Farmers Insurance Open 2026 Betting Insights

Farmers Insurance Open

Torrey Pines Golf Club

South Course (host)

North Course

La Jolla, California

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NOW PLAYING:

Host CourseSouth Course
Yards (per official scorecard):7,765.
Par:72 (36-36).
Greens:Poa annua; 5,000 square feet on average.
Stimpmeter:13 feet plus.
Rough:Overseeded ryegrass at FOUR inches and growing.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-Play82/1/1. Pond in front of Par-5 No. 18.
Architect(s):William P. Bell (1957) & William F Bell (1957); Rees Jones (2001, 2019).
Defending Champion (event):Harris English (-8).
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:Jason Day (2018, 2015); Brandt Snedeker (2016, 2012).
Course Record (last):62; Tiger Woods (1999).
72 Hole Tournament Record:22-under; Tiger Woods (1999; last).
Fact of the Week:One round on each course before the top 65 and ties return to the South Course for the final 36 holes.
Fact of the Week II:Playoff hole is 18 on repeat.
Fact of the Week III:Cut was 1-OVER par in 2025, the first time in forever it was above par (weather issues).

Notes:

  • Field of 147.
  • Second of three multi-course events in four weeks.
  • The OWGR is represented by 27 of the top 50.
  • $9.6 million – $1.728 million – 500 FedExCup points – Sentry and Masters ticket punched.
  • Points available for the Aon Next 5 for Pebble Beach qualification.

Prop Bets

Top 5 (Including Ties)

Brooks Koepka (+970) makes his first PGA TOUR appearance, major championships notwithstanding, since 2022. While Koepka has not fared well in four visits to the Farmers Insurance Open, he did cash T4 at the 2021 U.S. Open on the South Course. His return to action should have his game ready to go as if it were a major championship. If this is too bold, sprinkle him for a Top 10 or Top 20 just in case.

Jake Knapp (+730) is a former UCLA player who grew up in Costa Mesa. After missing the cut as an amateur in 2015, he returned in 2023 to share fourth, and added T32 in 2025. He opened the season with a T11 payday at the Sony Open and can absolutely send it off the tee. Oh, he also ranked 17th in SG: Putting. Nice combo.

Winner Without Xander Schauffele, Si Woo Kim, Patrick Cantlay, Cameron Young, and Ludvig Aberg

Jason Day (+2600) has won this event twice, both times in a playoff, and owns five top-five paydays. Coming off a T2 last week, I do not have to wait for him to find form. The Australian’s short game was on point in the desert, and not many know this layout better.

Wyndham Clark (+3900) lit up the Stadium Course at La Quinta for 64, the second-lowest round of the week, before he stalled out with 72 on Sunday for T13. He took only three bogeys for the week, but two were doubles. Without any hazards to worry about this week, minus the pond fronting No. 18, he can whale away off the tee and continue to wield a hot putter. The U.S. Open winner at LACC, he should feel comfortable in the big ballpark this week.

Top 10 (Including Ties)

Red-Hot Ryan Gerard (+405) cashed T2, second, and P2 in his last three worldwide starts. On debut at Torrey Pines in 2025, he grinded out a T15 result in difficult scoring conditions. Already a winner on California grass at the Barracuda Championship last summer, he won’t be bothered by Poa annua on the putting surfaces. I can’t imagine he is short on confidence, either.

Andrew Novak (+730) was the only player to cash a check inside the top 15 in both events held at Torrey Pines in 2025. Playing from the final group with eventual champion Harris English at the Farmers Insurance Open, he posted 74 and finished third. Returning for The Genesis Invitational, he posted three of four rounds in the red and earned T13.

I felt Sahith Theegala (+690) was priced for pouncing last week at The American Express. Not even an opening round of 71 could keep him out of the top 10 (T8). Another week in his native California, he will attempt to build on his five-from-five record at Torrey Pines, which includes T4 in 2023, plus T17 from The Genesis Invitational in 2025, where he closed 69-68.

Top 20 (Including Ties)

Max Homa (+225) continues to knock on the door of a breakthrough. Over his last five starts on TOUR, he has five results of T40 or better, including three at T19 or better. He opened 2026 by posting T27 with four rounds in the 60s at The American Express. The 2023 Farmers Insurance Open winner cashed four T19 or better paydays in his last six starts at Torrey Pines.

Haotong Li (+315) squared only three bogeys at The American Express and cashed T8 in his second start of the season (T55 Sony Open). Ranking second in SG: Tee to Green, he was a beast off the tee, and into the greens. He gained the second most shots on the field on the South Course, the most difficult of the three courses in play. The recipe at Torrey Pines is not complicated. Smash it, find it, and smash it again.

S.H. Kim (+430) cashed in this category last week after closing with 66 for T18. In fact, this was his seventh consecutive payday where he earned T18 or better in his last seven worldwide events. This is a recording.

Par-4 Winner

History shows that eight of the last nine winners have finished the week T7 or better in this category. Three of those winners have led the field in this category, including 2025 champion Harris English, and one ended up second overall. Instead of plucking out one of the top Par-4 performers from the 2025 season-ending stats, I would marry this play to your champion and try to double-dip. The conservative play would be the former. I will ride with Jason Day (+4100), who ranked T27 in 2025.

Will there be a playoff?

Yes (+400)

No (-650)

There has been only one playoff required in the last seven events and just two since Jason Day won a four-man shootout in 2015. The 18th hole is a Par-5 with water proteccting the perched final green. A perfect drive means TIME TO GO for the green in regulation. There is plenty of room to bail out long, right, and left, but pressure does funny things to even the best players. With the forecast suggesting PERFECT scoring conditions, I am going to ride the drama angle. Let’s gamble!

Recent Winners

2026 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryNo Event
Sony Open in HawaiiChris Gotterup
The American ExpressScottie Scheffler
Farmers Insurance Open 

2025 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryHideki Matsuyama
Sony Open in HawaiiNick Taylor
The American ExpressSepp Straka
Farmers Insurance OpenHarris English
AT&T Pebble BeachRory McIlroy
WM Phoenix OpenThomas Detry (LIV)
The Genesis InvitationalLudvig Aberg
Mexico Open at VidantaBrian Campbell (first time)
Cognizant ClassicJoe Highsmith (first time)
Arnold Palmer InvitationalRussell Henley
Puerto Rico OpenKarl Vilips (first time)
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipRory McIlroy
Valspar ChampionshipViktor Hovland
Texas Children’s Houston OpenMin Woo Lee (first time)
Valero Texas OpenBrian Harman
88th Masters TournamentRory McIlroy (career grand slam)
RBC HeritageJustin Thomas
Zurich ClassicBen Griffin & Andrew Novak (first time winners)
THE CJ CUP Byron NelsonScottie Scheffler
Truist ChampionshipSepp Straka (2)
Mrytle Beach One FlightRyan Fox
106th PGA ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
Charles Schwab ChallengeBen Griffin (2)
The 50th Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)
RBC Canadian OpenRyan Fox (2)
124th United States OpenJ.J. Spaun
Travelers ChampionshipKeegan Bradley
Rocket Mortgage ClassicAldrich Potgieter (first time)
John Deere ClassicBrian Campbell (2)
Genesis Scottish OpenChris Gotterup
ISCO ChampionshipWilliam Mouw (first time)
152nd Open ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (4)
Barracuda ChampionshipRyan Gerard (first time)
3M OpenKurt Kitayama
Wyndham ChampionshipCameron Young (first time)
FedEx St. Jude ChampionshipJustin Rose
BMW ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (5)
The TOUR ChampionshipTommy Fleetwood (first time)
  
FedEx Cup Fall 
Procore ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (6)
Sanderson Farms ChampionshipSteven Fisk (first time)
Black Desert ChampionshipMichael Brennan (first time)
Baycurrent ChampionshipXander Schauffele
World Wide Technology ChampBen Griffin (3)
Butterfield Bermuda ChampAdam Schenk (first time)
The RSM ClassicSami Valimaki (first time)

Recent Winners – Farmers Insurance Open

Italics – not entered this week.

YearWinnerNotes
2025Harris English (-8)Gusty conditions in three of the four rounds made for difficult scoring. English won for the fifth time on TOUR, holding off Sam Stevens by a shot.
2024Mattieu Pavon (-13)First TOUR victory in just his third start with a card; 11th TOUR start. First appearance.
2023Max Homa (-13)Defeated Keegan Bradley by two shots.
2022Luke List (-15)Shot 66 on Sunday and then defeated Will Zalatoris in a playoff. First TOUR win.
2021Patrick Reed (-14)Won by five shots.
2020Marc Leishman (-15)Won by a shot.
2019Justin Rose (-21)Missed tying the course record by a shot.
2018Jason Day (-10)Knocked out Ryan Palmer (not entered) and Alex Noren in a playoff for his second win and second in a playoff.
2017Jon Rahm (-13)Won by three shots on debut and secured his first TOUR win.
2016Brandt Snedeker (-6)Extreme weather turned the event upside down. Snedeker won for the second time without having to play the final day.

Angles

  • The South Course is annually one of the toughest tracks on TOUR.
  • The North Course scores almost 2.5 shots easier on average.
  • Power players, elite short game artists, and grinders thrive.
  • The last 11 winners ranked in the top 10 for Bogey Avoidance.
  • The cut has never been worse than EVEN over the last decade until 2025.
  • Gaining strokes tee to green and on the greens will go a long way.
  • Only Snedeker posted a round in the 70s on the North Course and went on to win.
  • South Course – take your medicine, attack when given the chance, try to get up-and-down on the Par-5 holes.
  • North Course – Time to score!

One and Done – Spotter’s Game

1 player per event, plus a backup selection if your original choice does not tee off.

1 use per year.

LAST WEEK – The American Express

MY CHOICE: Ben Griffin – T24

After opening with 63, I was #Excited.

After finishing bogey, bogey, I was #NotExcited and out an additional 80k.

We move on.

EventSelectionPlaceEarnings
    
Sony Open in HawaiiRobert MacIntyreT4409,500
The American ExpressBen GriffinT2481,420
Farmers Insurance   

THIS WEEK – Farmers Insurance Open

The script flips entirely as the TOUR moves from the resort courses of the California desert to a major championship venue on the La Jolla coast.

The contenders this week will not be able to spray it all over the property and still circle birdies.

Nobody hits the fairways here, and not many more find GIR. The farther it goes with the driver, the more loft into the small greens. Then it’s time to putt on Poa annua in three of the four rounds (Bentgrass on the North).

I’m leaning on power players with excellent short game.

MY CHOICE: Jason Day

With six podium paydays, including two victories, the Australian knows the way home at Torrey Pines. Sharing second last week, I do not have to worry about him rounding into form or searching for confidence. His template is the model here. Smash it, chip it, and hole it. Both of his wins came in extra holes.

Day did not factor into my plans in the majors or Signature Events, so he takes the bullet this week. Ludvig Aberg does.

Others to consider

Max Homa, Taylor Pendrith, Akshay Bhatia, Sam Stevens, Tony Finau

Longshots– Andrew Novak, Beau Hossler, Patrick Rodgers, Pierceson Coody

Horses for Courses

Keegan Bradley – 8 straight weekends

Tony Finau – 5 of last 7 Top 10, including Genesis Invitational

Luke List – 9 straight weekends, former champion

Hideki Matsuyama – 9 straight weekends, only one top-10 payday

Taylor Pendrith – 3 of 4 T16 or better, never missed a cut in four

Adam Scott – T10 and 2nd in two visits

Andrew Novak – 3rd and T13 last year

The 67th American Express

Read more: The 67th American Express

The American Express

The Stadium Course at PGA West (Host)

Nicklaus Tournament Course

La Quinta Country Club

La Quinta, CA

Odds Outlook

DraftKings Markets

Expert Picks

Rob Bolton’s Power Rankings

Rob Bolton’s Fantasy Insider

Rob Bolton joins me each Wednesday at 4pm on TheZoneBloomington.com

Course rotation & tee times →

@theamexgolf

R1) Stadium; R2) La Quinta; R3) Nick Tourney

R1) La Quinta; R2) Nick Tourney; R3) Stadium

R1) Nick Tourney; R2) Stadium; R3) La Quinta

NOW PLAYING:

Host CourseStadium Course at PGA West
Yards (per official scorecard):7,210
Par:72 (36-36).
Greens:Overseeded Poa annua (TifEagle); 7,000 square feet on average.
Stimpmeter:11 feet.
Rough:Overseed at 1 inch. Dormant Tifgreen Bermuda at 2 inches.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-PlayOver 90 bunkers, seven holes with water in play.
Architect(s):Pete Dye (1986).
Defending Champion (event):Sepp Straka (-23).
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:None.
Course Record (last):61; Justin Thomas (Round 3, 2024), Patrick Cantlay (Round 4, 2021).
72 Hole Tournament Record (2016-current rotation):259; Nick Dunlap (-29).
Fact of the Week:Only seven international winners from the previous 66 events.
Fact of the Week II:Johnny Miller is the only player to defend the title (1975-76).

Notes:

  • Field of 156.
  • First multi-course event of 2026 and first pro-am.
  • The OWGR is represented by 27 of the top 50.
  • Top 65 and ties will make the cut and play the weekend after 54 holes (play each course once).
  • $9.2 million – $1.656 million – 500 FedExCup points – Sentry and Masters ticket punched.

Recent Winners

2025 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryNo Event
Sony Open in HawaiiChris Gotterup
The American Express 
Farmers Insurance Open 

2025 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryHideki Matsuyama
Sony Open in HawaiiNick Taylor
The American ExpressSepp Straka
Farmers Insurance OpenHarris English
AT&T Pebble BeachRory McIlroy
WM Phoenix OpenThomas Detry (LIV)
The Genesis InvitationalLudvig Aberg
Mexico Open at VidantaBrian Campbell (first time)
Cognizant ClassicJoe Highsmith (first time)
Arnold Palmer InvitationalRussell Henley
Puerto Rico OpenKarl Vilips (first time)
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipRory McIlroy
Valspar ChampionshipViktor Hovland
Texas Children’s Houston OpenMin Woo Lee (first time)
Valero Texas OpenBrian Harman
88th Masters TournamentRory McIlroy (career grand slam)
RBC HeritageJustin Thomas
Zurich ClassicBen Griffin & Andrew Novak (first time winners)
THE CJ CUP Byron NelsonScottie Scheffler
Truist ChampionshipSepp Straka (2)
Mrytle Beach One FlightRyan Fox
106th PGA ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
Charles Schwab ChallengeBen Griffin (2)
The 50th Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)
RBC Canadian OpenRyan Fox (2)
124th United States OpenJ.J. Spaun
Travelers ChampionshipKeegan Bradley
Rocket Mortgage ClassicAldrich Potgieter (first time)
John Deere ClassicBrian Campbell (2)
Genesis Scottish OpenChris Gotterup
ISCO ChampionshipWilliam Mouw (first time)
152nd Open ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (4)
Barracuda ChampionshipRyan Gerard (first time)
3M OpenKurt Kitayama
Wyndham ChampionshipCameron Young (first time)
FedEx St. Jude ChampionshipJustin Rose
BMW ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (5)
The TOUR ChampionshipTommy Fleetwood (first time)
  
FedEx Cup Fall 
Procore ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (6)
Sanderson Farms ChampionshipSteven Fisk (first time)
Black Desert ChampionshipMichael Brennan (first time)
Baycurrent ChampionshipXander Schauffele
World Wide Technology ChampBen Griffin (3)
Butterfield Bermuda ChampAdam Schenk (first time)
The RSM ClassicSami Valimaki (first time)

Recent Winners – The American Express

Italics – not entered this week.

YearWinnerNotes
2025Sepp Straka (-23)Bogeyed two of the last three holes to win by two. Cake walk.
2024Nick Dunlap (-29)First amateur to win on TOUR since 1991; First TOUR start (sponsor’s exemption); Tournament scoring record.
2023Jon Rahm (-27)Played in the final group with Davis Thompson and beat him by a shot to win for the second time.
2022Hudson Swafford      (-23)Defeated Tom Hoge by two shots to win for the second time.
2021Si Woo Kim (-23)Only made two bogeys for the week on the SC/NT rotation to win by one.
2020Andrew Landry (-26)Tied the tournament scoring record winning by two.
2019Adam Long (-26)Became the first rookie to win since Jhonattan Vegas (2011).
2018Jon Rahm (-22)Needed a playoff to knock off Andrew Landry.
2017Hudson Swafford      (-20)Wet, windy weekend produced the highest winning total to date in the new rota.
2016Jason Dufner (-25)Saw off David Lingmerth in a playoff in the first iteration of Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course and LQCC

Angles

  • The Nicklaus Tournament Course plays to Par-72 and 7,210 yards. Playing 7,000 square feet on average, the Overseeded Poa annua greens are the largest of the three courses. Dylan Wu (2023) and Will Zalatoris (2022) have posted 61 here.
  • La Quinta Country Club is known for premium putting surfaces and plays the easiest of the trio. All three courses have minimal rough and green speeds that won’t exceed 11 feet. Playing to Par-72 and 7,060 yards, it is one of the easiest tracks on TOUR annually. Adam Hadwin posted 59 in Round 3 in 2017.
  • All 10 winners have posted 20-under or better to win, and nine of 10 champions ranked in the top 10 in Par-4 and Par-5 scoring.
  • The HIGHEST cut in this rotation in the last three editions was 7-under. The LOWEST cut in this rotation was 13-UNDER-PAR in 2024.
  • First tournament with overseeded Poa annua greens.

One and Done – Spotter’s Game

1 player per event, plus a backup selection if your original choice does not tee off.

1 use per year.

Sign up here

LAST WEEK – The Sony Open in Hawaii

MY CHOICE: Robert MacIntyre – T4

The Scotsman

EventSelectionPlaceEarnings
    
Sony Open in HawaiiRobert MacIntyreT4409,500
The American Express   
Farmers Insurance   

THIS WEEK – The American Express

Back to the mainland this week for the first Pro-Am and multi-course event of the year.

20-under is the worst winning score on this three-course rotation, which began in 2016.

I’m looking for guys who are hot and make a shit ton of birdies.

MY CHOICE: Ben Griffin

The last time there was a shootout on the PGA TOUR, Griffin posted 29-under to win the WorldWide Technology Championship at Los Cabos. He ranked in the top 15 in Birdies and Eagles in 2025 and painted the top 10 on his last two visits.

The last thing I need to do in the second event of the year is overthink it.

Others to consider

J.T. Poston, Si Woo Kim, Patrick Cantlay, Harry Hall, Max Greyserman

Longshot – Alex Smalley

Sony Open in Hawaii Scoop

First event of the year, let’s roll!

Read more: Sony Open in Hawaii Scoop

Sony Open in Hawaii

Waialae Country Club

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

NOW PLAYING:

Host CourseWaialae Country Club.
Yards (per official scorecard):7,044.
Par:70 (35-35)
Greens:TifEagle Bermuda; 7,100 square feet on average.
Stimpmeter:12 feet.
Rough:Celebration Bermuda; three inches and growing.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-Play83/4/5.
Architect(s):Seth Raynor (1927).
Defending Champion (event):Nick Taylor (-16; 264).
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:None. Only five multiple winners since 1965 (Last: Jimmy Walker).
Course Record (last):59; Justin Thomas (Round 1, 2017).
72 Hole Tournament Record (last):253 (-27); Justin Thomas (2017).
Fact of the Week:Waialae CC has been the only course to host this event. There was no event in 1970.
Fact of the Week II:The last player to win on debut was Russell Henley in 2013. Experience matters, gang.

Notes:

  • Field of 120.
  • The OWGR is represented by 20 of the top 50.
  • Top 65 and ties will make the cut and play the weekend.
  • $9.1 million – $1.638 million – 500 FedExCup points – Sentry and Masters ticket punched.

Recent Winners

2025 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryHideki Matsuyama
Sony Open in HawaiiNick Taylor
The American ExpressSepp Straka
Farmers Insurance OpenHarris English
AT&T Pebble BeachRory McIlroy
WM Phoenix OpenThomas Detry (LIV)
The Genesis InvitationalLudvig Aberg
Mexico Open at VidantaBrian Campbell (first time)
Cognizant ClassicJoe Highsmith (first time)
Arnold Palmer InvitationalRussell Henley
Puerto Rico OpenKarl Vilips (first time)
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipRory McIlroy
Valspar ChampionshipViktor Hovland
Texas Children’s Houston OpenMin Woo Lee (first time)
Valero Texas OpenBrian Harman
88th Masters TournamentRory McIlroy (career grand slam)
RBC HeritageJustin Thomas
Zurich ClassicBen Griffin & Andrew Novak (first time winners)
THE CJ CUP Byron NelsonScottie Scheffler
Truist ChampionshipSepp Straka (2)
Mrytle Beach One FlightRyan Fox
106th PGA ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
Charles Schwab ChallengeBen Griffin (2)
The 50th Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)
RBC Canadian OpenRyan Fox (2)
124th United States OpenJ.J. Spaun
Travelers ChampionshipKeegan Bradley
Rocket Mortgage ClassicAldrich Potgieter (first time)
John Deere ClassicBrian Campbell (2)
Genesis Scottish OpenChris Gotterup
ISCO ChampionshipWilliam Mouw (first time)
152nd Open ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (4)
Barracuda ChampionshipRyan Gerard (first time)
3M OpenKurt Kitayama
Wyndham ChampionshipCameron Young (first time)
FedEx St. Jude ChampionshipJustin Rose
BMW ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (5)
The TOUR ChampionshipTommy Fleetwood (first time)
  
FedEx Cup Fall 
Procore ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (6)
Sanderson Farms ChampionshipSteven Fisk (first time)
Black Desert ChampionshipMichael Brennan (first time)
Baycurrent ChampionshipXander Schauffele
World Wide Technology ChampBen Griffin (3)
Butterfield Bermuda ChampAdam Schenk (first time)
The RSM ClassicSami Valimaki (first time)

Recent Winners – Sony Open in Hawaii

Italics – not entered this week.

YearWinnerNotes
2025Nick Taylor (-16)Defeated Nico Echavarria on the first playoff hole for his fifth win on TOUR. 54-hole leader J.J. Spaun finished one shot out of a playoff.
2024Grayson Murray (-17)Knocked out Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley with a 48-foot birdie on the first playoff hole. May he rest in peace.
2023Si Woo Kim (-18)Shot 64 on Sunday to make up a three-shot deficit and knock out 54-hole leader Hayden Buckley by a shot.
2022Hideki Matsuyama     (-23)Won a playoff over 54-hole leader and 2013 winner Russell Henley.
2021Kevin Na (-21)Shot 61 in Round 3 and held on to beat Chris Kirk by one.
2020Cameron Smith (-11)Matched the second highest winning score since 2000. Rain and windy conditions all weekend.
2019Matt Kuchar (-22)Won comfortably by four over Andrew Putnam.
2018Patton Kizzire (-17)Needed a playoff to win in just his second visit.

Angles

  • Waialae Country Club stretches to just 7,044 yards, one of the shortest courses on TOUR, and plays to Par-70.
  • Par-70 was established for the 1999 edition, the only tournament to produce a single-digit winning score (-9). The two highest winning scores since are 11-under in 2005 and 2020.
  • Bermudagrass fairways, rough, and greens are in play again this week, just like The RSM Classic to end 2025.
  • With greens averaging 7,100 square feet, the putting surfaces at Waialae are well-above average for the PGA TOUR.
  • Experienced players flourished in this event from 1997 through 2019. All but three winners were under the age of 30. Over the last five years, four winners have been 30 or younger.
  • The course record, 59, was set in 2017 by Justin Thomas (not entered), in Round 1. He would go on to win and smash the tournament scoring record by three shots as he posted 253 (-27).
  • Five of the last six winners previously represented the International team in the Presidents Cup.
  • Six of the last seven champions needed four prior starts before cracking the code.     
  • 10 of the last 11 winners have registered in the top 10 in Par-4 Scoring.
  • Taylor is the only winner in 11 not to register in the top 20 in Proximity (25th). None were in the top 10 of Driving Accuracy.
  • Four of the last five and six of the previous 10 events have required a playoff to determine a champion.

One and Done – Spotter’s Game

Sign up here

EventSelectionEarnings
Sony Open in Hawaii  
The American Express  
Farmers Insurance Open  

THIS WEEK – Sony Open in Hawaii

The Opening Drive in Hawaii takes the TOUR to a familiar stop. Waialae has hosted the event since 1965 and has not changed the par or yardage since 2007.

The first of 30-odd events in Spotter’s game, Sony gives us a chance to grind on our first at bat.

I will remind you that finishing on the podium in a signature event and/or major championship is about the same haul as winning a “normal” TOUR stop these days.

YOU WILL NOT win the war by winning the battle this week, but $1.6 million will not hurt the bottom line.

Saving guys for down the road also brings headaches into play. Injury, caddie firings, slumps, and babies being born are just some of the REAL-LIFE CHALLENGES we must navigate from January to August.

My approach is more art than science.

There’s an old saying that guys peak for six to eight weeks per year, usually around the big events for the biggest of players.

Remember, Scottie Scheffler won just about everything last year. Just make sure you pick him during one of the weeks when he does win! By all accounts, you should have a handful of chances not to screw it up!

MY CHOICE: Robert MacIntyre

The red-hot Scot racked up a win and a pair of top-10 results in the DP World Tour portion of the fall. A world star who finished second at the U.S. Open and the BMW Championship, I will ride him in a breezy, coastal set-up.

Horses for Courses

All Time Money ListTopTopNotes
(cuts made/starts)1025 
    
Russell Henley (10/13)47Won on 2013 debut; T10, T4, T32, and 2nd last four years; T17 > 7x
Chris Kirk (10/15)56MC 2025; T18-3rd-T27-2nd before; 4 top 5 career
Nick Taylor (7/9)34Win-T7-T7-T11 last 4 years; 5 straight
Si Woo Kim (6/8)232023 winner; 4th on debut 2016; MC 2025
Hideki Matsuyama (9/12)142022 winner; 9 consecutive cuts made; 5 of last 6 T30 or better
Webb Simpson (14/15)49T16 2025; T4 2021, T3 2020 recent bests
Keegan Bradley (9/13)25T6-T2 last 2; T12 or better 4 of last 6
Nico Echavarria (3/3)12P2-T66-T12 Last 3 years
Gary Woodland (6/10)35T16 in 5 of 6 weekends
Brian Harman (12/14)166 straight;  11 of 12
Corey Conners (6/7)144x T12 or better; T3 best
    
JJ Spaun (3/8)12T3, MC 2024, T12 2023
Zac Blair (6/6)22NEVER missed in 6 tries
Keith Mitchell (6/8)14T30 or better in four of last 5.
Eric Cole (3/3)125th-T13-T61
202520242023
Nick Taylor (-16)Grayson Murray (-17)Si Woo Kim (-18)
wins by Playoff (Echavaarria)wins by 1 (Bradley, An)wins by 1 (Buckley)
Par 70 – 7,044 ydsPar 70 – 7,044 ydsPar 70 – 7,044 yds
   
P2 Nico EchavarrriaP2 Ben An03 Chris Kirk -15
T3 JJ Spaun -15P2 Keegan BradleyT4 David Lipsky
05 Eric Cole -14T4 Russell Henley -16T7 Maverick McNealy
T6 Adam Schenk -1306 JT Poston -15T7 Nick Taylor
T6 Keegan BradleyT7 Nick Taylor -14T12 Corey Conners -12
T10 Russell Henley -12T7 Emiliano GrilloT12 Nico Echavarria
T10 Nick DunlapT10 Harris English -13T12 Austin Eckroat
T10 Harry HallT10 Taylor PendrithT12 Ben Griffin
T10 Lee HodgesT10 Andrew PutnamT12 JJ Spaun

Sony Open in Hawaii 2026

via @SonyOpenHawaii

Welcome back, Golf Fans!

Read more: Sony Open in Hawaii 2026

It’s a bummer we missed Kapalua, but here we are on Oahu at Waialae.

Let’s get started!

Odds Outlook – My thoughts on the chalk at the top of the board for PGATOUR.COM.

DraftKings Markets – My thoughts on alternate angles outside of straight win tickets.

Shout out to my brother, Rob Bolton, and his fantastic Power Rankings.

Rob will join me most Wednesdays at TheZoneBloomington.com at 4pm ET to talk shit, set lineups, and fill out your betting cards. Listen live at the link or download the app (98.7 The Zone) from your store to listen along.

I am no longer writing Horses for Courses for the website, so I will list my heavy-hitters here.

I am not actively participating in One and Done this year, but I will provide hints in this column each Wednesday, when I do not forget.

Good luck in 2026, subscribe, and keep reading!

Thank you, as always,

Glass

Procore Championship

FedExCup Fall – Procore Championship

Silverado Resort

North Course

Napa, California

Head to Golfbet for all our content each week.

Quick Links:

Odds Outlook

Mike Glasscott: Procore Championship tips

It’s a different field in Napa Valley in 2025 with 10 of the 12 USA Ryder Cup players teeing it up.

The rank and file will use this week and six more to establish playing privileges for the 2026 TOUR season, which begins in January. Remember, only the top 100 are guaranteed a full schedule for 2026. Read more about it here.

NOW PLAYING: Procore Championship

Host CourseSilverado Resort – North Course
Yards (per official scorecard):7,138 (up 15 yards from 2024; new professional tee on No. 15).
Par:72 (35-37).
Greens:Bentgrass/Poa annua; 5,400 square feet on average.
Stimpmeter:11.5 feet and up.
Rough:Bluegrass/Rye at 2.5 inches.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-Play55/2/2
Architect(s):Ben Harmon (1955); Robert Trent Jones, Sr., (1966); Johnny Miller (2011).
Defending Champion (event):Patton Kizzire (-20).
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:Max Homa (2022, 2021).
Multiple Champions (course):Max Homa, Brendan Steele (not entered).
Fact of the Week:The first 11 events produced nine unique winners and five were native Californians.

Procore Championship

The opening event to the wrap-around season from years past transitioned into the opening event for the FedExCup Fall in 2023.

The last six winners have posted 16-under or better, and four of the previous five champions have posted the lowest winning totals.

Theegala is the only winner in the last seven editions not to register in the top three in SG: Tee to Green (T6). Kizzire was fourth in 2024.

In his first victory in 2021, Max Homa is the only winner in the last six years to finish outside the top seven in Scrambling (T42). Kizzire was first in 2024.

Former champions in the field this week also include Cameron Champ (2019) and Emiliano Grillo (2015).

Recent PGA TOUR Winners

2025 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryHideki Matsuyama
Sony Open in HawaiiNick Taylor
The American ExpressSepp Straka
Farmers Insurance OpenHarris English
AT&T Pebble BeachRory McIlroy
WM Phoenix OpenThomas Detry (first time)
The Genesis InvitationalLudvig Aberg
Mexico Open at VidantaWorldBrian Campbell (first time)
Cognizant ClassicJoe Highsmith (first time)
Arnold Palmer InvitationalRussell Henley
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipRory McIlroy (2)
Valspar ChampionshipViktor Hovland
Texas Children’s Houston OpenMin Woo Lee (first time)
Valero Texas OpenBrian Harman
89th Masters TournamentRory McIlroy (3)
RBC HeritageJustin Thomas
Zurich ClassicAndrew Novak/Ben Griffin (first time for both)
THE CJ CUP Byron NelsonScottie Scheffler
Truist ChampionshipSepp Straka (2)
ONEFLIGHT Myrtle BeachRyan Fox
107th PGA ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
CS ChallengeBen Griffin (2)
Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)
RBC Canadian OpenRyan Fox (2)
125th U.S. OpenJ.J. Spaun
Travelers ChampionshipKeegan Bradley
Rocket ClassicAldrich Potgieter (first time)
John Deere ClassicBrian Campbell (2)
Genesis Scottish OpenChris Gotterup
The Open ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (4)
3M OpenKurt Kitayama
Wyndham ChampionshipCameron Young (first time)
FedEx St. Jude ChampionshipJustin Rose (oldest modern Euro)
BMW ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (5)
The TOUR ChampionshipTommy Fleetwood (first time)

Recent Winners – Procore Championship

Italics – not entered/qualified this week.

YearWinnerNotes
2024Patton Kizzire (-20)Won by five shots to set the tournament record for margin of victory. First win 6+ years.
2023Sahith Theegala (-21)California native won for the first time on TOUR and tied the tournament scoring record.
2022Max Homa (-16)Successfully defended his 2021 title by defeating 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett by a shot.
2021Max Homa (-19)Closing with 65, he beat Maverick McNealy by a shot to pick up his first top 10 since June.
2020Stewart Cink (-21)Became the oldest winner at 47 while setting the tournament scoring record.
2019Cameron Champ (-17)Sacramento native held off Adam Hadwin to win by one.
2018Kevin Tway (-14)Posting the highest winning total, Tway needed a playoff to win for the first time on TOUR.

Horses for Courses – Procore Championship

The FedExCup Fall harvest begins at Silverado Resort (North Course) in Napa Valley, launching the first of seven events of the back half of 2025. Returning to Silverado for the 12th consecutive season, the Par-72, stretched to 7,138 yards, welcomes a field of 144 players highlighted by defending champion Patton Kizzire (+30000) and 10 of the 12 players representing the USA at the Ryder Cup in two weeks at Bethpage Black in New York.

Winning by five shots in the fall of 2024, Kizzire set the tournament record for margin of victory in his third win on TOUR. Posting 20-under-par, he missed equaling the tournament record – matched by Sahith Theegala (+4000) in 2023 – by a shot. He led the field in SG: Putting and Scrambling, plus ranked fourth in SG: Tee to Green. Kizzire had previous success in Wine Country. He finished second on debut in the 2016 edition and will return for the ninth time. He is one of only two non-California champions since 2019.

Orange, California, native Sahith Theegala (+4000) returns to the site of his first victory on TOUR. Surrounded by friends and family, he matched the tournament scoring record of 21-under-par 265 in 2023 and added his third consecutive top-10 payday with T7 in defense last year. He cashed four T14 or better paydays from five weekend performances and owns a scoring average of 68.80.

The only two-time winner at the North Course to enter this week, Californian Max Homa (+4500), owns four top-10 results from nine attempts. The Southern California native, who attended school in the East Bay at Cal-Berkeley, won the event in 2021 and 2022 before a T7 payday in 2023 wiped out his attempt at a three-peat. He fell short of the weekend by one shot in 2024 but has made the cut in seven of nine visits. A victory would see him become the only three-time winner in event history.

2025 Ryder Cup Players

Players listed below are competing this week; Odds presented by FanDuel Sportsbook;

Keegan Bradley sends 10 of his 12 players to the first tee at Silverado.

PlayerRoundsTop 10AvgOdds
Scottie Scheffler (first appearance)000+210
Russell Henley8070.88+1600
Justin Thomas21469.19+1600
J.J. Spaun30170.53+2500
Collin Morikawa6170.00+2500
Harris English22170.95+2700
Ben Griffin2073.00+2500
Cameron Young2074.00+2000
Patrick Cantlay16070.44+1800
Sam Burns6169.50+2000

Sacramento native Cameron Champ (+10000) won the 2019 tournament after signing for T25 in 2018. He is one of four winners (six events) from the state of California in the previous 11 events. If he qualifies for the weekend in 2025, it would be his first shot at the final 36 holes in five years. He has missed the cut on his previous four visits.

Emiliano Grillo (+8000), the last player to win on debut at Silverado, lifted the trophy in 2015, and is one of two international champions. The Argentinian was playing in his first PGA TOUR event with a TOUR card and needed a playoff, one of only two in history, to win. His total of 15-under equals the highest winning score in 11 events. Teeing it up for the ninth time, he owns five paydays of T29 or better and enters for the first time since the 2023 event.

SG: Putting

RankPlayerOdds
1Sam Burns+2000
3Taylor Montgomery+17500
4Sam Ryder+17500
6Cameron Young+2000
7Nico Echavarria+10000
9Brandt Snedeker+50000
10Sami Valimaki+10000
11Andrew Putnam+12500
16Thorbjorn Olesen+8000
17Justin Thomas+1600
18Harris English+2700
20Scottie Scheffler+210

The North Course at Silverado Resort plays only 7,138 yards to Par-72 but has the toughest fairways to hit on TOUR. The 2024 event saw less than half, 46.81 percent, of drives find the short grass. The other major defense of the track, most recently renovated for the arrival of the TOUR in 2014, is the putting surfaces. The Bent/Poa annua greens flummox the best players on TOUR with their nuance and slope. Only Torrey Pines and Detroit Golf Club were more difficult to navigate inside 10 feet in 2024. The last two champions finished first and second in SG: Putting, while the last five winners ranked in the top 15. The course has played under-par in the 11 previous events, and the 36-hole cut has been two-under or BETTER the last six years.

More than 50 percent of approach shots will come from the rough, and missing the greens will challenge the best of scramblers. Getting it close from bunkers, closely mown areas, and bluegrass/ryegrass around the greens isn’t cut and dry. Silverado ranked fifth-most difficult in approach around the greens in 2024.

Excellent wedge players and putters should thrive.

Oddsmaker’s Extras

Justin Thomas (+1600): No matter which stage of his career he was currently navigating, Thomas has flourished in Napa Valley. He missed the weekend in 2014 as an up-and-comer but returned in 2015 to hit the podium (T3), beginning a run of 15 of 16 rounds at par or better. Securing T8 in 2016, he did not return until the 2019 event. He added four rounds of 71 or better, including 64 in Round 2, and collected T4 money. After a four-year hiatus, he played in the final group in 2023 and hit the top five (solo fifth), his fourth top-10 result in six visits.

Matt Kuchar (+10000): The veteran has cashed in five of six, including his last four visits over the previous four seasons. Four of those paydays are T21 or better, including the last three years (T13-T7-T12). Making the cut in 2025 would run his streak to five straight at Silverado.

Tom Hoge (+25000): Although not in the best form currently, Hoge is on a run of four straight appearances and six of his last seven. Racking up T7 in 2024, followed by T12 in 2023, and 15 of his last 16 are par or better.

Justin Lower (+30000): Another longer shot, Lower collected T4 in 2022 and T7 in 2024 and is on a run of three straight.

Mark Hubbard (+8000): The former San Jose State player has not cracked the top 10 but has posted four of his last six paydays between T13 and T21.

Maverick McNealy (+2500): The runner-up to Homa in his first victory, he missed the cut the year before and the two events following. Careful.

September is Responsible Gaming Education Month. For more information on how to put together your sports betting game plan, visit haveagameplan.org/pgatour.

2025 TOUR Championship

Yep, he’s the man to beat this week and every week!

FedEx Cup Playoffs – Event No. 3

TOUR Championship

East Lake Golf Club

Atlanta, Georgia

Head to PGATOUR.COM for all our content each week.

Thoughts on Chalk (odds via Bet365.com)

Scottie Scheffler (+162): He’s never been the medalist at this event. That’s all I got. That’s his new conquest.

Rory McIlroy (+700): Circled 17 birdies and an eagle last week, plenty. Squared eight bogeys and FOUR doubles, plenty in the wrong direction. Once again, he will be paired with Scheffler for the first round. LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE.

Tommy Fleetwood (+1200): He’ll need to keep it close enough for one of his 63s on Sunday. We know he doesn’t hold the lead well.

Ludvig Aberg (+1600): With three top-10 paydays in his last four, all big events, I’d suggest he makes it four out of five in his second start at East Lake.

Russell Henley (+1800): On Bermuda. Yes.

Viktor Hovland (+2200): If it is all going to come together, this would be the week, and course, for it to happen.

Sam Burns (+2500): Only one of three players to hit 10-under the last two seasons (gross).

Cameron Young (+2800): No let down after his first win on TOUR at Wyndham. Next stop is solidifying a Captain’s Pick. When does the water get too deep?

Collin Morikawa (+2800): Posted 22-under to win the gross last year. Has not contended since Detroit.

Justin Thomas (+2800): Four straight outside T20. Loves it here. Keep reading.

Patrick Cantlay (+2800): Didn’t catch the spark at Caves Valley.

Others for Top 5 and Top 10 action are mentioned in Prop Bets (Odds Outlook) at PGATOUR.com

Seven players make their debut.

Six players have won the FedExCup Championship.

NOW PLAYING:

Host CourseEast Lake Golf  Club
Yards (per official scorecard):7,440.
Par:70 (35-35).
Greens:TifEagle Bermudagrass; 6,600 square feet.
Stimpmeter:12 feet and up.
Rough:Tifway 419 Bermudagrass at 3.5 inches.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-Play78/5/8
Architect(s):Tom Bendelow (1904); Donald Ross (1913); George Cobb (1959); Rees Jones (multiple); Andrew Green (2023-24).
Tournament Record (2007-25)257; Tiger Woods (Bentgrass) 2007.
Course record (last):60; Zach Johnson (2007, Bentgrass); 61; Collin Morikawa (2023, Bermudagrass).
Defending Champion (net):Scottie Scheffler (-30).
Defending “Champion” (gross):Collin Morikawa (-22).
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:Rory McIlroy (2016, 2019, 2022).
Facts of the Week:East Lake returns to a Par-70 for 2025 and STARTING STROKES no longer exist.

Recent Winners – TOUR Championship

Italics – not entered this week.

YearWinnerNotes
2024Scottie Scheffler (-30)Didn’t win the gross, but they handed out the trophy for net. Won by four shots over Morikawa.
2023Viktor Hovland (-27)Backed up his BMW Championship with a commanding five-shot victory.
2022Rory McIlroy (-21)Held off Scheffler by a shot to win for the third time.
2021Patrick Cantlay (-21)Lost the gross by four shots but won the war by one.

2025 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryHideki Matsuyama
Sony Open in HawaiiNick Taylor
The American ExpressSepp Straka
Farmers Insurance OpenHarris English
AT&T Pebble BeachRory McIlroy
WM Phoenix OpenThomas Detry (first time)
The Genesis InvitationalLudvig Aberg
Mexico Open at VidantaWorldBrian Campbell (first time)
Cognizant ClassicJoe Highsmith (first time)
Arnold Palmer InvitationalRussell Henley
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipRory McIlroy (2)
Valspar ChampionshipViktor Hovland
Texas Children’s Houston OpenMin Woo Lee (first time)
Valero Texas OpenBrian Harman
89th Masters TournamentRory McIlroy (3)
RBC HeritageJustin Thomas
Zurich ClassicAndrew Novak/Ben Griffin (first time for both)
THE CJ CUP Byron NelsonScottie Scheffler
Truist ChampionshipSepp Straka (2)
ONEFLIGHT Myrtle BeachRyan Fox
107th PGA ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
CS ChallengeBen Griffin (2)
Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)
RBC Canadian OpenRyan Fox (2)
125th U.S. OpenJ.J. Spaun
Travelers ChampionshipKeegan Bradley
Rocket ClassicAldrich Potgieter (first time)
John Deere ClassicBrian Campbell (2)
Genesis Scottish OpenChris Gotterup
The Open ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (4)
3M OpenKurt Kitayama
Wyndham ChampionshipCameron Young (first time)
FedEx St. Jude ChampionshipJustin Rose (oldest modern Euro)
BMW ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (5)

2024 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryChris Kirk
Sony Open in HawaiiGrayson Murray (Rest in Peace)
The American ExpressNick Dunlap (a)
Farmers Insurance OpenMatthieu Pavon (rookie)
AT&T Pebble BeachWyndham Clark (54 holes)
WM Phoenix OpenNick Taylor
The Genesis InvitationalHideki Matsuyama
Mexico Open at VidantaJake Knapp (rookie)
Cognizant ClassicAustin Eckroat (first time)
Arnold Palmer InvitationalScottie Scheffler
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
Valspar ChampionshipPeter Malnati
Texas Children’s Houston OpenStephan Jaeger (first time)
Valero Texas OpenAkshay Bhatia
88th Masters TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)
RBC HeritageScottie Scheffler (4)
Zurich ClassicRory McIlroy & Shane Lowry
THE CJ CUP Byron NelsonTaylor Pendrith (first time)
Wells Fargo ChampionshipRory McIlroy (2)
106th PGA ChampionshipXander Schauffele
Charles Schwab ChallengeDavis Riley
RBC Canadian OpenRobert MacIntyre (first time)
The 49th Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (5)
124th United States OpenBryson DeChambeau
Travelers ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (6)
Rocket Mortgage ClassicCam Davis
John Deere ClassicDavis Thompson (first time)
Genesis Scottish OpenRobert MacIntyre (2)
152nd Open ChampionshipXander Schauffele (2)
3M OpenJhonattan Vegas
2024 Paris OlympicsScottie Scheffler (7)
3M OpenJhonattan Vegas
Wyndham ChampionshipAaron Rai (first time)
FedEx St. Jude ChampionshipHideki Matsuyama (2)
BMW ChampionshipKeegan Bradley
The TOUR ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (8)
  
FedEx Cup Fall 
Procore ChampionshipPatton Kizzire
Sanderson Farms ChampionshipKevin Yu (first time)
Black Desert ChampionshipMatt McCarty (first time)
Shriners Children’s OpenJT Poston
ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIPNico Echavarria
World Wide Technology ChampAustin Eckroat (2)
Butterfield Bermuda ChampRafa Campos (first time)
The RSM ClassicMaverick McNealy (first time)

Horses for Courses – TOUR Championship

All roads end at the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club outside Atlanta for the top 30 players in the FedExCup Playoffs. Since 2007, East Lake Golf Club has been the exclusive host to determine the winner of the most lucrative prize on the PGA TOUR.

For the fourth consecutive season, Scottie Scheffler (+150) arrives at the top of the FedExCup Playoffs points table. In 2024, the World No. 1 paid off his Starting Strokes lead of 10-under and won the FedExCup Championship for the first time in five tries. This year, Starting Strokes are no longer in use. The entire field will make a run at the reigning champion from even par. Scheffler owns four T6 or better paydays in five starts, including posting 20-under (264) in his 2024 victory.

YearTo Par (total)Gross FinishNet Finish
2024-20 (264)2ndWIN
2023-1 (279)T21T6
2022-10 (270)T13T2
2021-2 (278)T17T22
2020-12 (268)2ndT5

With a win this week, Scheffler would be the first player to win the event in consecutive seasons. It would also be the first time finishing with the lowest gross total.

Scheffler’s biggest rival this week is three-time champion Rory McIlroy (+850). Making his 12th start at East Lake, the host for the 19th consecutive season, the World No. 2 owns nine top-10 results, which include titles in 2022 (-17; 263), 2019 (-13; 267), and 2016 (-12; 268). In his last eight starts, he finished outside the top 10 once (T14, 2021) and is one of six previous winners in the field. In 44 career loops, he has posted a round in the 60s 33 times. Not bad.

Scoring Average – TOUR Championship

Select players listed below are competing this week; Odds presented by FanDuel Sportsbook; Minimum eight rounds played.

There are seven players in the field of 30 on debut this week.

RankPlayerRoundsAvgOdds
1Viktor Hovland2067.40+2700
2Justin Thomas3267.81+2500
3Scottie Scheffler2067.95+150
T4Russell Henley1668.00+2000
T4Collin Morikawa2068.00+3000
6Rory McIlroy4468.11+850
7Sepp Straka1268.42+3500
8Sam Burns1668.69+3000
9Tommy Fleetwood1668.94+1400
10Justin Rose4069.05+5500

Viktor Hovland (+2700) pulverized the previous Par-70 in the 2023 edition. The Norwegian posted 19-under (261), which included rounds of 64 and a closing round of 63, to win the FedExCup TOUR Championship for the first time. Making his sixth consecutive start, he has signed for 20 rounds all at par or better (see above). He also shared fifth place in 2021.

Justin Thomas (+2500) broke his streak of seven consecutive top-10 paydays at East Lake when he failed to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs in 2023. Returning in 2024, he posted 14-under but cashed outside the top 10 for the first time (T14). Thomas does have another current streak to protect. Over his last four visits to East Lake, he produced a gross total in double-digits under par. He is second in the field this week in Scoring Average at East Lake.

Collin Morikawa (+3000) set the Bermudagrass greens tournament scoring record of 22-under-par in 2024, missing tying Tiger Woods’ 2007 record (Bentgrass greens) by a shot. He “beat” Scheffler by two shots but finished second due to Starting Strokes. In the 2023 edition, he opened with 61 to set the Bermudagrass COURSE record. He followed with 64 to set the 36-hole tournament scoring record before fading with 73-72 on the weekend (T4, gross). Making his sixth start, he owns three top-seven gross finishes.

SG: Tee to Green

RankPlayerOdds
1Scottie Scheffler+150
2Tommy Fleetwood+1400
3Collin Morikawa+3000
6J.J. Spaun+2700
7Russell Henley+2000
8Keegan Bradley+4000
10Sepp Straka+3500
11Shane Lowry+7000
12Rory McIlroy+850
14Viktor Hovland+2700

The 2025 scorecard reduction from Par-71 to Par-70 includes shrinking hole No. 14 from 580 yards to 530 yards. The Par-5 now plays to a Par-4. The renovations before the 2024 event opened sightlines and increased the size of the greens, among other things. The new grass on the greens should be settled and conditions should play firmer and faster than in 2024. A putting contest is not going to decide who wins the first-place payday of $10 million from the $40 million prize purse. Load up on the players who find fairways and greens.

Oddsmaker’s Extras

Patrick Cantlay (+2500): The Californian failed to qualify for the 2020 edition but returned in style to win the 2021 event, but did not produce the lowest gross total. After failing to break par over 72 holes in each of his first three visits, his victory in 2021 kicked off a run of three straight seasons at eight-under-par or better, all resulting in top-10 paychecks. His seven-under gross total in 2024 paid T17 money.

Russell Henley (+2000): After cashing T3 in the 2017 edition, the Georgia native did not return until the 2023 event. A fantastic player on all strains of Bermudagrass, he opened with 65 and closed with 66 to post 6-under for the week, good for a top-half finish of T14. Last year, he stormed home on Sunday with 62, one off the course record, and posted 17-under-par 267 for the fourth-best gross total.

Sam Burns (+3000): The Louisiana native, making his fifth consecutive appearance, does not mind hot and humid conditions this time of the year! He joins Hovland and Morikawa as the only players entered to post double-digits under-par in the last two events at East Lake (T12, T9).

Hideki Matsuyama (+4000): Finishing tied for ninth in 2024, the Japanese star continued his wonderful all-or-nothing paydays at East Lake. In his last six starts, half resulted in paydays inside the top 10 while the other three were T11 or worse. His best results are T4 in 2018 and fifth in 2016.

Justin Rose (+5500): Like Matsuyama, the Englishman’s best days were in the 2010s, including six consecutive top-10 results over six events spanning 2012-2018. Rose returns to East Lake for the first time since 2019.

One and Done – Spotter’s Game

1 player per event (plus a backup pick if your guy gets kidnapped on Wednesday night and doesn’t make it to the first tee Thursday).

1 use per year.

EventSelectionPlaceEarnings
The SentrySungjae Im3rd$1,360,000
Sony Open in HawaiiRussell HenleyT10195,025
The American ExpressAdam HadwinMC 
Farmers InsuranceJason DayT3252,080
AT&T Pebble BeachLudvig AbergWD 
WM Phoenix OpenRasmus HojgaardT12195,500
Genesis InvitationalWill ZalatorisT24168,857
Mexico OpenPatrick RodgersT2559,350
Cognizant ClassicDaniel BergerT2573,721
Arnold PalmerKeegan BradleyT5800,000
THE PLAYERSCollin MorikawaT10656,250
Valspar ChampionshipSepp StrakaT2855,844
Houston OpenAaron RaiMC 
Valero Texas OpenCorey ConnersT18113,050
89th MastersRory McIlroyWIN4,200,000
RBC HeritageScottie SchefflerT8540,000
Zurich ClassicKurt KitayamaMC 
Byron NelsonSi Woo KimT15136,719
Truist ChampionshipTommy FleetwoodT4826,667
107th PGA ChampionshipBryson DeChambeauT21,418,667
CS ChallengeJordan SpiethT3642,344
MemorialHideki Matsuyama38th94,000
RBC Canadian OpenTaylor PendrithT2764,353
United States OpenJon RahmT7615,786
TravelersBrian Harman8th620,000
Rocket ClassicCam YoungT4627,091
John Deere ClassicDenny McCarthyT11174,300
Scottish OpenRobert MacIntyreT6519,800
The Open ChampionshipShane LowryT4068,340
3M OpenWyndham ClarkT12186,900
Wyndham ChampBen GriffinT11198,850
FedEx St. Jude ChampXander SchauffeleT22186,666
BMW ChampionshipJustin ThomasT33119,666

LAST WEEK – BMW Championship

THE CHOICE: Justin Thomas – T33

I could have used Viktor Hovland or Patrick Cantlay here, both event champions over the last five years. Instead, I’m running out the biggest winner in the pile who won this event in Chicago in 2019. Chasing with Chris Gotterup or J.J. Spaun is desperate, but I like it.

Well, gang, Hovland would have been the better choice!

I finished the season in 22nd place and took home REAL MONEY!

Individual Standings

FINAL RESULTS

PlacePWCTeamOwnerEarningsScorecard
1stArrowup 10Brandon Smith Gold TrophyBrandon Smith$18,552,543Season
2ndArrowdown 1Scotties Cellmates Silver MedalScott Reese$18,214,045Season
3rdArrowdown 1Long Shank Champion Bronze MedalRed MGary McGee$17,454,748Season
4thFar From ParNick Luisi$17,375,704Season
5thArrowdown 2Josh VeithJosh Veith$16,976,992Season
6thArrowdown 1Jesper ParnepicksJamie Larner$16,965,779Season
7thArrowdown 1FairwaysNGreensSteve Duperrieu$16,868,533Season
8thArrowdown 1Dave’s Super HeroesDavid Lawlor$16,741,371Season
9thArrowdown 1HKleinHowie Klein$15,961,935Season
10thMyersMike Myers$15,507,933Season
11thArrowup 3Strikes And GuttersRob Carpenter$15,315,402Season
12thArrowdown 3HarmonatorsGearoid Harmon$15,193,031Season
13thArrowup 3Sandy’s Surf Shack Green Circle With MinusSanford Moore$15,009,166Season
14thArrowup 1DcharnsDon Charnley$14,998,476Season
15thArrowdown 3Out Of Bounds/BallsMick McDonnell$14,986,687Season
16thArrowdown 3Avid 3 PuttersTyler Boyd$14,986,456Season
17thKODKevin O’Dea$14,370,779Season
18thArrowup 3Where Eagles DareIan Kevan$13,995,447Season
19thArrowdown 1Swingers ClubMatt Needham$13,959,271Season
20thD Dot SaccoDan Sacco$13,656,466Season
21stArrowdown 2Eye Off The TigerPatrick Kelly$13,619,556Season
22ndGlassholesMike Glasscott$13,298,800Season
23rdArrowup 1Bellerive BulldogMichael Kaiser$13,242,928Season
24thArrowup 1Lokeness MonstersJoshua Lokey$13,099,780Season
25thArrowup 3A Gusta WindCraig Lambert$12,784,134Season

I hope you beat me!

Thanks for reading!

FedExCup Playoffs Event 2

BMW Championship

FedEx Cup Playoffs – Event No. 2

BMW Championship

Caves Valley Golf Club

Owings Mills, Maryland

Head to PGATOUR.COM for all our content each week.

Thoughts on Chalk (odds via Bet365.com)

Scottie Scheffler (+220): With 20 fewer golfers in the field, his odds drop to a season-low figure, and that’s with Rory McIlroy playing. The book has determined this to be a two-horse race. Saddle up correctly! The ONLY note of bother is Ted Scott WILL NOT be on the bag this week.

Rory McIlroy (+750): The rest is over. The roar is over about him missing the event last week. His Ryder Cup place is sealed, and he will NOT be a playing captain in the future. His problem lies just above. There is only one focus this week.

Xander Schauffele (+1800): He’s No. 43 in the standings. The top 30 qualify for East Lake. He will need T21 or better to advance. Sounds pretty straight forward!

Ludvig Aberg (+2500): Now, we’re talking! T23 or better in his last three includes a pair of top-10 paydays. Gaining strokes off the tee is a massive deal this week and next.

Patrick Cantlay (+2000): HE PLAYS WELL WHERE HE PLAYS WELL. Loading up on Top 20 and Top 10 plays too after T9 last week.

Tommy Fleetwood (+2500): Too much golf course for me. Too much scar tissue as well. It would be one hell of a story, but it is an extra 300-plus yards he didn’t have to deal with last week.

Cameron Young (+2200): He is on a serious heater! After closing with 64, the round of the day Sunday in Memphis, he picked up solo fifth after winning for the first time at the Wyndham Championship. Bomber’s course and he qualifies.

Justin Thomas (+2500): Only Young put together a better round last Sunday in Memphis. He’s close.

J.J. Spaun (+2800): Only shows up in BIG EVENTS, apparently! What a story! Californian riding a SERIOUS wave!

Others for Top 5 and Top 10 action are mentioned in Prop Bets (Odds Outlook) at PGATOUR.com

Quick note, Hovland did NOT make a hole-in-one here in 2021. It was the following season in Delaware. My mistake (thanks Gator!).

NOW PLAYING:

Host CourseCaves Valley Golf Club
Yards (per official scorecard):7,601. Longest Par-70 on TOUR in 2025 and third-longest overall.
Par:70 (35-35).
Greens:Pure distinction Bentgrass; 5,200 square feet.
Stimpmeter:12 feet.
Rough:4 inches of Bluegrass and Tall Fescue.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-PlayN/A.
Architect(s):Tom Fazio (1990); Logan Fazio (2020). Tom Fazio (2023).
Tournament Record:261 (-27); Patrick Cantlay & Bryson DeChambeau (ineligible), 2021.
Course record (last):60; DeChambeau.
Defending Champion (course):Cantlay.
Defending Champion (event):Keegan Bradley (2).
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:Cantlay (2021, 2022); Bradley (2018, 2024).
Facts of the Week:Better watch the video below before falling in love with the results and history of 2021!

Recent Winners – BMW Championship

Italics – not entered this week.

YearWinnerNotes
2024Keegan Bradley (-12)Wins by two over Aberg and Burns at The International outside Denver.
2023Viktor Hovland (-17)Wins by two over Scheffler and Fitzpatrick at Olympia Fields (North Course).
2022Patrick Cantlay (-14)Knocked off Scott Stallings by one shot at the Wilmington CC.
2021Patrick Cantlay (-27)Needed a six-hole playoff to beat DeChambeau after trashing the field with 31 birdies.

2025 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryHideki Matsuyama
Sony Open in HawaiiNick Taylor
The American ExpressSepp Straka
Farmers Insurance OpenHarris English
AT&T Pebble BeachRory McIlroy
WM Phoenix OpenThomas Detry (first time)
The Genesis InvitationalLudvig Aberg
Mexico Open at VidantaWorldBrian Campbell (first time)
Cognizant ClassicJoe Highsmith (first time)
Arnold Palmer InvitationalRussell Henley
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipRory McIlroy (2)
Valspar ChampionshipViktor Hovland
Texas Children’s Houston OpenMin Woo Lee (first time)
Valero Texas OpenBrian Harman
89th Masters TournamentRory McIlroy (3)
RBC HeritageJustin Thomas
Zurich ClassicAndrew Novak/Ben Griffin (first time for both)
THE CJ CUP Byron NelsonScottie Scheffler
Truist ChampionshipSepp Straka (2)
ONEFLIGHT Myrtle BeachRyan Fox
107th PGA ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
CS ChallengeBen Griffin (2)
Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)
RBC Canadian OpenRyan Fox (2)
125th U.S. OpenJ.J. Spaun
Travelers ChampionshipKeegan Bradley
Rocket ClassicAldrich Potgieter (first time)
John Deere ClassicBrian Campbell (2)
Genesis Scottish OpenChris Gotterup
The Open ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (4)
3M OpenKurt Kitayama
Wyndham ChampionshipCameron Young (first time)
FedEx St. Jude ChampionshipJustin Rose (oldest modern Euro)

2024 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryChris Kirk
Sony Open in HawaiiGrayson Murray (Rest in Peace)
The American ExpressNick Dunlap (a)
Farmers Insurance OpenMatthieu Pavon (rookie)
AT&T Pebble BeachWyndham Clark (54 holes)
WM Phoenix OpenNick Taylor
The Genesis InvitationalHideki Matsuyama
Mexico Open at VidantaJake Knapp (rookie)
Cognizant ClassicAustin Eckroat (first time)
Arnold Palmer InvitationalScottie Scheffler
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
Valspar ChampionshipPeter Malnati
Texas Children’s Houston OpenStephan Jaeger (first time)
Valero Texas OpenAkshay Bhatia
88th Masters TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)
RBC HeritageScottie Scheffler (4)
Zurich ClassicRory McIlroy & Shane Lowry
THE CJ CUP Byron NelsonTaylor Pendrith (first time)
Wells Fargo ChampionshipRory McIlroy (2)
106th PGA ChampionshipXander Schauffele
Charles Schwab ChallengeDavis Riley
RBC Canadian OpenRobert MacIntyre (first time)
The 49th Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (5)
124th United States OpenBryson DeChambeau
Travelers ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (6)
Rocket Mortgage ClassicCam Davis
John Deere ClassicDavis Thompson (first time)
Genesis Scottish OpenRobert MacIntyre (2)
152nd Open ChampionshipXander Schauffele (2)
3M OpenJhonattan Vegas
2024 Paris OlympicsScottie Scheffler (7)
3M OpenJhonattan Vegas
Wyndham ChampionshipAaron Rai (first time)
FedEx St. Jude ChampionshipHideki Matsuyama (2)
BMW ChampionshipKeegan Bradley
The TOUR ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (8)
  
FedEx Cup Fall 
Procore ChampionshipPatton Kizzire
Sanderson Farms ChampionshipKevin Yu (first time)
Black Desert ChampionshipMatt McCarty (first time)
Shriners Children’s OpenJT Poston
ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIPNico Echavarria
World Wide Technology ChampAustin Eckroat (2)
Butterfield Bermuda ChampRafa Campos (first time)
The RSM ClassicMaverick McNealy (first time)

Horses for Courses

The BMW Championship returns to Caves Valley Golf Club outside of Baltimore for the second time since 2021 and for the second time in the history of the event. Identifying the champion is the first order of business. The second is shaving the field of 49 down to the 30 players who will advance to the FedExCup Playoffs TOUR Championship next week in Atlanta. Patrick Cantlay (+2500), the course defending champion and two-time winner of the BMW Championship, highlights a field of 49 players. Sepp Straka withdrew from the event on Monday.

Cantlay put on a master class with the flatstick to produce 27-under 261 on the Par-72 in the 2021 championship. Gaining 3.644 strokes against the field on the greens, he still needed a six-hole playoff to close the deal. The 2025 edition will play and feel brand-new tee-to-green and on the putting surfaces. The Par-72 has been reduced to a Par-70 but has been expanded by almost 60 yards to 7,601 yards, an increase from 7,542 yards in 2021. Watch the changes here. The owner of four top-10 paydays at the BMW Championship, seven of eight registered T15 or better.

Keegan Bradley (+4500) joins Cantlay as the other two-time BMW Championship winner playing this week. The 2025 Ryder Cup captain is also the defending champion of the event, held outside Denver in 2024. Bradley also knocked off Justin Rose in a playoff in the 2018 edition at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia, his first of two top-10 paychecks from 12 attempts.

Top Finishers – 2021 BMW Championship

Players listed below are competing this week; Odds presented by FanDuel Sportsbook

PositionPlayerOdds
1Patrick Cantlay+2500
3Sungjae Im+8000
4Rory McIlroy+750
8Sam Burns+3500
T17Viktor Hovland+3500
T22Scottie Scheffler+220
T22Corey Conners+4500
T22Justin Thomas+2500
T26Harris English+5000
T26Daniel Berger+125000
T26Shane Lowry+7000
T29Brian Harman+8000
T29Si Woo Kim+6000

Rory McIlroy (+750) is making his 15th career start and owns seven top-10 finishes, including a victory in 2012. Finishing fourth in 2021, he was one of six players who topped 20-under-par for the week in the first event at Caves Valley. The World No. 2 owns six FedExCup Playoffs victories, including three FedExCup championships at East Lake Golf Club, another demanding Par-70 layout measuring over 7,400 yards. The Northern Irishman feasts this time of year, owning finishes of T19 in 11 of 14 career events.

Sitting at No. 43 entering the week, Xander Schauffele (+1800) also enjoys the last two events of the FedExCup Playoffs. Searching for his first victory, he will enjoy the new-look layout at Caves Valley. In eight BMW Championships, he collected seven paydays of T20 or better, including top-10 paychecks over the last three editions. The only outlier? T49 in 2021 at Caves Valley.

Sungjae Im (+8000), conversely, wishes Caves Valley had produced a carbon-copy layout in 2025. The Korean posted four rounds of 67 or better to post 23-under and occupy solo third. Making his seventh trip to the BMW Championship, he owns five T15 or better finishes and a pair of results inside the top seven.

SG: Off the Tee

Entered this week

RankPlayerOdds
1Scottie Scheffler+220
3Rory McIlroy+750
7Chris Gotterup+3500
8Taylor Pendrith+8000
10Ludvig Aberg+2200
11Kurt Kitayama+3500
12Collin Morikawa+3500
19Daniel Berger+12500
20Corey Conners+4500

Caves Valley has tightened up the fairways, pinched in bunkers, and increased the length of the rough upwards of four inches. Gaining shots on the field off the tee and attacking from the short grass will set the foundation for the week. The 2021 edition produced seven players in the top 11 spots on the final leaderboard from this category. Length and accuracy, now on a scorecard measuring 7,601 yards, will always play.

Oddsmaker’s Extras

Scottie Scheffler (+280): After podium paydays of T2 in 2023 and T3 in 2022, the favorite this week and every week, will look to improve on his T22 result in 2021.

Justin Rose (+4500): The 2011 winner and runner-up in 2017 and 2018, the Englishman looks to add to his four top-10 paydays. He did not qualify for the 2021 edition.

Justin Thomas (+3000): The winner in 2019 outside Chicago at Medinah No. 3, it is his only top-10 result.

Sam Burns (+4500): Cashing solo eighth place in 2021, the Louisiana native owns four T19 or better finishes.

Tommy Fleetwood (+3500): The Englishman shared fifth in 2024 and continued his streak of four consecutive results T25 or better.

Corey Conners (+4000): Half of his six starts have paid off in the top 10. The Canadian led the field in Fairways in 2021 and cashed T22.

One and Done – Spotter’s Game

1 player per event (plus a backup pick if your guy gets kidnapped on Wednesday night and doesn’t make it to the first tee Thursday).

1 use per year.

EventSelectionPlaceEarnings
The SentrySungjae Im3rd$1,360,000
Sony Open in HawaiiRussell HenleyT10195,025
The American ExpressAdam HadwinMC 
Farmers InsuranceJason DayT3252,080
AT&T Pebble BeachLudvig AbergWD 
WM Phoenix OpenRasmus HojgaardT12195,500
Genesis InvitationalWill ZalatorisT24168,857
Mexico OpenPatrick RodgersT2559,350
Cognizant ClassicDaniel BergerT2573,721
Arnold PalmerKeegan BradleyT5800,000
THE PLAYERSCollin MorikawaT10656,250
Valspar ChampionshipSepp StrakaT2855,844
Houston OpenAaron RaiMC 
Valero Texas OpenCorey ConnersT18113,050
89th MastersRory McIlroyWIN4,200,000
RBC HeritageScottie SchefflerT8540,000
Zurich ClassicKurt KitayamaMC 
Byron NelsonSi Woo KimT15136,719
Truist ChampionshipTommy FleetwoodT4826,667
107th PGA ChampionshipBryson DeChambeauT21,418,667
CS ChallengeJordan SpiethT3642,344
MemorialHideki Matsuyama38th94,000
RBC Canadian OpenTaylor PendrithT2764,353
United States OpenJon RahmT7615,786
TravelersBrian Harman8th620,000
Rocket ClassicCam YoungT4627,091
John Deere ClassicDenny McCarthyT11174,300
Scottish OpenRobert MacIntyreT6519,800
The Open ChampionshipShane LowryT4068,340
3M OpenWyndham ClarkT12186,900
Wyndham ChampBen GriffinT11198,850
FedEx St. Jude ChampXander SchauffeleT22186,666

LAST WEEK – FedEx St. Jude Championship

THE CHOICE: Xander Schauffele

As I wrote last week, you can’t have rounds in the 70s here and contend unless you have a super-special loop. Posting 65 on Saturday after 72 on Friday wasn’t the tonic. He found only 31 of 56 Fairways, good for T56 in a field of 69. T38 GIR didn’t inspire, either. Needing only 103 putts, he’s ready for East Lake Bermuda in two weeks.

Sigh.

THIS Week – BMW Championship

THE CHOICE: Justin Thomas

I could have used former event winners Viktor Hovland or Patrick Cantlay. Instead, I’m running out the biggest winner in the pile who won this event in Chicago in 2019. Chasing with Chris Gotterup or J.J. Spaun is desperate, but I like it.

For resources to overcome a gambling problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER today.

3M Open

3M Open

TPC Twin Cities

Blaine, Minnesota

Head to PGATOUR.COM for all our content each week.

Thoughts on Chalk (odds via Bet365.com)

Sam Burns (+1600): This is a steep number for a fella who has not won since 2023 and in an event where four previous winners have been 100-1 or better. Burns owns T7 and T12 on this track and never missed the weekend.

Maverick McNealy (+1800): T3 in 2024 after T16 on debut in 2021. Six top-10 results in 2025. Solid through the bag.

Chris Gotterup (+2500): Doubled his career earnings in a fortnight across the pond. Led the field in Par-5 scoring at Royal Portrush. The Par-71 at TPC Twin Cities will provide three more Par-5 chances, but these are 593 yards or more.

Wyndham Clark (+2500): T17-T11-T4 in his last three suggests he’s in the mood. T5 in 2019.

Michael Thorbjornsen (+2800): T4-T21-T14 in his last three on TOUR. If Detroit is the comparison, he ran T4 in the Motor City. He eats off the tee and that plays this week. The only non-winner at the top of the board.

Akshay Bhatia (+3000): The last time he found the top 10 was another water-logged layout, TPC Sawgrass (T3). Making his second visit, he sits 16th in SG: Approach and 21st SG: Putting. Nice combo.

Jake Knapp (+3000): T27 or better, including T4 at Detroit, in his last four. DNS Open Championship.

I’m digging deeper this week. Find a ball-striker who is 100-1 or worse and take a chance. This event rarely makes sense!

Others for Top 10, Top 20, or Top 40 action not mentioned in my columns (Odds Outlook & Horses for Courses) at PGATOUR.com

Tony Finau (+4000) flashed early last week at Royal Portrush and absolutely eats at TPC Twin Cities. … Kevin Yu (+5000) continues to chop wood. … Sam Stevens (+6600) and Alex Noren (+8000) are an interesting duo who can handle the breeze. … Tom Hoge (+8000) is a North Dakota native and has won plenty in the state of Minnesota. … Henrik Norlander and Max Herendeen should be around for the weekend. … Chan Kim went close in Kentucky. … Philip Knowles perhaps.

NOW PLAYING:

Host CourseTPC Twin Cities
Yards (per official scorecard):7,431 yards.
Par:71 (36-35).
Greens:Bentgrass/Poa; 6,500 square feet.
Stimpmeter:12 feet.
Rough:4 inches of Bluegrass/Fescue off fairways averaging 36 yards across.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-Play72/27/15.
Architect(s):Arnold Palmer (2000); Steve Wenzloff (2018).
Tournament Record:260 (-24); Lee Hodges, 2023
Course record (last):62; Beau Hossler (Round 4, 2023).
Defending Champion:Jhonattan Vegas (-17).
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:None.
Facts of the Week:This is the penultimate event to qualify for the FedExCup playoffs. Vegas is the only winner to sign for a score ABOVE par.

Recent Winners – 3M Open

Italics – not entered this week.

YearWinnerNotes
2024Jhonattan Vegas      (-17)At 39, he became the oldest winner of six in history. Won by one shot over Max Greyserman.
2023Lee Hodges (-24)Won for the first time on the PGA TOUR. Just the second first-time winner. Tournament record total.
2022Tony Finau (-17)Owns the biggest come-from-behind win (5 shots) in event history.
2021Cameron Champ    (-15)Picked up his third victory on TOUR by posting the highest winning total in the event.

2025 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryHideki Matsuyama
Sony Open in HawaiiNick Taylor
The American ExpressSepp Straka
Farmers Insurance OpenHarris English
AT&T Pebble BeachRory McIlroy
WM Phoenix OpenThomas Detry (first time)
The Genesis InvitationalLudvig Aberg
Mexico Open at VidantaWorldBrian Campbell (first time)
Cognizant ClassicJoe Highsmith (first time)
Arnold Palmer InvitationalRussell Henley
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipRory McIlroy (2)
Valspar ChampionshipViktor Hovland
Texas Children’s Houston OpenMin Woo Lee (first time)
Valero Texas OpenBrian Harman
89th Masters TournamentRory McIlroy (3)
RBC HeritageJustin Thomas
Zurich ClassicAndrew Novak/Ben Griffin (first time for both)
THE CJ CUP Byron NelsonScottie Scheffler
Truist ChampionshipSepp Straka (2)
ONEFLIGHT Myrtle BeachRyan Fox
107th PGA ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
CS ChallengeBen Griffin (2)
Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)
RBC Canadian OpenRyan Fox (2)
125th U.S. OpenJ.J. Spaun
Travelers ChampionshipKeegan Bradley
Rocket ClassicAldrich Potgieter (first time)
John Deere ClassicBrian Campbell (2)
Genesis Scottish OpenChris Gotterup
The Open ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (4)

2024 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryChris Kirk
Sony Open in HawaiiGrayson Murray (Rest in Peace)
The American ExpressNick Dunlap (a)
Farmers Insurance OpenMatthieu Pavon (rookie)
AT&T Pebble BeachWyndham Clark (54 holes)
WM Phoenix OpenNick Taylor
The Genesis InvitationalHideki Matsuyama
Mexico Open at VidantaJake Knapp (rookie)
Cognizant ClassicAustin Eckroat (first time)
Arnold Palmer InvitationalScottie Scheffler
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
Valspar ChampionshipPeter Malnati
Texas Children’s Houston OpenStephan Jaeger (first time)
Valero Texas OpenAkshay Bhatia
88th Masters TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)
RBC HeritageScottie Scheffler (4)
Zurich ClassicRory McIlroy & Shane Lowry
THE CJ CUP Byron NelsonTaylor Pendrith (first time)
Wells Fargo ChampionshipRory McIlroy (2)
106th PGA ChampionshipXander Schauffele
Charles Schwab ChallengeDavis Riley
RBC Canadian OpenRobert MacIntyre (first time)
The 49th Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (5)
124th United States OpenBryson DeChambeau
Travelers ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (6)
Rocket Mortgage ClassicCam Davis
John Deere ClassicDavis Thompson (first time)
Genesis Scottish OpenRobert MacIntyre (2)
152nd Open ChampionshipXander Schauffele (2)
3M OpenJhonattan Vegas
2024 Paris OlympicsScottie Scheffler (7)
3M OpenJhonattan Vegas
Wyndham ChampionshipAaron Rai (first time)
FedEx St. Jude ChampionshipHideki Matsuyama (2)
BMW ChampionshipKeegan Bradley
The TOUR ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (8)
  
FedEx Cup Fall 
Procore ChampionshipPatton Kizzire
Sanderson Farms ChampionshipKevin Yu (first time)
Black Desert ChampionshipMatt McCarty (first time)
Shriners Children’s OpenJT Poston
ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIPNico Echavarria
World Wide Technology ChampAustin Eckroat (2)
Butterfield Bermuda ChampRafa Campos (first time)
The RSM ClassicMaverick McNealy (first time)

One and Done – Spotter’s Game

1 player per event (plus a backup pick if your guy gets kidnapped on Wednesday night and doesn’t make it to the first tee Thursday).

1 use per year.

EventSelectionPlaceEarnings
The SentrySungjae Im3rd$1,360,000
Sony Open in HawaiiRussell HenleyT10195,025
The American ExpressAdam HadwinMC 
Farmers InsuranceJason DayT3252,080
AT&T Pebble BeachLudvig AbergWD 
WM Phoenix OpenRasmus HojgaardT12195,500
Genesis InvitationalWill ZalatorisT24168,857
Mexico OpenPatrick RodgersT2559,350
Cognizant ClassicDaniel BergerT2573,721
Arnold PalmerKeegan BradleyT5800,000
THE PLAYERSCollin MorikawaT10656,250
Valspar ChampionshipSepp StrakaT2855,844
Houston OpenAaron RaiMC 
Valero Texas OpenCorey ConnersT18113,050
89th MastersRory McIlroyWIN4,200,000
RBC HeritageScottie SchefflerT8540,000
Zurich ClassicKurt KitayamaMC 
Byron NelsonSi Woo KimT15136,719
Truist ChampionshipTommy FleetwoodT4826,667
107th PGA ChampionshipBryson DeChambeauT21,418,667
CS ChallengeJordan SpiethT3642,344
MemorialHideki Matsuyama38th94,000
RBC Canadian OpenTaylor PendrithT2764,353
United States OpenJon RahmT7615,786
TravelersBrian Harman8th620,000
Rocket ClassicCam YoungT4627,091
John Deere ClassicDenny McCarthyT11174,300
Scottish OpenRobert MacIntyreT6519,800
The Open ChampionshipShane LowryT4068,340

LAST WEEK – The Open Championship

THE CHOICE: Shane Lowry – T40

Bad plan. Bad execution.

Whiffed on Schauffele and Hatton.

Last four weeks have knocked me out of contention!

THIS Week – 3M Open

THE CHOICE: Wyndham Clark

I have an embarrassment of riches for the last three events. Imagine not using Sam Burns, Viktor Hovland, Xander Schauffele, or Justin Thomas! Or Chris Gotterup, Maverick McNealy, Tony Finau, or Harris English.

Others for ME to consider: See above, haha!

153rd Open Championship

Excellent advice!

153rd Open Championship

Royal Portrush

Dunluce Links

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

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Thoughts on Chalk (odds via Bet365.com)

Scottie Scheffler (+500): He never played links golf until he turned professional. His best finish was T7 last year.

Rory McIlroy (+700): Back home again in Northern Ireland, he’s free as a bird after winning the career Grand Slam. He also knows what NOT to do this week. I can’t pick against him.

Jon Rahm (+1100): Like McIlroy, he views this as the biggest individual event of the season. Only Ballesteros has won in La Rioja.

Xander Schauffele (+2000): Only Tiger and Paddy have won this event back-to-back this century. Tall cotton for a non-linksman. He’s never missed the cut, including T41 here in 2019.

Bryson DeChambeau (+2200): Science doesn’t love Mother Nature or undefinable bounces and bobbles. Too many variables for The Scientist to evaluate.

Tommy Fleetwood (+2200): Second in 2019, he isn’t playing in the States, so I can’t rule out a victory. Sits 3rd SG: Total.

Ludvig Aberg (+2500): His best results are at the Masters and The Renaissance Club. All-or-nothing scares me in a field this deep.

Tyrrell Hatton (+2800): T6 in 2019 and T4 at Oakmont. Lovely when trends converge.

Viktor Hovland (+2800): Tough to lay him down this week. I might come to regret it.

Collin Morikawa (+3300): Billy Foster didn’t help last week.

Robert MacIntyre (+3300): Absolutely made for this. It was not terribly surprising to see him off the pace defending at his national open. Oakmont answered all of my questions. Bet.

Shane Lowry (+3300): There’s only two ways this goes: A robust defense or a celebration of the past. Too many good results in 2025 to suggest this is a hit and giggle.

Matt Fitzpatrick (+3500): On form, in the mood, and already a major champion. He needs to be on your card in some fashion.

Others for Top 10, Top 20, or Top 40 action

Read my DFS DISH column for more thoughts. Here are a few others, not mentioned before, that should/can/might fill out cards.

Jordan Spieth (+6000) is 11 from 11 and a new father for the third time. … Rob Bolton loves Russell Henley (+6000) and that’s good enough for me. … Careful on Brooks Koepka (+6600). The price looks nice. How is his knee feeling? … Ben Griffin (+9000) has played two majors this year and hit the top 10 in each. Cameron Young (+9000) ran second at St Andrews and T8 at Royal Liverpool. … Tom McKibbin (+10000) is NorIrish as well. … I like Taylor Pendrith (+11000). Have bat, will travel. … Laurie Canter for a top 40. … Auld guard of Paddy Harrington, Zach Johnson, or Lee Westwood could surprise.

NOW PLAYING:

Host CourseRoyal Portrush – Dunluce Links
Yards (per official scorecard):7,381 yards.
Par:71 (36-35).
Greens:Fescue; 5,400 square feet.
Stimpmeter:10.5 feet.
Rough:2 inches off the fairway; 6 inches for the big miss.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-Play59/2/2.
Architect(s):Old Tom Morris (1888); Harry Colt (1930s); Mackenzie and Ebert (2015).
Event Record:264; Henrik Stenson (-20) at Royal Troon, 2016.
Event 18-hole record:62; Branden Grace at Royal Birkdale, 2017.
Defending Champion (event):Xander Schauffele.
Defending Champion (course):Shane Lowry (-15).
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:Padraig Harrington (2007, 2008).
Fact of the Week:Royal Portrush is hosting for just the third time (1951, 2019).

Recent Winners – The Open Championship

Italics – not entered this week.

YearWinnerNotes
2024Xander Schauffele   (-9)Won by two shots at Royal Troon. 11th consecutive new winner.
2023Brian Harman (-13)Won by six shots at Royal Liverpool for his first major championship.
2022Cameron Smith (-20)Won Open No. 150 at St. Andrews by matching the record winning total in relation to par.
2021Collin Morikawa (-15)Defeated Jordan Spieth by two to become just the third player since 1975 to win on debut.
2020No Tournament 
2019Shane Lowry (-15)Set the course record (63) and 54-hole event scoring record (197).
2018Francesco Molinari   (-8)First Italian major champion.
2017Jordan Spieth (-12)Completed the third leg of four of the career Grand Slam at Royal Birkdale.

2025 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryHideki Matsuyama
Sony Open in HawaiiNick Taylor
The American ExpressSepp Straka
Farmers Insurance OpenHarris English
AT&T Pebble BeachRory McIlroy
WM Phoenix OpenThomas Detry (first time)
The Genesis InvitationalLudvig Aberg
Mexico Open at VidantaWorldBrian Campbell (first time)
Cognizant ClassicJoe Highsmith (first time)
Arnold Palmer InvitationalRussell Henley
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipRory McIlroy (2)
Valspar ChampionshipViktor Hovland
Texas Children’s Houston OpenMin Woo Lee (first time)
Valero Texas OpenBrian Harman
89th Masters TournamentRory McIlroy (3)
RBC HeritageJustin Thomas
Zurich ClassicAndrew Novak/Ben Griffin (first time for both)
THE CJ CUP Byron NelsonScottie Scheffler
Truist ChampionshipSepp Straka (2)
ONEFLIGHT Myrtle BeachRyan Fox
107th PGA ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
CS ChallengeBen Griffin (2)
Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)
RBC Canadian OpenRyan Fox (2)
125th U.S. OpenJ.J. Spaun
Travelers ChampionshipKeegan Bradley
Rocket ClassicAldrich Potgieter (first time)
John Deere ClassicBrian Campbell (2)
Genesis Scottish OpenChris Gotterup

2024 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryChris Kirk
Sony Open in HawaiiGrayson Murray (Rest in Peace)
The American ExpressNick Dunlap (a)
Farmers Insurance OpenMatthieu Pavon (rookie)
AT&T Pebble BeachWyndham Clark (54 holes)
WM Phoenix OpenNick Taylor
The Genesis InvitationalHideki Matsuyama
Mexico Open at VidantaJake Knapp (rookie)
Cognizant ClassicAustin Eckroat (first time)
Arnold Palmer InvitationalScottie Scheffler
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
Valspar ChampionshipPeter Malnati
Texas Children’s Houston OpenStephan Jaeger (first time)
Valero Texas OpenAkshay Bhatia
88th Masters TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)
RBC HeritageScottie Scheffler (4)
Zurich ClassicRory McIlroy & Shane Lowry
THE CJ CUP Byron NelsonTaylor Pendrith (first time)
Wells Fargo ChampionshipRory McIlroy (2)
106th PGA ChampionshipXander Schauffele
Charles Schwab ChallengeDavis Riley
RBC Canadian OpenRobert MacIntyre (first time)
The 49th Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (5)
124th United States OpenBryson DeChambeau
Travelers ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (6)
Rocket Mortgage ClassicCam Davis
John Deere ClassicDavis Thompson (first time)
Genesis Scottish OpenRobert MacIntyre (2)
152nd Open ChampionshipXander Schauffele (2)
3M OpenJhonattan Vegas
2024 Paris OlympicsScottie Scheffler (7)
3M OpenJhonattan Vegas
Wyndham ChampionshipAaron Rai (first time)
FedEx St. Jude ChampionshipHideki Matsuyama (2)
BMW ChampionshipKeegan Bradley
The TOUR ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (8)
  
FedEx Cup Fall 
Procore ChampionshipPatton Kizzire
Sanderson Farms ChampionshipKevin Yu (first time)
Black Desert ChampionshipMatt McCarty (first time)
Shriners Children’s OpenJT Poston
ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIPNico Echavarria
World Wide Technology ChampAustin Eckroat (2)
Butterfield Bermuda ChampRafa Campos (first time)
The RSM ClassicMaverick McNealy (first time)

One and Done – Spotter’s Game

1 player per event (plus a backup pick if your guy gets kidnapped on Wednesday night and doesn’t make it to the first tee Thursday).

1 use per year.

EventSelectionPlaceEarnings
The SentrySungjae Im3rd$1,360,000
Sony Open in HawaiiRussell HenleyT10195,025
The American ExpressAdam HadwinMC 
Farmers InsuranceJason DayT3252,080
AT&T Pebble BeachLudvig AbergWD 
WM Phoenix OpenRasmus HojgaardT12195,500
Genesis InvitationalWill ZalatorisT24168,857
Mexico OpenPatrick RodgersT2559,350
Cognizant ClassicDaniel BergerT2573,721
Arnold PalmerKeegan BradleyT5800,000
THE PLAYERSCollin MorikawaT10656,250
Valspar ChampionshipSepp StrakaT2855,844
Houston OpenAaron RaiMC 
Valero Texas OpenCorey ConnersT18113,050
89th MastersRory McIlroyWIN4,200,000
RBC HeritageScottie SchefflerT8540,000
Zurich ClassicKurt KitayamaMC 
Byron NelsonSi Woo KimT15136,719
Truist ChampionshipTommy FleetwoodT4826,667
107th PGA ChampionshipBryson DeChambeauT21,418,667
CS ChallengeJordan SpiethT3642,344
MemorialHideki Matsuyama38th94,000
RBC Canadian OpenTaylor PendrithT2764,353
United States OpenJon RahmT7615,786
TravelersBrian Harman8th620,000
Rocket ClassicCam YoungT4627,091
John Deere ClassicDenny McCarthyT11174,300
Scottish OpenRobert MacIntyreT6519,800

LAST WEEK – Genesis Scottish Open

THE CHOICE: Robert MacIntyre – T65

Swung, missed.

Not enough mustard to go around for the bigger boys in just a $9 million purse.

THIS Week – The Open Championship

THE CHOICE: Shane Lowry

This was the plan from Day 1 of the season.

If you were waiting for McIlroy in this spot, hoo baby, good for you! Rahm is also a no-brainer pick here, since you can’t use him again. If your game allows it, East Lake for Scheffler. I’m going to play Hovland and/or Schauffle and/or Thomas in the two FedExCup events.

Hindsight suggests I whiffed on Schauffele last week. Let’s hope he wins Memphis or Delaware instead!

Others for ME to consider: Xander Schauffele, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland, Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Reed