The PGA Tour heads to the mountains for the Bank of Utah Championship, where thin air, firm fairways, and swirling afternoon winds put a premium on trajectory control and approach play. Altitude will add 5–10% distance to most clubs, so look for elite ball-strikers who flight their wedges, dominate par 5s, and avoid the big miss when the breeze kicks up. Expect a birdie fest—think a winning score somewhere in the high teens to low 20s under par—but don’t mistake that for “easy.” Contenders must keep it in position off the tee and dial up proximity inside 150 yards.

Below are Johnny’s Winning Picks for the week—outrights plus placement bets—built around recent form, approach numbers, par-5 scoring, and proven success on fast, elevated setups.

Winners
• Davis Thompson 22-1
• Alex Smalley 35-1
• Stephan Jaeger 45-1

Ham Sandwich Longshot
• Aldrich Potgieter 55-1

Top 10
• Christiaan Bezuidenhout +375
• Sahith Theegala +400

Top 20
• Ryan Gerard +200
• Doug Ghim +210

How It Likely Plays

• Driving: Position over power—avoid the flyer lies and set up full wedges.
• Approaches: 125–175 yards will be the money zone; proximity and spin control decide Sunday.
• Scoring: Par-5 conversion is mandatory; contenders will be −8 or better on the long holes.
• Weather: Morning calm, bumpier afternoon breeze—early/late wave splits could matter, so keep an eye on tee times for live adds.

Card Construction Tips

• Stake the outrights with room for a Sunday hedge; this leaderboard can bunch up at altitude.
• Pair one of Thompson/Smalley/Jaeger with a Bezuidenhout or Theegala placement to balance volatility.
• Consider small live adds on pure ball-strikers who open hot with the irons; momentum means more when wedges are on repeat.

Good luck this week—may your approaches land pin-high and your birdie putts dive center-cut.

Bet responsibly. Lines and prices move quickly; shop the best number available in your market.