2024 World Wide Technology Championship Preview & Picks

The World Wide Technology Championship marks the sixth event of the FedExCup Fall, with only two remaining. At the end of the FedExCup Fall, players ranked 126-150 on the final Points List will earn conditional status for the 2024 PGA TOUR season. Players outside the top 125 can work to improve or regain TOUR status through the PGA TOUR Q-School, presented by Korn Ferry.

Pre-Tournament Storylines:

Erik van Rooyen

Erik van Rooyen returns to El Cardonal at Diamante aiming to defend his title after securing his second career PGA TOUR victory at this course last year.

Cameron Young

Cameron Young is making his first appearance since the BMW Championship. With six top-10 finishes this season, he’s been remarkably consistent, missing only one cut in the past 11 months. He finished T5 in this tournament last year.

Tournament Information:

• Dates: November 7th – November 10th, 2024
• Location: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Course: El Cardonal at Diamante
• Course Type: Resort
• Par: 72 (4x 3’s / 10x 4’s / 4x 5’s)
• Length: 7,452 yards
• Format: 72-hole stroke play
• Greens: Platinum paspalum .090”
• Fairways: Platinum paspalum .355”
• Rough: None
• Bunkers: 48
• Water Hazard(s): 1 (In-Play on 1 Holes)
• Average Green Size: 8,300 sq. ft.
• Stimpmeter: 11-12 ft.
• Purse/ Winner: $7,200,000 /$1,296,000
• FedEx Cup Points: 500
• Field: 120 Players
• Cut: Top 65 and Ties – 36 Holes
• Playoff Format: Sudden Death
• Course Scoring Average:
  • 2023: 68.99 (-1.70), Rank 56 of 58
• Historic Cut Line:
  • 2023: -5

Social Media:

• World Wide Technology Championship – (@WWTChampionship)
• El Cardonal at Diamante – (@DiamanteCabo)

Course Architect:

• Course Architect: Tiger Woods (2014)
• Renovations: N/A

Comparable Courses & Greens:

• Comparable Courses:
  • Vidanta Vallarta – Mexico Open at Vidanta – RESULTS
  • Corales Golf Course – Corales Puntacana Championship – RESULTS
  • Grand Reserve Golf Club (Coco Beach) – Puerto Rico Open – RESULTS
  • Port Royal Golf Course – Butterfield Bermuda Championship – RESULTS

• Comparable Location (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico):
  • Vidanta Vallarta – Vallarta, Mexico – Mexico Open at Vidanta

• Comparable Yardage (7,452 Yards):
  • Vidanta Vallarta – 7,456 Yards – Mexico Open at Vidanta
  • The Country Club of Jackson – 7,461 Yards – Sanderson Farms Championship
  • Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge – 7,466 Yards – Arnold Palmer Invitational

• Comparable Greens (Platinum paspalum .090”):
  • Grand Reserve Golf Club (Coco Beach) – Sea Dwarf Paspalum – Puerto Rico Open
  • Corales Golf Course – Supreme paspalum .100” – Corales Puntacana Championship
  • Vidanta Vallarta – Paspalum – Mexico Open at Vidanta

• Comparable Average Green Size (8,300 sq. ft.):
  • Plantation Course at Kapalua – 8,722 sq. ft. – Sentry Tournament of Champions

TV Information (all times ET):

• Round 1: Thursday, November 7th, 2024
  • Golf Channel – 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Round 2: Friday, November 8th, 2024
  • Golf Channel – 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Round 3: Saturday, November 9th, 2024
  • Golf Channel – 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Round 4: Sunday, November 10th, 2024
  • Golf Channel – 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Weather:

Course/ Tournament History:

El Camaleon became home to the Mayakoba Golf Classic in 2007, but since last year, the El Cardonal Golf Course at Diamante has taken over as host. In 2022, El Camaleon joined the roster for the LIV Golf League, prompting the PGA TOUR to end its partnership with Mayakoba amid ongoing legal disputes. Last year’s World Wide Technology Championship marked the first-ever PGA TOUR event held at a course designed by Tiger Woods.

This year, El Cardonal will host the PGA TOUR for a second consecutive year. Originally opened in 2014, it was the first course completed by Woods’ TGR Design firm. It’s the second course on the property, joining “The Dunes Course” designed by Davis Love III, which opened in 2009. In addition to El Cardonal, Woods also designed The Oasis Short Course, a 12-hole par-three course at Diamante.

The WWT Championship initially served as an alternate event, running alongside the WGC Match Play. It holds the distinction of being the first PGA TOUR event outside the U.S. and Canada. Originally played in February, it moved to November in 2013, becoming a primary event with full FedEx Cup points. World Wide Technology became the title sponsor in 2021 and will retain sponsorship rights through 2027.

Tournament Records:

• 72-Hole Record (World Wide Technology Championship):
  • 261, Erik van Rooyen (2023 – El Cardonal at Diamante)

• Most Wins:
  • 2, Viktor Hovland (2021, 2022)

• Largest Margin of Victory:
  • 4 Strokes – Russell Henley (2022), Viktor Hovland (2021), Harris English (2013)

Course Records:

• 72-Hole Record (El Cardonal at Diamante):
  • 261, Erik van Rooyen (2023)
• 18-Hole Record (El Cardonal at Diamante):
  • 62, Andrew Putnam (Rd. 4, 2023), Austin Cook (Rd. 4, 2023), Cameron Percy (Rd. 1, 2023)

Course Guide/ Scorecard:

El Cardonal at Diamante is a Par 72 course measuring 7,452 yards. The layout includes four Par 3s, ten Par 4s, and four Par 5s. It features sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, natural arroyos, mature vegetation, and native dunes. Inspired by the classic Southern California courses Tiger Woods played in his youth, the design emphasizes strategic play. As Woods noted, “I set up the golf strategy to make golfers think and make choices. Regardless of your handicap, there are going to be different ways to play every hole. Angles of approach are going to be very important and will dictate the type of shots you should consider.” Additionally, a new bunker sand has been added to all bunkers ahead of the TOUR’s 2024 return. 

The four Par 3’s range between 154 yards and 208 yards.

No. 2, 208 yards, Par 3: This downhill, downwind par 3 leads to a spacious green situated in a depression encircled by dunes. The contours around the punch bowl-style green can guide balls onto the putting surface. However, given the green’s generous size, pin placement will determine the length of the birdie putt. A menacing bunker, a foreshortened bunker looks closer to the green than it is and protects the center of the green.

No. 16, 154 yards, Par 3: As the shortest par 3 on the course, this hole introduces drama near the round’s end. Golfers face an “all or nothing” carry tee shot to a green nestled at the confluence of two arroyo canyons. With three distinct levels, the green requires precision from a short iron to reach the pin.

Most of the ten Par 4’s range between 450-500 yards. No. 10 is the shortest listed at 344 yards with the longest being No. 7, just under 490 yards.

No. 5, 438 yards, Par 4: After a change in direction, playing with the prevailing wind introduces a new challenge: a desert arroyo. Carrying the right fairway bunkers near the arroyo yields an open approach to the green. Shots aimed leftward must carry a bunker short of the green. The sandy arroyo protects the green’s right side, and an elevated pin area at the back demands a precise and bold approach.

No. 8, 474 yards, Par 4: A sandy arroyo splits the tee, landing area, and green, shaping the strategic element of this hole. The “T”-shaped green features challenging pin positions, with bunkering on the back left, back right, and narrow front sections. Favoring the right side of the fairway near the arroyo provides a better angle for attacking back-left pins while targeting the left fairway bunker sets up an approach to back-right pins.

The four Par 5’s are No. 1, 6, 14, and 18. No 6 is the only Par 5 that is greater than 600 yards.

No. 6, 601 yards, Par 5: Ascending from the dunes, this lengthy par 5 requires a strategic approach due to the wide “M” shaped green protected by a large central bunker. Optimal angles for pin placements on the right side of the green are best approached from the right side of the second landing area, accessed from the left side of the first landing area, and vice versa for left pin placements. A large-crowned area in the middle of the fairway adds to the challenge off the tee.

No. 14, 554 yards, Par 5: Designed around a narrow, sandy tributary of a larger arroyo, this hole challenges golfers with a “cape” tee shot. Aggressive players can carry the arroyo on the left for a shorter second shot. Playing to the right leaves a longer approach. The second landing area features a central sand ribbon, dividing it into left and right sections. Opting for the left side sets up a more straightforward approach to the green, while the right section requires negotiating a desert plum guarding the green’s right side.

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 8, 14

Key Statistics:

As the Shriners Children’s Open takes place at TPC Summerlin, here are the key statistics to keep an eye on for this week’s event.

Per DataGolf, this is the favored skillset at El Cardonal at Diamante Cabo San Lucas.

• Good Drives Gained
  • Success this week will hinge on players’ ability to position themselves effectively off the tee. While the course’s considerable length underscores the significance of distance, precision holds equal importance.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Matthew NeSmith
    • Austin Smotherman
    • Ryan Brehm
    • Neal Shipley
    • Chez Reavie
    • Rico Hoey
    • Patrick Fishburn
    • Matt Kuchar
    • Matti Schmid
    • Beau Hossler

• Strokes Gained: Approach
  • A strong iron game is crucial for success at El Cardonal at Diamante, as demonstrated by recent tournament history.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Lucas Glover
    • Doug Ghim
    • J.J. Spaun
    • Austin Smotherman
    • Matt Kuchar
    • Michael Kim
    • Nick Hardy
    • Matti Schmid
    • Harry Hall
    • Zac Blair

• Strokes Gained: Putting (Paspalum)
  • The Greens at El Cardonal at Diamante are Platinum paspalum .090”.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Brandon Wu
    • Ben Taylor
    • Cameron Champ
    • Aaron Baddeley
    • Martin Trainer
    • Kelly Kraft
    • Wilson Furr
    • Ben Griffin
    • Maverick McNealy
    • Patrick Rodgers
    • Trace Crowe

• Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards (x2)
  • Two of the four Par 3’s at El Cardonal at Diamante range between 200-225 Yards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Michael Kim
    • Sam Ryder
    • Keith Mitchell
    • Harry Hall
    • Nick Hardy
    • Kelly Kraft
    • Chez Reavie
    • Max Greyserman
    • Rico Hoey
    • Maverick McNealy

• Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 Yards (x6)
  • Six of the ten Par 4’s at El Cardonal at Diamante range between 450-500 Yards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Lucas Glover
    • Henrik Norlander
    • Trey Mullinax
    • Maverick McNealy
    • Rico Hoey
    • Joe Highsmith
    • Nick Hardy
    • Cameron Young
    • Matthew NeSmith
    • Doug Ghim

• Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards (x4)
  • Each of the four Par 5’s at El Cardonal at Diamante range between 550-600 Yards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Paul Barjon
    • Jhonattan Vegas
    • Alex Smalley
    • Kevin Chappell
    • Troy Merritt
    • Patrick Rodgers
    • Patrick Fishburn
    • Justin Suh
    • Hayden Springer
    • Harry Hall

• Birdies or Better Gained
  • To be in contention at El Cardonal at Diamante this week, players must capitalize on every scoring opportunity.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Max Greyserman
    • Harry Hall
    • Keith Mitchell
    • Matti Schmid
    • Joe Highsmith
    • Sam Stevens
    • J.J. Spaun
    • Jacob Bridgeman
    • Charley Hoffman
    • Patrick Fishburn

• Comparable Courses and Event History
  • According to the Data Golf Course History Tool, previous experience at El Cardonal at Diamante Cabo San Lucas has shown to be highly beneficial for players.

• Leaders in this category (Last Year):
  • Erik Van Rooyen
  • Matt Kuchar
  • Camilo Villegas
  • Justin Suh
  • Ryan Palmer
  • Chesson Hadley
  • Carson Young
  • Sam Ryder
  • Austin Cook
  • Nate Lashley

The Field:

This year’s World Wide Technology Championship will feature a total of 120 competitors.

• Here is the current basis of qualification for each entrant this week:
  • Top 125 FedExCup Fall Point Lists
  • Tournament Winner in Past Two Seasons
  • Top 30 on the FedExCup Playoffs & Eligibility Points List
  • Top 70 on Prior Year FEC Playoff & Elig List through the Playoffs
  • DP World Tour / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category – Reordered
  • Reorder Category – Cat. 37 thru 44
  • Top 10 and Ties from the Previous Event
  • Major Medical Extension
  • Designated Sponsor Exemption
  • Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
  • Sponsor Exemptions: DPWT / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category
  • Career Money Exemption
  • Open Qualifying

• Previous Winners in the Field (Event):
  • Erik Van Rooyen (’23), Matt Kuchar (’18), Patton Kizzire (’17), Charley Hoffman (’14), Harris English (’13)

• Debutants in the Field (Event):
  • Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Alejandro Tosti, Alex Smalley, Andrew Walker, Austin Hitt, Blaine Hale, Jr., Chandler Phillips, David Skinns, Dylan Wu, Emilio Gonzalez, Hayden Springer, Jacob Bridgeman, Joe Highsmith, Kevin Dougherty, Mark Geddes, Max Greyserman, Neal Shipley, Omar Morales, Patrick Fishburn, Paul Barjon, Pierceson Coody, Raul Pereda, Rico Hoey, Ryan McCormick, Santiago De La Fuente, Taylor Moore, Tom Whitney, Trace Crowe, Wilson Furr

• Sponsors Exemptions:
  • Andrew Walker, Austin Hitt, Neal Shipley, Luke Donald, Harry Higgs, Scott Piercy, Ryan Palmer, Billy Andrade

• Players with ties to Mexico in the Field:
  • Birthplace:
  • Raúl Pereda – Córdoba, Mexico
• Isidro Benítez – Puebla, Mexico
• Santiago de la Fuente – Jalisco, Mexico
• Emilio González – San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
• Omar Morales (amateur) – Puebla, Mexico

• Notable Withdraws/ Changes:
  • Greyson Sigg WD / S.Y. Noh IN
  • JB Holmes WD / Austin Cook IN

The Odds:

Here are the current favorites for this week’s event, along with a summary of their recent form and course history:

Max Greyserman (+1600): Greyserman finished as the runner-up at the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP in Japan two weeks ago. This marked his third runner-up finish in his last five starts, with previous second-place finishes at the Wyndham Championship and 3M Open. This will be his first appearance at the World Wide Technology Championship.

Doug Ghim (+2200): Ghim finished T27 at the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP two weeks ago. Before that, he was the runner-up at the Shriners Children’s Open. This will be his fifth appearance at this event, with his best finish (T15) achieved last year.

Cameron Young (+2000): Returning for the first time since the BMW Championship, Young has shown consistency with six top-10 finishes this season and only one missed cut over the past 11 months. He finished T54 in this tournament last year.

Matti Schmid (+2200): Schmid has been in strong form during the FedExCup Fall, with finishes of T3 at the Shriners Children’s Open, 5th at the Black Desert Championship, and T16 at the Sanderson Farms Championship. This will be his third appearance at this event, where his best finish (T38) was last year.

Tournament Props:

Playoff:

• Will There Be a Playoff at the World Wide Technology Championship? (Yes +350 / No -500)

A playoff has determined the World Wide Technology Championship winner since 2015 when Graeme McDowell defeated Jason Bohn and Russell Know.

Hole-in-One:

• Will There Be A Hole-in-One at the World Wide Technology Championship? (Yes -125 / No -105)

In 2023, Stephan Jaeger made a hole-in-one on Hole No. 11.

Recent Horses for Courses (Event):

Recent Donkeys for Courses (Event):

Previous Winners Scores and Prices:

• 2023: Erik van Rooyen (-27) – El Cardonal at Diamante
  • Price: 100-1

• 2022: Russell Henley (-23) – El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakoba
  • Price: 55-1

• 2021: Viktor Hovland (-23) – El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakoba
  • Price: 18-1

• 2020: Viktor Hovland (-20) – El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakoba
  • Price: 22-1

• 2019: Brendon Todd (-20) – El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakoba
  • Price: 110-1

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):

• 2023: Erik van Rooyen
  • T23 – Shriners Children’s Open (PGA)
  • T16 – Sanderson Farms Championship (PGA)
  • T30 – Fortinet Championship (PGA)
  • T16 – Horizon Irish Open (DPWT)
  • T8 – Omega European Masters (DPWT)

• 2022: Russell Henley
  • T45 – THE CJ CUP in South Carolina (PGA)
  • MC – Sanderson Farms Championship (PGA)
  • T35 – BMW Championship (PGA)
  • MC – FedEx St. Jude Championship (PGA)
  • T5 – Wyndham Championship (PGA)

• 2021: Viktor Hovland
  • T18 – THE CJ CUP (PGA)
  • T44 – Shriners Children’s Open (PGA)
  • T49 – BMW PGA Championship (DPWT)
  • T5 – TOUR Championship (PGA)
  • T17 – BMW Championship (PGA)

• 2020: Viktor Hovland
  • T15 – Vivint Houston Open (PGA)
  • T47 – ZOZO Championship (PGA)
  • T12 – THE CJ CUP (PGA)
  • T13 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
  • T3 – DP World Tour Championship (DPWT)

• 2019: Brendon Todd
  • 1 – Bermuda Championship (PGA)
  • T28 – Houston Open (PGA)
  • MC – Shriners Hospitals for Children Open (PGA)
  • MC – Safeway Open (PGA)
  • MC – Sanderson Farms Championship (PGA)

Previous Winners Finishes at Event:

2023: Erik van Rooyen

2022: Russell Henley

2021: Viktor Hovland

2020: Viktor Hovland

2019: Brendon Todd

Picks:

Outrights:

• Matti Schmid (+2500) – BetMGM
  • Risk 0.32 to win 8.00 Units

Schmid has been in great form this FedExCup Fall, with finishes of T3 at the Shriners Children’s Open, 5th at the Black Desert Championship, and T16 at the Sanderson Farms Championship. This is his third appearance at this event, with his best result (T38) coming last year.

In the last 24 rounds amongst the field, Schmid ranks 4th in Birdies or Better Gained, 8th in SG: Approach, 9th in Good Drives Gained, 11th in Par 5 Soring 550-600 Yards, and 19th in Par 4 Soring 450-500 Yards.

• Matt Kuchar (+3500) – FanDuel
  • Risk 0.23 to win 8.05 Units

Kuchar finished T37 at the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP in Japan two weeks ago and has four top-15 finishes in his last five starts, including a T3 at the 3M Open. He won this event in 2018 (at El Camaleón) and placed T2 last year at El Cardonal.

In the last 24 rounds amongst the field, Kuchar ranks 5th in SG: Approach, 8th in Good Drives Gained, 15th in Scrambling, 17th in Birdies or Better Gained, and 17th in Par 4 Soring 450-500 Yards.

• Michael Kim (+5000) – BetMGM
  • Risk 0.16 to win 8.00 Units

Kim finished T5 at the Shriners Children’s Open at TPC Summerlin. Although he has struggled in past appearances here, he turned it around last year at El Cardonal, finishing T23.

In the last 24 rounds amongst the field, Kim ranks 6th in SG: Approach, 13th in Birdies or Better Gained, 16th in Par 4 Soring 450-500 Yards, 20th in SG: Putting (Paspalum), and 40th in Good Drives Gained. He’s struggled on with the flat stick in the past but has been much better on Paspalum surfaces and showed some signs of improvement in his last start. If he’s able to make a few putts he should put himself in contention.

• Joe Highsmith (+7000) – FanDuel
  • Risk 0.12 to win 8.40 Units

Highsmith is coming off a T6 at the Black Desert Championship and a T16 at the Shriners Children’s Open. This is his first appearance at this event, though he performed well at a similar course, finishing T6 at the Puerto Rico Open.

In the last 24 rounds amongst the field, Highsmith ranks 5th in Birdies or Better Gained, 6th in Par 4 Soring 450-500 Yards, 17th in Good Drives Gained, 22nd in SG: Approach, and 28th in Par 5 Soring 550-600 Yards.

• Henrik Norlander (+8000) – FanDuel
  • Risk 0.10 to win 8.00 Units

Although he missed the cut at the Shriners, Norlander has two top-10 finishes in his last four events. He’s played this event six times, with a best finish of T15 in 2022. He’s also played well at several comp courses this year finishing T13 at the Mexico Open, T15 at the Puerto Rico Open, and T36 at the Corales Puntcana Championship.

In the last 24 rounds amongst the field, Norlander ranks 2nd in Par 4 Soring 450-500 Yards, 12th in SG: Approach, 12th in SG: Putting (Paspalum), 23rd in Birdies or Better Gained, 23rd in Scrambling Gained, and 28th in Good Drives Gained.

• Trace Crowe (+12500) – BetMGM
  • Risk 0.07 to win 8.75 Units

Trace Crowe is my longshot selection of the week. He hasn’t necessarily been in great form heading into this event but has shown flashes this season. He played well at a comp course earlier this year finishing T11 at the Corales Puntacana Championship and ranks highly in my model in three key categories this week. In the last 24 rounds amongst the field, Crowe ranks 25th in SG: Approach, 10th in SG: Putting (Paspalum), 11th in Par 4 Soring 450-500 Yards, and 19th in Birdies or Better Gained.

Total Risk on Outrights: 1.02 Units

Top 20 (Including Ties):

• Ben Griffin (+125) – DraftKings
  • Risk 1.00 to win 1.25 Units

Griffin has two top-25 finishes in his last three PGA TOUR starts. This is his third appearance at this tournament, with his best finish (T23) at El Cardonal last year.

In the last 24 rounds amongst the field, Griffin ranks 8th in SG: Putting (Paspalum), 11th in SG: Approach, 14th in Good Drives Gained, and 32nd in Birdies or Better Gained.

• Nick Hardy (+275) – BetMGM
  • Risk 1.00 to win 2.75 Units

Nick Hardy has struggled this season but did show a sign of returning to form finishing T8 at the Black Desert Championship last month. Following that he missed the cut at the Shriners Children’s Open mainly due to his play in the green. His approach play has been terrific in his last few starts but his inconsistency on the green has cost him. However, Hardy has been much better on paspalum surfaces which I’m hoping continues this week.

This will be his third appearance at this tournament having finished T21 in 2022 and T23 in 2023.

In the last 24 rounds amongst the field, Hardy ranks 7th in SG: Approach, 12th in Good Drives Gaines, 5th in Par 3 Scoring 200-225 Yards, 7th in Par 4 Scoring 450-500 Yards, 42nd in Birdies or Better Gaines, and 43rd in SG: Putting (Paspalum).

Total Risk on Top 20s: 2.00 Units

Top 40 (Including Ties):

• Trace Crowe (+140) – BetMGM
  • Risk 1.00 to win 1.40 Units

Total Risk on Top 40s: 1.00 Units

Total Risk on the World Wide Technology Championship: 4.02 Units 

Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.