The Match III: Curry/Manning vs. Mickelson/Barkley (Golf)
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For the first time in three matches, “The Match†will not feature Tiger Woods, but Phil Mickelson remains with a trio of sports superstars. In this one, Mickelson will pair up with former NBA All-Star and avid golfer Charles Barkley as they take on two superstars of their own realms in Peyton Manning and Steph Curry.
Let’s take a closer look at this year’s format, which should offer no shortage of betting opportunities, and see where we can find the edge.
S. Curry/P. Manning (-175) vs. P. Mickelson/C. Barkley (+138), Friday 3:00 PM EST
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Watch: TNT, TBS, TruTV / HLN
Format
Like in years past, this event will feature an 18-hole match where they play a modified version of alternate shot. From what we can gather, the event will start with each golfer hitting their teammate’s second shot, and then alternate shot until the balls in the hole.
Betting Breakdown
While the odds are heavily slanted towards Curry and Manning given their documented abilities on the course and the unique format, Barkley’s, well, lack of ability, I’m not sold. Even though all proceeds go to charity, Mickelson wouldn’t agree to an event he didn’t think he had an edge in.
Heading into this event, Curry and Manning have a combined handicap listed at +6.8, with Curry boasting a +2.2 and having had plenty of time to play over the last year while missing playing time in the NBA with an injury.
Barkley, on the other hand, is largely known for having one of the uglier swings in the public eye and doesn’t even have a handicap to speak of that we can find. From his teammate, five-time major champion Mickelson, I expect not only a boost on the scorecard but a mental boost from playing alongside one of the best golfers of all-time.
Conclusion
Make no bones about it, this match will almost certainly come down to Barkley’s ability to keep his ball in play and allow Mickelson to do his thing. When it comes down to it, that’s exactly how I see this thing playing out.
After their primary careers, while Curry and Manning are documented near-scratch golfers, Barkley and Mickelson are documented near-degenerates who I don’t believe take a bet they aren’t confident they can win.
While the odds probably move towards Curry-Manning as the first tee shot approaches and a better number remains out there, I’m taking Phil and Chuck to eek this one out late in what should be a fun afternoon of golf.
Pick: P. Mickelson/C. Barkley (+138)
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TJ Perun is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from TJ, check out his archive and follow him @JohnnyCovers.