Betting Picks for the 2021 LPGA Kia Classic

The return of Michelle Wie West is the talk of the town in Carlsbad. The 31-year-old returns to competition after a more than a 20-month break from the LPGA Tour; she’s also entered into next week’s ANA Inspiration up the road in Rancho Mirage.

Speaking of notable faces taking part in the action, each of the top-14 ranked women in the world is set to tee it up at Aviara. Before we dive into some Kia Classic predictions, here’s a quick peek at who’s won here in the past.

After bouncing back and forth between La Costa and Industry Hills for the first three years, the Kia Classic found a permanent home at Aviara Golf Club starting in 2013. The 2021 edition marks the 8th time this event will have been hosted at the one and only golf course, Arnold Palmer, designed in San Diego County.

Mi Jung Hur set the single-round tournament record with a blistering 62 (-10) during the third round of the 2019 Kia Classic. Incidentally, she was matched the very next day by Kim Hyo-joo.

Now for some Kia Classic picks.

Lurking at +5000 to win at several of the best golf betting sites, I’m captivated by the value that Jennifer Kupcho presents. First off, Jennifer is the 12th-ranked player in the world, and yet every sportsbook I’ve encountered has 15 other girls with shorter odds to emerge.

Secondly, Kupcho reminded us last time out that it’s only a matter of time until she picks up her maiden victory on tour. Coming off a solo-2nd at the LPGA Drive On Championship, the Colorado native has now improved her finish in four straight events.

Currently leading the LPGA Tour in GIR (79.17%), Jennifer clocks in 11th in driving distance (261.88) and is hitting more than 79% of her fairways.

She’s basically a hot putter away from running away with a golf tournament.

There are a few different ways to bet on the Kia Classic online. While most of the top sites installed Kia Classic odds to win, some of the bookies have added top-10 and top-20 markets. A selection of head-to-head matchups will eventually be released.

Danielle Kang saunters into Carlsbad, a 2nd and a 6th through her first three events in 2021, beaming with confidence. She hits it great and putts beautifully, and you won’t find a player who has as much self-belief.

The last time this California native was at Aviara for the Kia Classic, she closed with 66-65 and finished T2 (2019).

The 27-year-old two-time winner missed the cut at Lake Nona, but take that with a grain of salt. Gaby’s MC at the Gainbridge LPGA is sandwiched between a couple of top-15 showings. Lopez has registered 40 birdies and an eagle through her first 10 rounds of the season, and we can expect to card a slew of red numbers this week at Aviara.

At the 2019 Kia Classic, Gaby made 18 birdies and two eagles en route to tallying a T7.

Lock in these Kia Classic picks and get ready to fire away on the PGA Tour action. If you missed Wednesday’s start to the WGC in Austin, you can still take part in the festivities in Puntacana.