The Masters

RBC Canadian Open

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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

Truist Championship

/ mikeglasscott / Leave a comment

Yep, new sponsor.

Yep, they are NOT playing Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte!

This is the Wissahickon Course at the Philadelphia Cricket Club

Truist Championship

Philadelphia Cricket Club 

Wissahickon Course

Flourtown, PA

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

Thoughts on Chalk (odds via Bet365.com)

Rory McIlroy (+450): Riding the best, in-form ball-striker against an elite Signature Event field on an unfamiliar course sans Scottie Scheffler (not entered) isn’t the dumbest plan I’ve seen. He has demonstrated the ability to turn on the heat and go before. Remember, he’s won this EVENT four times at the Quail Hollow Club, not the Philadelphia Cricket Club. It might not matter.

Collin Morikawa (+1400): Week No. 1 with a new caddy on a brand-new course? That would be a story. I’m going to let them get four rounds under their belts.

Justin Thomas (+1600): Smoke or satisfaction? Matt Minister returns to his bag this week as Joe Greiner heads to Morikawa’s stable. The return to normalcy should pay dividends.

Xander Schauffele (+1600): He will let his full bag loose this week. Not many are better on unfamiliar, classic courses. Check his U.S. Open record in this part of the world.

Ludvig Aberg (+1600): I won’t talk you out of him, but his profile suggests next week on 7,626 yards.

Patrick Cantlay (+1800): Another who has flourished in the East Coast/Mid-Atlantic region in the last eight years. His last victory on TOUR was the 2022 BMW Championship on a first-time course at the Wilmington Country Club.

Tommy Fleetwood (+2500): Just sign for a top 10 and take your money.

Russell Henley (+2500): Probably not his favorite grass, but he can get it around.

Jordan Spieth (+2500): See Fleetwood, Tommy. 62 last week, and he’s hitting it great.

Shane Lowry (+3300): He would join Schauffele as my second win ticket. Too good tee to green, and his form has been on point. The 118 bunkers will be decorations for him.

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:

Boring, boring, Sungjae Im (+4500) needs to be on the card beside Keegan Bradley (+5000). A patient plodder, Justin Rose (+6000), loves this part of the world. Keith Mitchell (+7500) took last week off, knowing he had a spot in this week’s event. Lucas Glover (+11000) is a proven commodity on Tillinghast tracks. Eric Cole (+10000) is free money.

NOW PLAYING:

Host CourseWissahickon Course
Yards (per official scorecard):7,119 yards.
Par:70 (35-35).
Greens:A1/A4 Bentgrass; 5,779 square feet.
Stimpmeter:13 feet.
Rough:Tall Fescue at 3 inches.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-Play118/1/6
Architect(s):A.W. Tillinghast (1922); Keith Foster (2013).
Defending Champion (event):Rory McIlroy
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:Rory McIlroy (4)
Course Record (latest):61; Set in the 2024 US Fourball.
72 Hole Tournament Record (Spring):First event at this course.
Fact of the Week:Any history from Quail Hollow Club will be useful NEXT WEEK for the 107th PGA Championship.

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

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)

Notables

  • The field of 72 includes 44 players from the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings, including nine of the top 10. Only Scheffler is absent.
  • This is the first PGA TOUR event on this course. Bernhard Langer (+1) won the 2016 Kaulig Companies Championship (Senior PLAYERS) here.
  • Playing 7,119 yards, only Pebble Beach and Waialae CC are shorter.
  • This is the second consecutive week on Bentgrass greens and the third to date.
  • The field will not be cut after 36 holes.

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

LAST WEEK – THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson

With only seven of the top players in the OWGR Top 50 entering, it’s time to have some fun. And by fun, I mean I have no idea who is going to win. I’m going to trust a hot Dallas resident who is coming off his best finish, on his own ball, two weeks ago at RBC Heritage. The 54-hole leader faded on Sunday to T8, but he will not have as deep of field to hold off this time around. He shared second two years ago and was T13 last year, so it’s clear he’s comfortable in the home game.

THE CHOICE: Si Woo Kim – T15

Others to consider: Sungjae Im, Ben An, Eric Cole, Ryan Gerard, Alejandro Tosti

Wrong Dallas resident. Wrong Dallas resident with a top 10 at RBC Heritage.

I was one week too early on Scheffler.

BECAUSE I SUCK.

THIS 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

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

RBC Heritage

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via RBC Heritage on X

57th RBC Heritage

Harbour Town Golf Links

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Head to Golfbet for all our content each week.

Thoughts on Chalk (odds via Bet365.com)

Scottie Scheffler: The reigning champion already had wins at API, THE PLAYERS, and Masters in 2024. He will be pissed off enough after solo fourth last week and not show any mercy tee to green against another elite field. The greens at Harbour Town do not come with the penalty of Augusta National. His ball-striking (T31 Fairways, T31 GIR) last week will not return to those levels.

If Scheffler’s ball-striking is stuck in neutral, Collin Morikawa should be hot on his heels. Already a runner-up twice this season, navigating the smallest greens on TOUR outside of Pebble Beach will favor the man leading the field in SG: Approach.

Ludvig Aberg threw away over $500k with his bogey-triple finish last week and probably could not care less. The Swedish metronome sat 13-under and four back after 54 holes here last year before fading with 72. Save him for Philadelphia.

Xander Schauffele is on a run of T8 and T12 in his last two. The next step is popping onto the podium. Sign me up.

Patrick Cantlay would be the favorite here if he could have converted one or two of his FIVE podium finishes into tartan jackets. He’s never cashed worse than T7 in six weekends. Auto-play regardless of format.

Justin Thomas hit it all over the shop last week at ANGC to finish T36. I’ll point out he played his final nine in 33 and bogey-free.

Russell Henley had the weekend off in the first major of the season. I’d expect a retort in his part of the world.

Corey Conners has the most top-10 paydays on TOUR this season and played in the penultimate group on Sunday at the Masters (T8). Is he out of gas?

Shane Lowry must be fueled by the performance of his compatriot and partner next week at the Zurich Classic. In fact, that’s the next time I will be looking at him. The party from Sunday night probably isn’t over yet!

Viktor Hovland followed up his win in Tampa with T21 at the Masters. Too many wild swings to endorse at this price.

Tommy Fleetwood rarely threatens, and his best payday here is T10. Save him for Philadelphia and Oakmont, but he’s a safe roster play in other formats.

Daniel Berger cashed T30 or better in all eight events where he’s played the weekend in 2025. The super iron player earned his way into the Signature Event. We call that a clue.

Others for Top 10, Top 20 action

Jordan Spieth is not my favorite when water lurks on every hole on the property, but I will look at Sepp Straka and his T3-MC-T5 run here. Sungjae Im is in my lineup this week after becoming just one of two to post all four rounds in red figures at the Masters. Let’s eat! Denny McCarthy jumps off the board and should be contending. Who is hotter than Bud Cauley, minus a win? Tom Hoge? I wouldn’t talk you out of either one. JT Poston has four top-10 results from six tries. Sahith Theegala could use a break, and this layout (2nd-T5) and 30-under the last two years might provide the tonic. Max Homa! Fade or follow T12 from last week? At 90-1, I’d nibble, you know, just in case! Cameron Davis owns two top-10 results in the last three years.

NOW PLAYING:

Host CourseHarbour Town Golf Links
Yards (per official scorecard):7,213 (third consecutive year).
Par:71 (36-35).
Greens:Poa Trivialis overseed; 3,700 square feet.
Stimpmeter:11.5 feet.
Second Cut:Ryegrass Overseed at 1.5 inches.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-Play51/18/18
Architect(s):Pete Dye (1969)
Defending Champion (event):Scottie Scheffler (-19)
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:None.
Course Record (latest):61; Troy Merritt (not entered) 2015.
72 Hole Tournament Record (Spring):264 (-20); Brian Gay, 2009.
Fact of the Week:The last five winners are all major champions.

Harbour Town

Pete Dye is back! He’s on the ticket next week in New Orleans as well!

Small greens, big penalties, and plenty of distractions tee to green!

The more aggressive the line off the tees and into the greens provides the better scoring chances. If not executed, welcome to the land of bogeys and worse!

The keys are iron play, patience, and keeping big numbers off the card.

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)

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)

Notables

  • The field of 72 players includes 43 of the top 50 from the Official World Golf Rankings.
  • Seven of the last eight winners in April were 27 or 28 years old.
  • The winners from 2024 and 2023 both posted 63 in Round 3.
  • The Par-71 will play 7,213 yards for the third straight season.
  • The previous five winners are major champions.
  • In 2024, Scottie Scheffler joined Bernhard Langer as the only two players to win this event after donning the green jacket the week prior.
  • Boo Weekley (2007-2008) was the last player to win back-to-back events.
  • Wesley Bryan (2017) is the only native South Carolinian to win the event.
  • None of the last four champions ranked inside the top 20 in SG: Putting.
  • The scoring average of 69.351 in 2024 is the lowest April number since replacing the putting surfaces in 2016.
  • Two of the last three winners required a playoff.
  • The tournament scoring record is 20-under-par 267 set by Brian Gay (not entered) in 2009.
  • The course record, 61, was last accomplished by Troy Merritt (not entered) in 2015.
  • There is not a 36-hole cut this week.

Recent Winners – RBC Heritage

Italics – not entered this week.

YearWinnerNotes
2024Scottie Scheffler (-19)Shot 63 in Round 3 to lead after 54 holes by one. Won by three.
2023Matt Fitzpatrick (-17)Shot 63 in Round 3 to lead after 54 holes by one. Defeated Jordan Spieth in a playoff.
2022Jordan Spieth (-13)The last winner to not lead after 54 holes, he rallied from three shots back to force and win a playoff over Patrick Cantlay.
2021Stewart Cink (-19)The veteran smoked the field by four shots to win for the third time at Sea Pines.
2020Webb Simpson (-22)The return to golf in the pandemic saw the former U.S.  Open champion win the only June event in recent memory.

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

LAST WEEK – 89th Masters tournament

For the second year in a row, I’m playing Rory McIlroy.

This year, he fits the profile of past champions. He’s playing, winning, and he’s in a great spot off the course. It’s time to add another page of history.

See? Easy game. Like McIlroy, I feel I haven’t won an event in this format since 2014.

Never a dull moment throughout the event, the price of the grand slam was well worth the wait. No sports fan will never forget the final nine and the playoff last Sunday.

THE CHOICE: Rory McIlroy – WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER

Others to consider:

Patrick Reed is an auto-play here and showed why again. Even if he doesn’t hole out on 17, he’s in the top five.

Jon Rahm, Cam Smith, Patrick Reed, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka

THIS Week – RBC Heritage

It’s time to unleash Scheffler.

He didn’t’ look like he was having any fun last Sunday. I’m positive he’s not thrilled with his final five holes or his solo fourth-place result. Saving him for Quail Hollow or Oakmont is a fine strategy. I’ll remind you that Oakmont has the most devious greens on the planet. I’m saving the X-Man for such an occasion. Quail Hollow is McIlroy’s happy hunting ground (4 wins), and I don’t need to tell you about his affinity for Royal Portrush. Too many things can go sideways at The Open to spend Scheffler at that event. I’d take the money and run here or at the Travelers after Oakmont.

HERE. WE. GO.

Those of you in the Cantlay camp, please, go right ahead. His record here is incredible. I’ll sneak him in at Memorial or Caves Valley for the BMW Championship, where he will be the course defending champion.

THE CHOICE: Scottie Scheffler

Others to consider:

Patrick Cantlay, Sepp Straka, Collin Morikawa, Russell Henley, J.T Poston

89th Masters Tournament

/ mikeglasscott / Leave a comment

Hello, friends

via Masters on X

89th Masters Tournament

Augusta National Golf Club

Augusta, Georgia

Head to Golfbet for all our content each week.

Thoughts on Chalk (odds via Bet365.com)

Scottie Scheffler: A win takes him to three in four years. Only Nicklaus has done that. Without a win this season, he faces the top 50 in the OWGR, plus others, in the race for the green jacket.

Rory McIlroy: I’m backing him this year because he looks like Scheffler from last year. No LIV issues, no drama off the course, and the results are flowing. Making his 17th start, there’s nothing he hasn’t seen or experienced.

Jon Rahm: How weird will it be to wear pants and play 72 holes? This isn’t a hit and giggle, but nobody doubts his talent.

Collin Morikawa: Three straight T10 or better paydays and a front-row seat to Scheffler’s victory in 2024 provides the callouses and the hope.

Bryson DeChambeau: There’s plenty to over-think over 7,555 yards and the golf gods remember his “Par-67” comment. The jackhammer must evolve into an artist. T6 last year suggested he’s found something.

Ludvig Aberg: One time, one solo second. Do it again. Enters the week on MC-MC.

Justin Thomas: MC-MC on his last two visits is overruled by his last six months on TOUR. He’s done everything but win. Joe Greiner, Max Homa’s former caddy, is on the bag this week as The Rev is banged up.

Xander Schauffele: The results here speak for themselves. A late start to spring off a rib injury is highlighted by 66 to close at Valspar. 22-1 is solid.

Hideki Matsuyama: The winner at The Sentry, his only top 10 of 2025, is healthy. The winner here in 2021, he’s cashed in 12 straight.

Joaquin Niemann: In 18 rounds he’s broken 70 twice. He must be tearing up LIV…

Shane Lowry: Already a major champion, his penchant for finding fairways never hurts. The putter must cooperate.

Brooks Koepka: Solo second in March in Singapore is the 2025 highlight. Second twice at ANGC, he only shows up for the big-boy events.

Tommy Fleetwood: Wash, rinse, repeat. T3 2024 is his best. Blown away with 81 in the final round of Valero.

Jordan Spieth: The clues are there and this is his canvas. Lovely number at 33-1.

Others for Top 10, Top 20 action

Russell Henley should be included on all cards. Will Zalatoris owns three top 10 paydays from three starts. Cameron Smith and Patrick Reed proved enough to me over the last seven years to be included. Denny McCarthy keeps me daydreaming, while Tom Hoge is smoldering. Phil Mickelson is just silly enough, as he was in 2023, to linger. Jose Luis Ballester is the only amateur I would consider. Angel Cabrera won the PGA TOUR Champions event last week in Boca Raton.

NOW PLAYING:

Host CourseAugusta National Golf Club
Yards (per official scorecard):7,555.
Par:72 (36-36).
Greens:A1-Penn Bentgrass; 6,486 square feet.
Stimpmeter:Tournament Speed – 13 feet and up.
Second Cut:Ryegrass Overseed at 1.375 inches.
Bunkers/Water Hazards/In-Play44/6/5
Architect(s):Dr. Alister Mackenzie & Bobby Jones (1933).
Defending Champion (event):Scottie Scheffler (-11)
Multiple Champion(s) Entered:Scottie Scheffler (2) has won two of the last three tournaments. Phil Mickelson (3) has the most wins in the field.
Course Record (latest):63; Greg Norman (1996); Nick Price (1986). Neither won this event.
72 Hole Tournament Record (Spring):270 (-18); Jordan Spieth (2015) and Tiger Woods (1997).
Fact of the Week:The Par-3 contest winner has never won the 72-hole event.

Augusta National

Familiarity breeds contempt? Not for me.

While I don’t have all the names of the holes memorized, I can tell you how to play each and every one.

Gotta hit it.

Gotta chip it.

Gotta putt it.

The second shot is the most important and sets up scoring chances or bogey avoidance.

Uneven lies, the challenge of reading the greens, judging the wind at No. 12 on Sunday around 4pm, are just some of the challenges.

Add the pressure for those who have never won a major championship, or even an event on TOUR, and it’s the best.

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

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 89th Masters Tournament Notables

  • The field of 95 players includes the top 50 from the Official World Golf Rankings.
  • The average age of winners is around 33 years old. The last four winners were in their 20s.
  • Winning a record sixth green jacket, Jack Nicklaus became the oldest winner in 1986.
  • The youngest champion was Tiger Woods (21 years old) in 1997.
  • The only player (post-1945) to win on debut was Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979.
  • Since 2000, three players have won on their second attempt: Charl Schwartzel (2011), Jordan Spieth (2015), and Danny Willett (2016).
  • The last wire-to-wire was Spieth, becoming just the fifth player in history to lead after all four rounds.
  • Only three players have successfully defended the title. Jack Nicklaus (1965-66), Sir Nick Faldo (1989-1990), and Tiger Woods (2001-2002) are the members of this exclusive club.
  • Only three players ranked No. 1 in the OWGR went on to win: Tiger Woods (2007), Dustin Johnson (2020), and Scottie Scheffler (2022, 2024).
  • Adam Scott is the only Australian winner.
  • Hideki Matsuyama is the only Asian winner.
  • Sergio Garcia was the last winner to need a playoff. Defeating Justin Rose, the Spaniard won his first green jacket in his 19th attempt, the record for a first-time winner.
  • Mark O’Meara, aged 41 in 1998, is the oldest first-time winner.
  • Raymond Floyd, aged 49 in 1992, is the oldest runner-up.
  • The field will be cut to the top 50 and ties after two rounds.
  • The winner this week will take home 750 FedExCup points.
  • The purse and winner’s share will be announced later this week.

Recent Winners – Masters Tournament

Italics – not entered this week.

YearWinnerNotes
2024Scottie Scheffler (-11)Held off Collin Morikawa from the final group and won his second green jacket by four shots.
2023Jon Rahm (-12)Joined Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal, and Sergio Garcia as winners from Spain.
2022Scottie Scheffler (-10)Wins his first major comfortably by three shots over Rory McIlroy.
2021Hideki Matsuyama   (-10)Blew the field away in Round 3 and cruised to his first major title.
2020Dustin Johnson (-20)Set the non-April tournament scoring record on a soft, dormant layout.
2019Tiger Woods (-13)The only player to win from outside of the top 10 after Round 1. He’s done that twice (2005) and won the tournament FIVE times.

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

LAST WEEK – Valero Texas Open

THE CHOICE: Corey Conners – T18

Sat three shots off the lead with two holes to play on Saturday. He ended his round bogey-double, faded to six shots back, and never returned to contend.

Others to consider:

Akshay Bhatia, Sam Stevens, Gary Woodland, Charley Hoffman

Three missed cuts and a T40. What a week!

THIS Week – 89th Masters tournament

For the second year in a row, I’m playing Rory McIlroy.

This year, he fits the profile of past champions. He’s playing, winning, and he’s in a great spot off the course. It’s time to add another page of history.

THE CHOICE: Rory McIlroy

Others to consider:

Jon Rahm, Cam Smith, Patrick Reed, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka