Golf betting fans have plenty to look forward to this week as the RBC Canadian Open tees off with a lineup packed with rising stars, under-the-radar players, and intriguing longshots. If you’re looking for value in the odds markets, these sleeper picks are worth tracking for outright wins, top finishes, and specialty bets. With recent form, course compatibility, and momentum all factoring in, here are the players who could surprise the field.
Contents
- 1 Top Contender to Watch: Erik van Rooyen (+10000) — Rising Underdog with Great Potential
- 2 Top 5 Bet: Cameron Young (+900) — Driving Machine with Explosive Potential
- 3 Top 10 Pick: Emiliano Grillo (+600) — A Ball-Striker Back in Form
- 4 Top 20 Pick: Chris Gotterup (+200) — Steady Play and Strength Position Him as a Sleeper Threat
- 5 Premier French Contender: Antoine Rozner (+185) — Dependable and Mentally Tough Athlete
- 6 Look Beyond the Favorites for Hidden Value
Top Contender to Watch: Erik van Rooyen (+10000) — Rising Underdog with Great Potential
Erik van Rooyen may not always be in the limelight, but he’s undoubtedly a player to keep a close watch on this week. South African made a commanding statement in Final Qualifying at Columbus, Ohio, leading the field by six strokes. That dominant performance signals a player in peak form.
Just a month ago, van Rooyen finished runner-up at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, reminding bettors and analysts alike that he can still contend when his game is dialled in. Despite a sluggish start to the season, van Rooyen has shaken off the rust and looks poised for a deep run.
He’s a two-time PGA TOUR winner who may not dominate statistical categories, but he thrives in moments when confidence aligns with opportunity. At +10000, he offers tremendous value for those looking to back a potential Cinderella story.
Top 5 Bet: Cameron Young (+900) — Driving Machine with Explosive Potential
Cameron Young is built for breakthrough performances, and this could be the week he delivers a long-awaited top-five finish. Coming off a playoff win in Final Qualifying for the U.S. Open, Young steps into the RBC Canadian Open fueled by strong momentum and growing confidence.
While he hasn’t secured a top-five result since early last season, his consistency on challenging courses speaks volumes. He leads the PGA TOUR in distance of all drives, ranks second in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee, and sits 15th in Tee-to-Green efficiency. With a third-place standing in turning greens in regulation into birdies, Young possesses the skills needed to compete at the highest level.
His putter has also shown flashes of brilliance, sitting 12th in putts per GIR. Thanks to his exceptional ball-striking and impressive power, Young stands out as a strong contender for a top-five finish.
Top 10 Pick: Emiliano Grillo (+600) — A Ball-Striker Back in Form
After a rough start to the season, Emiliano Grillo appears to have found his groove just in time. He’s posted top-20 finishes in his last two PGA TOUR starts and punched his ticket to the U.S. Open through Canadian Final Qualifying. All signs indicate that everything is trending in a favorable direction.
Grillo has always been known for his elite ball striking, and he’s recently made significant gains in his Strokes Gained: Approach-the-Green, shaving off nearly two strokes per tournament. His putting has also shown improvement, further enhancing his scoring potential.
Though a top 10 would mark his first in over a year, Grillo’s resurgence and sharp form make this +600 bet one with an upside. For the more conservative bettor, a Top 20 at +280 also holds value.
Top 20 Pick: Chris Gotterup (+200) — Steady Play and Strength Position Him as a Sleeper Threat
Chris Gotterup is quickly establishing himself as one of the most consistent performers among second-year players on the PGA TOUR. Since a T16 at the Puerto Rico Open, he has recorded six top-20 finishes in 10 starts, including four consecutively at one point.
Statistically, Gotterup brings a compelling case. He ranks:
- 16th in greens in regulation
- 7th in scrambling
- Inside the top 20 in Par-3 and Par-4 scoring
That blend of accuracy and scoring strength is especially important on a par-70 course layout. Additionally, he just qualified for the U.S. Open in New Jersey, showing his game is ready to peak. Achieving a top-20 finish at +200 offers a smart and worthwhile betting opportunity.
Premier French Contender: Antoine Rozner (+185) — Dependable and Mentally Tough Athlete
While the RBC Canadian Open isn’t hosted in Quebec, French-speaking golfers still bring a unique edge. Antoine Rozner, a Paris native, has quietly cashed in 10 straight starts, including a T13 at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson.
Though he hasn’t broken into the top 30 often, Rozner’s consistency makes him an appealing bet in a limited field. To claim victory in this prop market, he simply must finish ahead of Victor Perez (+140) and Matthieu Pavon (+190). Unlike his fellow citizens, Rozner didn’t qualify for the U.S. Open, so his attention is 100% on this event.
Having rested for three weeks and known for creating scoring chances on unfamiliar greens, Rozner is well-positioned to deliver a surprise. At +185, there’s a good mix of risk and reward in betting on him as the Top French Player.
Look Beyond the Favorites for Hidden Value
While household names will dominate headlines, tournaments like the RBC Canadian Open often see longshots and grinders steal the show. Whether it’s van Rooyen’s resilience, Young’s explosive potential, or Rozner’s sharp focus, these sleeper picks offer compelling narratives backed by numbers.
Smart bettors know that the edge often lies just beneath the surface—in players who are trending up, have something to prove, or are on the verge of peaking. Explore these markets, follow the stats, and trust the momentum. The rewards could be worth the risk.
