Betting Preview for the 2021 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship With Odds, Predictions, and Best Bets

The 2021 European Tour season kicks off on Thursday in the capital of the United Arab Emirates with a star-studded field. Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas headline a betting sheet that includes Englishmen Tyrell Hatton and Justin Rose, along with two-time champion of this event, Tommy Fleetwood.

This week marks the 16^th edition of the esteemed event, and for the 16^th time, it’ll be contested at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Before I unveil my Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship predictions, have a glimpse at the pricing.

Rory and JT have separated themselves from the pack at all of the top golf betting sites. I’ve heard McIlroy catch some grief on social media for not ever winning in his first start of the year – tweets that cause me to burst out in laughter.

If you want to key in on tweets that actually have substance – check out this one from GOLFTV:

Rory has finished outside the top five only once in his last 12 year-opening events. pic.twitter.com/ZaAUqRcKhq

— GOLFTV (@GOLFTV) January 18, 2021

It’s as if Rory contending this weekend in Abu Dhabi is a foregone conclusion.

How Justin Thomas asserts himself in his first go-round following his fallout with Ralph Lauren is perhaps the most interesting storyline of all.

I referenced that each of the first 15 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championships was held at Abu Dhabi GC. Here’s a quick look at the past five winners, along with their winning tallies.

Worth noting – Martin Kaymer has won this event three times (2008, 2010, 2011) and is in the field this week. Kaymer placed 8^th here last season and has racked up four top-10s during his last eight starts.

Is Martin’s +3300 price tag at MyBookie enough to pique your interest?

Entrenched as one of the marquee events on the European Tour schedule, it’s not often we see a dark horse hoist the trophy at week’s end. That’s why when it comes to pinpointing the winner, I’m steering clear of any Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship sleepers.

The last man standing on Sunday evening is more than likely going to be one of the household names sitting near the top of the betting sheet. One of those names happens to be playing this week with a big chip on his shoulder.

Justin Thomas has been draped in Ralph Lauren gear ever since he turned pro – and even before that in AJGA and amateur events. There’s no doubt that JT was caught off guard by his clothing sponsor abruptly cutting ties, but my guess is the world’s third-ranked player will be ultra-focused on putting on a dominant performance.

Thomas is great in any situation, but he excels when he is “put off.”

Take Alabama, Justin’s beloved alma mater, losing in the National Championship to Clemson on January 9^th, 2017. Justin’s first round following the Crimson Tide’s loss resulted in a 59 at the Sony Open. By Sunday, Thomas had proceeded to set the 72-hole PGA Tour scoring record.

Picking a winner isn’t the only way to cash in. Here are two additional predictions for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club being part of the annual rotation means a crop of golfers have built up a considerable amount of course history at this week’s venue. One man who has stood at Abu Dhabi GC is long-hitting Belgian, Thomas Pieters.

At 47-years-old, Lee Westwood is supposed to be well past his prime. However, a boatload of top 20s followed Westwood’s triumph at the 2020 Abu Dhabi Championship and he wound up winning the Race to Dubai.

Excited to announce the first tournament of 2021 will be @ADGolfChamps start as we mean to go on!?? #ADGolfChamps pic.twitter.com/5rnsKfPbCZ

— Lee Westwood (@WestwoodLee) December 21, 2020

Arriving as the defending champ and the reigning European Golfer of the Year, “Westy’s” confidence should be through the roof. Lee landing inside the top 20 is one of my favorite Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship picks.

When you’re ready for some more weekly predictions in the world of professional golf, check out the link below.