well in Europe, the fact of the matter is I’m not sure where his game is to compete on a difficult golf course against a strong, strong field.
$8,000: Tony Finau ($8,400) – Understanding the terrific history that Finau has at Riviera, nothing about his form as of late says he’s worth looking at. He’s coming off of two missed cuts and just hasn’t been the player that was a staple on leaderboards for much of last year recently. There’s too much value in the $8K range for me to justify taking that type of risk.
$7,000: Tom Hoge ($7,500) – At the risk of getting too galaxy brain with this, I’m fading Hoge after a win and T-14 in the last two weeks. He’s obviously in great form and has been, but consistency has been the buggaboo for him throughout the past couple of years. That longstanding trend says he’s due for a letdown and I’m fading him banking on Riviera popping up and biting him this week.
Genesis Invitational: Best DraftKings golf lineup
- Dustin Johnson ($10,200)
- Will Zalatoris ($8,800)
- Max Homa ($8,300)
- Adam Scott ($8,200)
- Sahith Theegale ($7,300)
- Lanto Griffin ($7,200)
Full disclosure, this is the type of tournament where you are going to love your DraftKings lineup almost no matter what — that’s what happens in this major-type of field in terms of strength.
With that said, I like making some big pivots and being contrarian to a degree in this type of event. So we’re skipping on Rahm and Cantlay in addition to shirking the $9K range and going heavy in the $8K. Homa rounded into good form last week and is the defending champ, so you know the vibes are right for him. Additionally, Scott and Griffin have both been trending up and fit well here.
I love this lineup and think it has sneaky value to pivot away from a lot of heavily owned players and set your PGA DFS lineup apart this week.