Garry Smits acknowledged that betting Scottie Scheffler is pricey—BetMGM lists him at +225—but still argued the world No. 1 merits consideration. Scheffler has never played the Procore Championship and has yet to lift a trophy in California, yet his overall Californian record reads 18 starts, 15 made cuts, and eight top-10s. Smits emphasized that Scheffler’s elite ball-striking travels anywhere (“he could win in a parking lot”) and that his presence here is part of a purposeful Ryder Cup tune-up requested by captain Keegan Bradley, giving Scheffler competitive reps rather than a hit-and-giggle. In a field where most challengers open at +1400 or longer, Smits feels Scheffler’s floor/ceiling combo justifies the short number for outrights, and he is a near-lock for DFS cash-game lineups.

Garry Smits endorsed Sahith Theegala as a high-ceiling wager despite his ugly summer. The 2023 Procore champion missed five cuts and withdrew once with a neck issue over the last three months, but Smits relayed that Theegala says he is now healthy and "feeling good." Theegala’s course résumé is elite—finishes of 6th, 1st, and 7th in his last three trips to Silverado—and Smits expects that comfort level to help him snap the recent slump. Bettors looking for value behind the Ryder Cup headliners can target Theegala’s longer outright number and sprinkle top-10 markets, banking on a proven course fit plus regained health.

Garry Smits said Max Homa deserves serious outright consideration at Silverado because of a blend of course history, uptick in recent form, and extra motivation. Homa has been ‘King of the Silverado,’ winning the event in both 2021 and 2022 and adding a T-7 in 2023. Although he missed the cut here last season, Smits noted that came during a five-event slump Homa has since corrected; the Californian has cashed nine of his last 12 starts beginning with a T-12 at the Masters. Smits added that being left off this year’s Ryder Cup roster—despite a 3-1-1 record in Rome two years ago—could give Homa a chip-on-the-shoulder edge. With Ryder Cup teammates in the field prioritizing reps over winning, Smits believes Homa’s proven ability to close at Silverado makes him a live betting target even if sportsbooks hang him just below the big three favorites.