Statistically Speaking: World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba

The PGA TOUR heads back to Mexico for the 16th edition of the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba where you better be ready to go low… or perhaps give two-time reigning champion Viktor Hovland incorrect directions to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza so he gets lost.

Hovland leads the field of 132 at El Camaleon Golf Club, a resort course where scoring, scoring and more scoring is the recipe for success. The Par-71 (36-35) doesn't offer much bite from the back tees at 7,034 yards but the pros know they can't win a shootout from the mangroves, quarries or canals scattered throughout the 18 holes.

As such a reasonable level of accuracy becomes paramount and ball-strikers rejoice. While trouble appears to be around every corner so are scoring opportunities. Even if the wind blows, and it usually does to some extent, the fairways have plenty of landing area. Large Paspalum greens and light Paspalum rough provide accessible recoveries and true putting surfaces. It's not surprising that low scores pop here annually.

Hovland has set the new normal as he racked up 53 birdies over the last two years and set the tournament scoring record plus tied the record margin of victory (four shots).

As mentioned in Horses for Courses most anything short of 20-under isn't going to factor this week. In addition to Hovland's tournament record set last year the course record of 61 was matched for the first time since 2008.

Here are the key numbers to factor into your fantasy and betting choices this week.

Key Statistics

Only players listed are competing this week; click stat headline for additional players; Stats from 2021-22 completed season; World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba does not use ShotLink lasers.

Greens in Regulation

Finding GIR is always the formula in a shootout. Start there and navigate the pure Sea Isle I Paspalum putting surfaces and watch the birdies rack up. Remember, big resort fairways should be hit by most. Of the nine autumn winners, eight have ranked T11 or better. Those of you who are curious for KFT graduates stats please click here and navigate.

Putting: Birdie or Better Percentage

Once the divots are fixed time to cash in with the flat stick. Pars are just fine this week, better than bogeys, but seven of the last nine winners have either led or co-led the field in Birdies.

Par-5 Scoring

The group of four par-3s plays annually as one of the easiest quartets on TOUR. The three par-5s at El Camaleon play as the easiest during the week. Time to take advantage as six of the last seven winners have ranked T12 or better with five T4 or better.

Rounds in the 60s

The 2018 winner Patton Kizzire was the last to post a round in the 70s (70). The last four champs have been all 60s, all the way. In fact, the top 39 players last year were 10-under or better and the top 31 the season before that. Score!

The Bottom Line

Seamus Power will look to mimic Brendon Todd with the Bermuda-Mayakoba double but the Irishman has plenty of players in his way including former world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler (+900 at BetMGM Sportsbook) features predominantly above. Aaron Wise (+2000) and Maverick McNealy (+3000) pop as well for folks looking to play outside of the heavy chalk. Good luck!

Editor’s Note: For those paying attention Glass correctly pointed to Seamus Power as the top dog by the numbers ahead of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at +2200 on BetMGM Sportsbook. Credit where it is due Mr. Glasscott. Well played.

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