Rory McIlroy

2025 TOUR Championship

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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
4th—Far 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
10th—MyersMike 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
17th—KODKevin O’Dea$14,370,779Season
18thArrowup 3Where Eagles DareIan Kevan$13,995,447Season
19thArrowdown 1Swingers ClubMatt Needham$13,959,271Season
20th—D Dot SaccoDan Sacco$13,656,466Season
21stArrowdown 2Eye Off The TigerPatrick Kelly$13,619,556Season
22nd—GlassholesMike 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

/ mikeglasscott / Leave a comment

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.

153rd Open Championship

/ mikeglasscott / Leave a comment

Excellent advice!

153rd Open Championship

Royal Portrush

Dunluce Links

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

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

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

RBC Canadian Open

/ mikeglasscott / Leave a comment

In search of his third RBC Canadian Open title, Rory McIlroy leads the field of 156 players to a brand-new venue in the historic rotation, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

RBC Canadian Open

TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley

North Course

Caledon, Ontario

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

Thoughts on Chalk (odds via Bet365.com)

Rory McIlroy (+450): The only choices are to fade or follow. He plays this event annually while skipping others, so it’s an easy choice for me. No doubt, he’s paying attention to the Scheffler Steamroller and would like to regain the most wins on TOUR entering the U.S. Open next week.

Ludvig Aberg (+1200): Bombs away! Just like McIlroy, his strength is off the tee. The Swede will also enjoy the larger greens this week. Internationals have won eight of the last 10 RBC Canadian Opens.

Corey Conners (+2000): One of many bearing the maple leaf this week, he’s cashed T6-T20-T6 in his last three at his national open. There’s no longer the pressure of being the first Canadian to win since 1954. Eight of his last nine on TOUR are T24 or better.

Shane Lowry (+2000): The last time the TOUR went to a new venue, he finished T2 at the Wissahickon Course at the Philadelphia Cricket Club the week before the PGA Championship. He makes cuts for fun up here.

Taylor Pendrith (+2200): The only tariffs investors are paying this week are for Canadian stars! The Richmond Hill native won 13 months ago for the first and only time on TOUR and is playing great. He led the field last week in SG: Approach and finished T12 after T5 at the PGA Championship. HE WILL MELT THE ICE ON THE RINK HOLE.

Sam Burns (+2200): The Louisiana man is still waiting for NAPPY FACTOR to kick in! His record in Canada, T10 and T4 over the last three years, suggests this could be the week.

Robert MacIntyre (+2500): When form meets course history, good things usually happen. This week, it is EVENT history instead. Defending for the first time and reliving the moments of his father caddying for him can be an inspiration or distraction in preparation. It is his first of two title defenses in the next seven weeks.

Sungjae Im (+3000): I can’t wait for him to win again, so I can hear “I told you so” from the Internet Illuminati. His last win was in October 2021. Just bet him to hit the Top 20 and Top 10, and enjoy your winnings.

Nick Taylor (+4000): The Canadian with the most pedigree in the field only has one top 10 in 13 previous tries, his victory in 2023. Surely his solo fourth last week is a sign! Better stick a tenner on him for a top 10, just in case!

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 (Rickie Fowler was in here last week!)

Ryan Fox (+5000) and Cameron Young (+5000) will enjoy the expanse of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. … Matt Wallace and Erik van Rooyen (+6000 each) need sprinkling. … Doug Ghim (+9000) is a terrible number for a win, but I’d back him for Top 40 and Top 20 action. … Antoine Rozner is a cut-making machine. … Let’s see if Hayden Springer, one of the last players into the field, takes his chance. … Steven Fisk’s SG: Tee to Green numbers were surprising. Bet.

NOW PLAYING:

Host CourseTPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course)
Yards (per official scorecard):7,389 yards.
Par:70 (35-35).
Greens:Bent/Poa mix; 6,500 square feet.
Stimpmeter:11.5 feet.
Rough:Kentucky Bluegrass at 3.75 inches.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-Play48/3/3.
Architect(s):Doug Carrick (2001); Ian Andrew (2023).
Defending Champion (event):Robert MacIntyre (first TOUR win).
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:Rory McIlroy (2022, 2019).
Course Record (latest):65; Brendon Doyle (2024 Fortinet Cup, Go Hoosiers!).
72 Hole Tournament Record:275; Will Chapman (2024 Fortinet Cup).
Fact of the Week:First time for TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) used for the RBC Canadian Open.

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 (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)
107th PGA ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
CS ChallengeBen Griffin (2)
Memorial TournamentScottie Scheffler (3)

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

LAST WEEK – 50th Memorial Tournament

The seventh of eight Signature Events and the final Invitational, which means there is a cut!

With a purse bigger than the PGA Championship, and a field without Rory McIlroy, yeah, I’d fire Scheffler, but I don’t have to worry about that anymore! Scheffler did play well at Oakmont, albeit as an amateur in 2016, but winning back-to-back majors ain’t easy.

THE CHOICE: Hideki Matsuyama – 38th

Here we go! I gotta make sure I have a back-up selection ready to go, too!

Nothing inside the top 10 since his victory to open the year at Kapalua, the Japanese star ran T8 here last year and T16 in 2023 on a very demanding design. The 2014 winner makes his 12th start and should be comfortable in central Ohio.

Didn’t break 74 in the first three rounds, so there wasn’t any drama on the weekend.

Another wasted pick in a field, I was well off-base.

Others to consider: Patrick Cantlay (T12), Corey Conners (T25), Ludvig Aberg (T16), Denny McCarthy (55th)

THIS Week – RBC Canadian Open

THE CHOICE: Taylor Pendrith

As per usual at this event, I only select Canadian players in their national open.

You do you.

Others to consider: Corey Conners, Nick Taylor, Mackenzie Hughes, Ben Silverman, Wayne Gretzky, Mike Meyers, Dudley DooRight

107th PGA Championship

/ mikeglasscott / Leave a comment

For the second time, the PGA Championship heads to the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

107th PGA Championship

Quail Hollow Club     

Charlotte, North Carolina

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

Thoughts on Chalk (odds via Bet365.com)

Scottie Scheffler (+400): It’s time to split hairs! A fantastic week on an easy track should fill, checks notes, No. 1 player in the world full of confidence. Ha. If he finished second two weeks ago in Texas, would you feel any different entering this week? He’s never played Quail Hollow on his own ball, besides singles in an 0-3-1 2022 Presidents Cup, which feels like ages ago. Learning a new course while others have prior knowledge is a strike against. He will continue his top-10 proficiency but I don’t think he’s worth the gamble at this number.

Rory McIlroy (+450): He is. Four times a winner in Charlotte, twice a winner of the event, and the only man with a chance to win the Grand Slam this season, nobody has more than his three wins on TOUR in 2025.

Bryson DeChambeau (+700): This week and Oakmont he needs to be in every lineup and sprinkled in every betting window. Already a winner in North Carolina last summer at Pinehurst No. 2, his power is the clear separator.

Jon Rahm (+1800): Lightly raced here, he’s not my flavour this week, regardless of his prodigious talent.

Xander Schauffele (+2000): He’s cashed second twice the last two times Quail Hollow has hosted an event. He’s also the event defending champion. I think his game is a better fit for Oakmont, but I’m not dismissing him this week. At all.

Justin Thomas (+2000): Hotter than Las Vegas in August, the winner at the RBC Heritage and runner-up last week at the Philadelphia Cricket Club has been beaten by only Sepp Straka in his last two events. Oh, and he won his first major here in 2017.

Collin Morikawa (+2200): With two solo second place finishes, he was not satisfied. With a new caddie on the bag, let’s see if the 2020 champion from TPC Harding Park regains top gear. Too much golf course for my liking.

Ludvig Aberg (+2200): If Quail Hollow compares to Augusta National, and it does, I can’t ignore him, not with his power and fearlessness off the tee. Yep, it’s only his sixth major championship appearance.

Joaquin Niemann (+3300): A special exemption into the Masters didn’t cause him to fire. His record in golf’s biggest events is frankly shocking. And bad.

Tommy Fleetwood (+3300): The conditions suggest a slog and not many low scores. Perfect.

Hideki Matsuyama (+3500): He’s made the cut in 43 of 48 career majors, including 12 out of 12 at the PGA Championship. Bump up your investment and cash that top-40 ticket in your sleep.

Brooks Koepka (+4000): I’ll live in the now, man. What have you done for golf lately? Yeah, I know he’s won three of these!

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:

I can’t leave out Shane Lowry or Sepp Straka after last week. … I don’t think Jordan Spieth will win, but something is brewing there. … Sungjae is a course horse here and so is Denny McCarthy. … Max Homa is worth a punt at that number. … Seamus Power has posted solid results here in the past. … Victor Perez, the last man into the field has been quietly posting results in 2025.

NOW PLAYING:

Host CourseQuail Hollow Club
Yards (per official scorecard):7,626 yards.
Par:71 (36-35).
Greens:Poa Trivialis overseed; 6,578 square feet.
Stimpmeter:13 feet and up.
Rough:Ryegrass at 3 inches and growing
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-Play61/4/7
Architect(s):George Cobb (1961); Tom Fazio (multiple, including before 2017 PGA Championship)
Defending Champion (event):Xander Schauffele
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:Brooks Koepka (3), Justin Thomas (2), Phil Mickelson (2), Rory McIlroy (2).
Course Record (latest):61; Rory McIlroy (2015).
72 Hole Tournament Record:Wyndham Clark 265 (-19, 2023).
Fact of the Week:Quail Hollow Club hosted the 2017 PGA Championship and the 2022 Presidents Cup.

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 (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)

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)

The 107th PGA Championship Tournament Notables

  • The field of 156 includes 99 of the top 100 from the Official World Golf Rankings. Billy Horschel (hip surgery) is the only player missing.
  • The field is the only major championship that does not feature amateur players. 20 PGA of America Club Professionals are entered.
  • At age 50 in 2021, Phil Mickelson won his second PGA Championship and became the oldest major champion ever.
  • The youngest champion was Gene Sarazen (20 years old) in 1922.
  • This century, three players have won on debut. Shaun Micheel (2003, Oak Hill), Keegan Bradley (2011, Atlanta Athletic Club), and Collin Morikawa (2020 TPC Harding Park). Micheel is the only player in recent memory to earn his first PGA TOUR victory at this event.
  • There are 13 former champions in the field this week. The number was 14 before Vijay Singh withdrew on Monday.
  • In 2012, Rory McIlroy won by eight, the largest margin of victory in stroke play.
  • McIlroy is the last player to win the week before the PGA Championship (2014 FedEx St. Jude Classic (WGC-BI)).
  • In 2019, Koepka became the first wire-to-wire winner since 1983.
  • Jason Day, the 2015 champion, is the last international winner.
  • There have been five playoffs this century. Thomas won the last one in 2022.
  • After two rounds, the field will be cut to the top SEVENTY, plus any ties
  • The winner this week will take home 750 FedExCup points.
  • The total purse and winner’s share will be announced later this week.

One and Done – Spotter’s Game

1 player per event (plus a backup pick if your guy get 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

LAST WEEK – Truist Championship

Big field, big event, big problems on a brand-new (to these guys) course!

The cream continually rises to the top at these events, and I’ve burned quite a few of them already.

The no-cut feature will help. Or it will hurt watching four rounds of shitty play.

Justin Thomas is the defending event champion at the Quail Hollow Club for next week’s PGA Championship. Rory McIlroy is the landlord, owning four titles on the property. Scottie Scheffler is BACK. Xander Schauffele has been second twice in the last two events there.

I’m saving Schauffele for Oakmont.

Big fairways and a big putter? Ok, Tommy lad. Show me!

THE CHOICE: Tommy Fleetwood – T4

I had JT remorse on the weekend, but I reminded myself I just might need somebody inside the top 20 for the two events of the FedExCup Playoffs.

And then I cried myself to sleep after losing out on $2.1 million for the week.

And then I saw I had Shane Lowry listed as my next choice.

I’m really bad at this, sorry.

Others to consider: Shane Lowry T2, Patrick Cantlay T4, Russell Henley, Keegan Bradley

THIS Week – 107TH PGA Championship

If you saved Rory McIlroy for his “home” event in the States, bravo, and good luck!

If you believe that Xander Schauffele will win back-to-back Wanamaker trophies, I won’t stop you.

Justin Thomas arrives after winning and finishing T2 in his last two Signature Events.

Oh, and Scottie Scheffler is playing this week.

So are 99 of the top 100.

THE CHOICE: Bryson DeChambeau

Winning back-to-back U.S. Opens does not happen very often. I will ride my luck on his power and manic iron play to punish the field. The greens at Oakmont make this an easy choice.

I won’t even consider him at Royal Portrush.

I feel dirty, but I had Koepka in this spot two years ago at Oak Hill.

Others to consider: Outside of the guys listed above, Ludvig Aberg, Jason Day, and red-hot Mackenzie Hughes

Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches

/ mikeglasscott / Leave a comment

Spring Break begins with four consecutive weeks in The Sunshine State. Formerly The Honda Classic, the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches takes up the reins for this week and after.

Read more: Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches

Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches

PGA National Resort

Champion Course

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

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Odds Outlook – DFS Report – Horses for Courses/Stats Suggest – Expert Picks

Bet365: Top of the Board  

Sitting at the top of the board for his North American home game is Rory McIlroy (8/1). Fresh off his win at Captial One’s The Match on Monday, he returns to the Champion Course for the first time since T59 in 2018. The 2012 winner was eliminated in a four-man-playoff in 2014, his last top 10 at the event. I’m not into favorites outside of Signature Events and major championships, so I’ll patiently wait until next week.

Cameron Young (22/1) will note that three of the last five winners have won for the first time on TOUR. Playing in his 57th TOUR start, the big-hitting youngster will look to continue his solid form from the West Coast. Cashing T8 at TPC Scottsdale and T16 at Riviera suggests he’s ready for another demanding course.

I’m starting my card with Russell Henley (25/1) on top. Bermuda and ball-striking is a fantastic combination this week. The Georgia native cashed T3 and T8 in his previous two visits to add to his 2014 victory. He was the first of four Georgia Bulldogs to win in the last 10 events. I’m leaning on him to keep the tradition alive.

Floridian Eric Cole (25/1) would also like to add his name to the list of first-time victors. Setting the tournament scoring record with Chris Kirk (40/1) last year on 14-under, the 2023 rookie finished second on debut after falling in a playoff. In seven events this season, he’s hit the top 14 in four of them, including two on Bermuda in Hawaii. Load it up.

Winning for the first time won’t be on the agenda for 21-year-old Tom Kim (28/1). Making his tournament debut, he will look to join his countryman and 2020 winner Sungjae Im as the youngest winner. A winner three times on TOUR, the Korean will need a better debut than his T45 at The Sentry to open 2024.

Matt Fitzpatrick (28/1) won on Champion Bermuda/TifEagle Bermuda last season at Harbour Town for his second victory on TOUR. One to keep an eye on next week at Bay Hill, the Englishman makes his first appearance since 2017 (T68). Grinding doesn’t bother him; neither will a challenge off the tee or on/around the greens.

Byeong Hun An (28/1) paved his return to the PGA TOUR via his win at the LECOM Classic on the KFT in 2022. Winning on Bermuda on the West Coast of Florida, the Orlando native has enjoyed his previous visits to PGA National. Making the cut in four of his five starts, the Korean has hit the top five twice, including T4 in 2020, his best of the lot.

Joining Tom Kim as a former winner at the Wyndham Championship, North Carolina native J.T. Poston (33/1) enjoys a challenge on Bermuda. Cashing T5 at The Sentry followed by a solo sixth at Sony, both on Bermuda, I have no problem overlooking his lack of success at PGA National. His full bag suggests fitting him in if the choices above do not move the meter.

Players to consider for Top 10, Top 20, or Top 40 action:

Stephan Jaeger (35/1): I left him alone LAST week because I thought this difficult test would fit his eye even better.

Daniel Berger (35/1): A home game for the life-long resident should evoke fantastic memories of three top-four paydays, including his last two visits.

Denny McCarthy (55/1): When presented with the choice of region vs form, I’m going to rely on Bermuda fans from youth. It’s not an absolute science, but more of a tiebreaker.

Doug Ghim (66/1): Back for more! I’m riding the heat of T8-T12-T13 from his last three on TOUR.

Akshat Bhatia (80/1): If it’s time to put the ball in play off the tee and into the greens, I’m leaning on the noted wind player. I’ll take my chances with the long putter on the perfect greens.

Gary Woodland (125/1): Never missing the cut in nine starts, I’m latching on.

Greyson Sigg (150/1): Another Georgia Bulldog with a top finish? This dawg only made five bogeys last week.

Sam Ryder (200/1): OK, I’ll bite. Opening with 69-63 in 2021, he claimed T8. In the 2022 edition, his third consecutive cut made at the event, he pocketed another top-10 finish with T9. Florida natives will be the long shots of choice this week and the next three.

Matt NeSmith (250/1): Making his fourth visit, he’s cashed T38 or better in his first three. Giddy up.

Bud Cauley (350/1): Stretching a bit, but if you can find him for Top 40, I’d take a shot. Gambling, right?

NOW PLAYING:

Host CoursePGA National Resort – Champion Course
Yards (per official scorecard):7,147
Par:71 (35-36).
Greens:TifEagle Bermuda; 7,000 square feet.
Stimpmeter:12 feet.
Rough:Celebration Bermuda at 2.25 inches.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-Play65/15/15
Architect(s):Tom and George Fazio (1980); Jack Nicklaus (2000 and beyond).
Defending Champion (event):Chris Kirk (-14).
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:No multiple winners from the 17 previous events.
Course Record:61; Matt Jones (not entered) last to do it, 2021.
72 Hole Tournament Record266; Chris Kirk and Eric Cole, 2023.
Fact of the Week:First of four weeks of The Florida Swing.
Fact of the Week II:First of four weeks on TifEagle Bermuda Greens and Celebration Bermuda.

Returning to the USA, the Florida Swing begins at Jack Nicklaus’ PGA National Champion Course.

Formerly known as The Honda Open, the Champion Course remains the host for the 18th consecutive season. After playing Par-70 to 7,125 for the last six years, the new sponsorship will play Par-71 (35-36) over 7,147 yards. 

Previously playing 505 yards and playing to a Par-4, Hole No. 10 has added 25 yards, shifted left eight yards, and will now play as a Par-5. Players will no longer have to wait 14 holes until No. 18 to get another Par-5 opportunity.

Don’t let the word “resort” fool you. For the last 10 years, the track has ranked in the top seven most difficult seven times, including five of the previous six seasons.

The coastal breezes, bunkers, and water being in play on 15 of the 18 holes provide a physical and mental challenge. Rating annually as a top-five three-hole-stretch on TOUR, the holes Nos 15 through 17, known as “The Bear Trap”, will give the professionals plenty of food for thought coming home. In better news, the cut of the rough this season will barely exceed two inches, and the fairways have expanded by an acre.

The return to Bermudagrass will be a welcome sight for those who grew up and live in this part of the world. Celebration Bermuda is on the menu until 7,000 square feet (on average) of TifEagle Bermuda welcomes the players on the putting surfaces. Running at a manageable 12 feet on the Stimpmeter, the greens will not be cut as short as last year due to poor winter conditions.

Ranking in the top five on TOUR in balls in the water since 2003, I’ll remind you PGA National did not host its first TOUR event until 2007.

Cognizant Classic at the Palm Beaches (Event)

The ninth event of the PGA TOUR season returns to a familiar part of Florida. Hosting a TOUR event since 1972, the Palm Beaches have only missed one event (1976) in 43 years.

Ranking in the top five for balls in the water on TOUR since 2003, PGA National did not start hosting the event until 2007.

No player has won at the Champion Course more than once.

No winner has lifted the trophy in consecutive seasons.

Winning the 2020 edition, Sungjae Im became the youngest champion at 21.

Padraig Harrington, also in the field this week, has won the event twice. The PGA TOUR Champions star won the 2005 event at Mirasol and the 2015 event, becoming the oldest winner at 43, in a playoff over Daniel Berger.

2013 champion Michael Thompson (not entered) is the only winner who does not have multiple TOUR victories.

The last five winners have produced three first-time champions.

None of the 17 past champions won on debut.

There have been zero wire-to-wire winners at PGA National.

Defending champion Chris Kirk ousted first-timer Eric Cole in a playoff last year. Both players set the tournament scoring record on 14-under par. The course record, 61, was last accomplished in the 2021 edition by Matt Jones.

The field of 144, including 19 of the Official World Golf Ranking Top 50, will have chances to gain eligibility into the Arnold Palmer Invitational. After the 72 holes at PGA National, the Aon Next 10 and the Aon Swing 5 will determine who advances to Bay Hill.

On the line is a purse of $9 million, with the winner taking home $1.62 million plus 500 FedExCup points.

Season Winners

2023 Season Winners

EventWinner
Sentry Tournament of ChampionsJon Rahm
Sony Open in HawaiiSi Woo Kim
The AMERICAN EXPRESSJon Rahm (2)
Farmers Insurance OpenMax Homa (2)
AT&T Pebble BeachJustin Rose
WM Phoenix OpenScottie Scheffler
The Genesis InvitationalJon Rahm (3)
The Honda ClassicChris Kirk
Arnold Palmer InvitationalKurt Kitayama (first TOUR win)
THE PLAYERS ChampionshipScottie Scheffler (2)
Valspar ChampionshipTaylor Moore (first TOUR win)
Corales PuntacanaMatt Wallace (first TOUR win)
WGC – Dell Technologies MPSam Burns
Valero Texas OpenCorey Conners
MastersJon Rahm (4)
RBC HeritageMatt Fitzpatrick
Zurich Classic of New OrleansDavis Riley & Nick Hardy (first TOUR win for each)
Mexico Open at VidantaTony Finau (2)
Wells Fargo ChampionshipWyndham Clark (first TOUR win)
AT&T Byron NelsonJason Day
PGA ChampionshipBrooks Koepka
Charles Schwab ChallengeEmiliano Grillo
MemorialViktor Hovland
RBC Canadian OpenNick Taylor
U.S. OpenWyndham Clark (2)
Travelers ChampionshipKeegan Bradley (2)
Rocket Mortgage ClassicRickie Fowler
John Deere ClassicSepp Straka
Genesis Scottish OpenRory McIlroy (2)
The Open ChampionshipBrian Harman
3M OpenLee Hodges (first TOUR win)
Wyndham ChampionshipLucas Glover
FedEx St. Jude ChampionshipLucas Glover (2)
BMW ChampionshipViktor Hovland (2)
TOUR ChampionshipViktor Hovland (3)
Fortinet ChampionshipSahith Theegala
Sanderson Farms ChampionshipLuke List
Shriners Children’s OpenTom Kim
ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIPCollin Morikawa
World Wide TechnologyErik van Rooyen
Butterfield BermudaCamilo Villegas
The RSM ClassicLudvig Aberg

2024 Season Winners

EventWinner
The SentryChris Kirk
Sony Open in HawaiiGrayson Murray
The American ExpressNick Dunlap (a)
Farmers Insurance OpenMatthieu Pavon (rookie)
AT&T Pebble BeachWyndham Clark (54 holes – weather)
WM Phoenix OpenNick Taylor
The Genesis InvitationalHideki Matsuyama
Mexico Open at VidantaJake Knapp (rookie)

Recent Winners – Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches

Italics – not entered this week.

YearWinnerNotes
2023Chris Kirik (-14)*Defeated rookie Eric Cole in a playoff. Both set the tournament scoring record on 14-under. Played his college golf at Georgia.
2022Sepp Straka (-10)Won for the first time on TOUR. Played his college golf at Georgia.
2021Matt Jones (-12)Won by five in tough conditions.
2020Sungjae Im (-6)Won for the first time on TOUR; Youngest event winner at 21.
2019Keith Mitchell (-9)Won for the first time on TOUR holding off Rickie Fowler and Brooks Koepka. Played his college golf at Georgia.
2018Jusitn Thomas (-8)Knocked out Luke List in a playoff.
2017Rickie Fowler (-12)Cruised to a four-shot win over Gary Woodland.
2016Adam Scott (-9)Won despite a TRIPLE in the final round.
2015Padraig Harrington  (-6)Taught young Daniel Berger a lesson in a playoff to become the oldest winner.
2014Russell Henley (-8)Started the Georgia run winning a four-man playoff.

Angles

The eighth event of the 2024 PGA TOUR season will be the first of two in Mexico this year. El Cardonal in Los Cabos will return in the fall to host for the second time.

The combination of a Greg Norman track and Mexico was in play at Mayakoba on the Yucatan Peninsula from 2007 through 2022.

Paspalum is a common playing surface in the resorts of the Caribbean and Mexico. PGA TOUR events played recently on Paspalum include El Cardonal, Puerto Rico Open, Corales Punta Cana, and Mayakoba. Korn Ferry Tour players have experienced this surface in two events in the Bahamas.

A field of 132, down from previous years due to the early season start and reduced February daylight, will be cut to the top 65 and ties after two rounds.

Defending champion Tony Finau highlights a field of just four players in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking. At No. 24, he is the highest-ranked player teeing it up this week.

Set during his victory last year, Tony Finau owns the course record on 24-under. The course record of 61, set by Jon Rahm (not entered), was posted in Round 3 of 2023. The cut in the first two editions was 2-under par.

One and Done

I’ll be joining Spotter’s game again this season. Now, where did I put my checkbook…

35 events.

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.

Add up the total money and Spotter is yer uncle!

EventSelectionEarnings
The SentryCollin Morikawa690,500
Sony Open in HawaiiCorey Conners18,592
The American ExpressAdam Hadwin310,800
Farmers Insurance OpenJason Day0
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-AmJordan Spieth70,125
WM Phoenix OpenMatt Fitzpatrick156,200
The Genesis InvitationalMax Homa329,000
Mexico Open at VidantaTony Finau145,125
   
Total Winnings: 1,720,342

His game has more fun stuff to it so reach out @A340Spotter on Twitter or A340Spotter@frontier.com for more details and to join.

Recapping Last Week – Mexico Open at Vidanta

Favorites need not apply. Jake Knapp at 40/1 becomes the shortest winner of the season and that includes Hideki Matsuyama.

MY CHOICE: Tony Finau – T13

Defending titles isn’t as easy as Scottie Scheffler made it look last year. Finau didn’t play poorly, and to be fair, he had the best finish from the favorites outside Stephan Jaeger (T3). Only HFC Patrick Rodgers (T6) made any other sense.

Other to Consider:

Thorbjorn Olesen: Won in the Middle East in his last outing. Former Ryder Cupper plays all four corners of the world, and his game follows. T46 after 71-71 on the weekend.

Cameron Champ: Yep, that’s where we’re at this week. Hitting the top 10 twice in the first two years matches nicely. T24 after not being able to put consecutive rounds under par together.

Emiliano Grillo: Broke his drought at Colonial last spring. Safest pick on the board. Heading into Sunday on 10-under, posting 73 didn’t help anyone.

Thomas Detry: Too many top 25 paydays in thin fields and on Paspalum to ignore. MC. I’m not really sure what happened on Thursday (78), but he returned Friday with 69, nice.

Longshots

Brandon Wu: Testing the limits of Horses for Courses! T13, not bad!

Patrick Rodgers: Same! T6, even better!

Mackenzie Hughes: Flashed for two rounds last week before fading on the weekend. MC as the momentum he had at Riviera didn’t make it through customs.

Charley Hoffman: Previous winner at Mayakoba, should feel right at home. MC.

This Week – Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches

A better field this week, but a reminder that NEXT WEEK is the big bucks at Bay Hill.

Captain Kirk slowed the streak of first-time winners last year, barely.

With too many moving parts, I’m going to rely on an old favorite.

MY CHOICE: Russell Henley

The only reason he didn’t play the last two seasons was fixture congestion.

Had to be.

He was T3 and T8 in his previous two visits and won in 2014.

Streaking with four straight T24 or better, it’s an easy choice for me on Bermuda this week.

Other to Consider:

Stephan Jaeger: Knock. Knock. Knock. T14 here last year.

Eric Cole: Sure, he plays just about every week, but he didn’t last week! The Florida native can’t be outside the top three choices.

Shane Lowry: Never missed in six tries. T5-2nd last two years.

Sepp Straka: Streak is four straight. T5-WIN last two years.

Keith Mitchell: If you don’t catch him this week, don’t worry, his big, bad driver might work even better at the big, bad Bay Hill layout.

Rory McIlroy: You gotta do you. The angle this year is to play more to ramp it up and peak at the Masters. The Ulsterman gets many chances to get it right. We get ONE.

Longshots

Daniel Berger: Making just his third start from injury the local will have plenty of folks in his corner again if he’s in the mix on Sunday.

Byeong Hun An: Not sure he’s “graduated” to OAD level, but this field makes more sense than others.

Sam Ryder: Native with two top-10 paydays in his last two visits here. Not for the timid, or those in the lead!

Luke List: JT got him in a playoff back in 2018 but he’s found his way since.