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The 2025 Wyndham Championship, the final event of the FedExCup Regular Season, promises another exciting week of golf at Sedgefield Country Club, but first, let’s recap the highlights and key takeaways from last week’s tournament before we jump into this week’s action.
Kurt Kitayama wins the 3M Open
20 birdies for Kurt Kitayama on the weekend alone!
Kurt Kitayama cashed a 40-1 ticket for us with his win at the 3M Open last week! He lit up the weekend, firing a course-record 60 on Saturday, followed by a 65 on Sunday to win by a shot. Making it even more special, his brother Daniel was on the bag for the victory.
In this preview, I’ll highlight the key storylines, analyze the course, and share my picks to help you gain an edge at this year’s Wyndham Championship. Let’s dive into the main storylines driving the action this week…
Pre-Tournament Storylines:
Aaron Rai Looks to Defend His Title at the Wyndham Championship
Aaron Rai captured his first PGA TOUR victory at the 85th Wyndham Championship, winning a grueling 72-hole event played over three days due to weather delays. Rai closed with a bogey-free 64 on Sunday, capping a 36-hole marathon and securing the win.
He now returns to Sedgefield Country Club looking to become the first player to win back-to-back Wyndham Championships since Sam Snead. Snead, who holds the record for most wins at this event, went back-to-back twice—first in 1949 and 1950, then again in 1955 and 1956. No other golfer has repeated as champion in tournament history.
What’s at Stake This Week at the Wyndham Championship
The Wyndham Championship isn’t just the final stop of the PGA TOUR regular season—it’s one of the most pivotal weeks on the calendar. With careers, playoff hopes, and millions of dollars on the line, this tournament consistently delivers high-stakes drama. Here’s what’s at stake:
The top 70 players in the FedExCup standings after the Wyndham Championship will punch their ticket to the postseason, beginning with the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The Playoffs then progress to the BMW Championship (top 50) and conclude with the TOUR Championship (top 30). Each step comes with increased opportunity—and pressure—as players chase the season-long FedExCup title.
$100 Million FedExCup Bonus Pool
Players advancing through the playoffs will compete for a share of the $100 million FedExCup bonus pool, with the eventual FedExCup Champion earning a staggering $25 million. The TOUR Championship features a staggered start based on FedExCup standings, rewarding season-long consistency and playoff performance.
The $40 Million Comcast Business TOUR Top 10
The Wyndham Championship also finalizes the standings for the Comcast Business TOUR Top 10, a $40 million bonus pool split among the top 10 players in the regular season FedExCup standings. These players are recognized for elite consistency and will earn a significant financial reward before the playoffs even begin.
2026 Signature Event Eligibility
Looking ahead, this week also helps determine who will qualify for the TOUR’s 2026 Signature Events. The top 50 players who advance to the second playoff event (the BMW Championship) are fully exempt into these high-purse, limited-field events—including THE PLAYERS Championship and all eight Signature Events—next season. Players ranked 51–70 also secure full status for the following year, though they will not be guaranteed spots in Signature Events.
From season-saving performances to playoff-shaping drama, the Wyndham Championship remains one of the most important weeks on the PGA TOUR calendar.
The Wyndham Championship is the PGA TOUR’s seventh longest-running event, debuting in 1938 under the name Greater Greensboro Open. Designed to bring elite golf to North Carolina, the tournament quickly became a mainstay on the schedule. Its early years saw play split between Sedgefield Country Club and Starmount Forest Country Club, both in Greensboro. From 1938 through 1942, players contested two rounds at each venue before the event paused during World War II. When it resumed in 1945, the tournament alternated sites annually until 1951, when Starmount hosted the next ten editions exclusively.
A pivotal moment in the tournament’s history came in 1960. After a harsh winter left Starmount in poor shape, Sam Snead—who won that year for a record-setting seventh time—quipped that course owner Edward Benjamin should dig up some of his rumored tomato-can cash and fix the grounds. The remark didn’t sit well with Benjamin, who banned Snead from Starmount for life. Though it sparked controversy, the incident helped usher in a new chapter. With larger crowds and greater demand, Sedgefield’s more spacious property became the event’s sole home until 1977, when the tournament shifted to Forest Oaks Country Club, where it stayed for 31 years.
In 2007, a $3 million restoration led by architect Kris Spence brought Sedgefield’s Donald Ross layout back to its original brilliance, updating the course to modern TOUR standards. The renovated track welcomed the Wyndham Championship back in 2008.
Since then, the tournament has reestablished itself at Sedgefield, where precision iron play and a sharp short game are essential on its tree-lined fairways and challenging Bermuda greens. The event now serves as the final regular-season stop on the PGA TOUR, giving it major significance for players hoping to lock in FedEx Cup Playoff spots or secure their TOUR cards.
Previous Tournament Venues:
Duration
Course
Location:
2008-Present
Sedgefield Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1977-2007
Forest Oaks Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1961-1976
Sedgefield Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1958-1960
Starmount Forest Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1957
Sedgefield Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1954-1956
Starmount Forest Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1953
Sedgefield Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1951-1952
Starmount Forest Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1950
Sedgefield Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1949
Starmount Forest Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1948
Sedgefield Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1947
Starmount Forest Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1946
Sedgefield Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1942; 1945
Starmount Forest Country Club
Greensboro, North Carolina
1938-1941
Starmount Forest Country Club and Sedgefield Country Club
Tied for PGA TOUR record for most wins in an official event.
72-Hole Record:
258, J.T. Poston (2019, Sedgefield Country Club), Henrik Stenson (2017, Sedgefield Country Club)
18-Hole Record:
59, Brandt Snedeker (first round, 2018, Sedgefield Country Club)
Largest Margin of Victory:
10 Strokes, Sam Snead (1950, Sedgefield Country Club)
Course Records:
72-Hole Record (Sedgefield Country Club):
258, J.T. Poston (2019), Henrik Stenson (2017)
18-Hole Record (Sedgefield Country Club):
59, Brandt Snedeker (first round, 2018)
Largest Margin of Victory (Sedgefield Country Club):
10 Strokes, Sam Snead (1950)
Course Guide/ Scorecard:
Sedgefield Country Club, designed by the legendary Donald Ross, is a par-70 course measuring 7,131 yards. It presents a balanced test with four par 3s, twelve par 4s, and two par 5s, demanding precision and smart course management. While scoring chances exist, players must carefully navigate the narrow fairways, undulating greens, and unpredictable winds to contend for the Wyndham Championship.
Sedgefield Country Club measures 7,131 yards, making it the 19th shortest course on the PGA TOUR this season. The fairways are narrow, averaging 29 yards wide, ranking among the 9th narrowest on TOUR, so accuracy off the tee is essential. The greens are smaller than the PGA TOUR average at around 6,000 square feet, putting a premium on precise approach shots. With only 52 bunkers—the 7th fewest on TOUR—hazards are less of a factor here.
The four par 3s at Sedgefield Country Club range from 174 to 235 yards, placing a premium on precision and smart club selection. In last year’s Wyndham Championship, only holes No. 3 and No. 16 played under par on average, while the others (No. 7 and No. 12) proved to be more penal, especially given their length.
This mid-length par three hole is generally played into the prevailing wind and contains three of the deepest bunkers on the course, short and right. The large, somewhat subtle green narrows the deeper into the green one plays. Long and left is a very difficult up and down, with the green sloping away from the player.
On this long par three, the green is guarded on three sides by a deep creek and features a soft punch bowl green with very difficult hole locations in the corners. Par is a great score on this demanding hole.
The longest par three on the course will require a very precise approach into a dramatic two-tier green cut into the face of a hill. Anything short will roll well back from the green and require a difficult up and down. Dead center of this green is the preferred line and will give the player the best chance of escaping with a par or occasional birdie.
This short par three will provide the player an opportunity to be aggressive. However, the horseshoe-shaped green will wreak havoc on misplayed tee shots and chips from around the green. Two four-foot-deep pot bunkers guarding the green require a demanding short iron approach.
Sedgefield Country Club features twelve par 4s, most of which fall between 400 and 450 yards. Strategy plays a major role, particularly on holes that offer tempting risk-reward opportunities. In 2024, the two toughest par 4s were the 14th and 18th. Each measure over 500 yards and demands both distance and precision.
One of the best holes ever designed by Donald Ross. The tee shot will require a slight fade over the middle of three diagonal cross bunkers to set up the shortest and best line into a green that’s well-protected on the right by a creek. Approach shots should favor the left side of the green, which leans hard right toward the creek.
The 13th hole is one of the most strategic holes on the course. The left side of the landing area funnels into the left rough, leaving a blind approach over two cross bunkers. The smart play is along the right side, providing an open view and short iron into this highly undulating green.
One of the most beautiful holes in North Carolina. This deep, saddled fairway meanders up an old creek bed filled in by Ross. A short iron approach into the smallest green on the course is compounded by the difficulty of finding a level lie in the fairway. A natural amphitheater surrounds the green, making it a great place to view an exciting finish.
This members’ par five converted to a long par four will be the most difficult on the course. A tee shot to the crest of the downhill-sloping fairway leaves an uphill long iron or fairway metal into this severely undulating hilltop green. The most difficult hole location is atop a large roll in the back right corner of the green. Birdies from this location will be difficult.
Both par 5s at Sedgefield, No. 5 and No. 15, played under par in 2024 and present the best birdie or eagle chances on the course. That said, hitting the fairway is crucial to capitalize on these scoring opportunities.
The first par five of the course is easily reachable in two shots. However, a deep hollow running diagonally across the putting surface will make getting up and down for birdie a challenge. The key to this hole is finding a level lie in the well-undulating fairway. Any shot hit short of this green will roll well back down the fairway
The ideal tee shot to this reachable par five is directly at the fairway bunker. The downhill tee shot must avoid the “sheeps” fescue grass to the right and just over the bunker. Deep bunkers surround this undulating green. The far back right corner pin is the most difficult location, especially if going for the green in two.
As the Wyndham Championship returns to Sedgefield Country Club, understanding how the course compares to PGA TOUR averages can help identify which players are best suited for success. Here’s how Sedgefield Country Club stacks up statistically:
Statistics
PGA Tour Average
Sedgefield Country Club
Driving Distance (Yards)
284.10
281.77
Driving Accuracy
62%
63%
GIR Percentage
66%
73%
Avg GIR Prox. to Hole (Feet)
29.33
26.00
Scrambling Percentage
57%
58%
Avg 3 Putts / Round
0.54
0.68
According to DataGolf, players who perform well at Sedgefield Country Club tend to excel in ball striking and accuracy off the tee. The course features narrow, tree-lined fairways on nearly every hole, placing a premium on precision from the start of each hole.
Strokes Gained: Approach
Approach play continues to be one of the most predictive stats at Sedgefield Country Club. With generous green sizes and plenty of accessible pin locations, players who can dial in their irons create the most scoring chances—an essential ingredient for going low in Greensboro.
Each of the last five Wyndham Championship winners finished inside the top 12 in SG: Approach for the week. Three of those champions ranked 4th or better, and two led the entire field in the category, highlighting just how important sharp iron play is at this course.
Leaders in SG: Approach (Last 24 Rounds):
Lee Hodges
Kevin Roy
Akshay Bhatia
Ben Griffin
Brian Campbell
Emiliano Grillo
Doug Ghim
Victor Perez
John Pak
Ryan Gerard
Strokes Gained: Ball Striking
Ball striking combines a player’s performance off the tee and on approach, measuring overall control and consistency with longer clubs. At Sedgefield Country Club, where accuracy is more important than distance and greens are small and well-protected, elite ball striking is essential to staying in contention.
In 2024, all of the top five finishers ranked inside the top four in SG: Ball Striking. Champion Aaron Rai led the field in the category, while J.J. Spaun and Ryo Hisatsune, who tied for third, ranked 4th and 2nd, respectively. Luke Clanton, who finished fifth, was 3rd in ball striking. This pattern underscores how important this metric is to success at Sedgefield.
Leaders in SG: Ball Striking (Last 24 Rounds):
Ben Griffin
Ryan Gerard
Emiliano Grillo
Doug Ghim
Cameron Champ
Lee Hodges
Kevin Roy
Kurt Kitayama
Jordan Spieth
Luke Clanton
Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)
Sedgefield Country Club features Champion bermudagrass greens.
Four of the last five Wyndham Championship winners ranked 15th or better in SG: Putting. The exception was Aaron Rai in 2024, who ranked 28th in this category. His strong iron play actually impacted his SG: Putting rank because closer approach shots raise putting expectations, leaving fewer long putts and fewer opportunities to gain strokes on the field.
Leaders in SG: Putting (Bermudagrass) (Last 24 Rounds):
Nicolas Echavarria
Braden Thornberry
Christiaan Bezuidenhout
Denny McCarthy
Harry Hall
Max Greyserman
Patrick Rodgers
Sam Ryder
Cameron Young
Jacob Bridgeman
Greens in Regulation Gained
Greens in Regulation Gained is a reliable indicator of a player’s iron consistency and course management. It highlights those who not only hit quality approach shots but also avoid costly misses.
Three of the last five Wyndham Championship winners ranked inside the top 8 in GIR Gained during their winning weeks. The exceptions were Tom Kim, who ranked 18th in 2022, and Lucas Glover in 2023, whose detailed data was unavailable.
Leaders in Fairways Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
Cameron Champ
Patrick Fishburn
Aaron Rai
Victor Perez
Nicolai Hojgaard
Ben Griffin
Doug Ghim
Kevin Roy
Steven Fisk
Lucas Glover
Fairways Gained
Accuracy off the tee is a major asset at Sedgefield Country Club, where narrow, tree-lined fairways demand precision. Fairways Gained highlights players consistently finding the short grass, setting up easier approach shots, and minimizing mistakes.
Three of the last five Wyndham Championship winners finished inside the top 8 in Fairways Gained during their victories. The two outliers were Kevin Kisner in 2021, who ranked outside the top 50, and Lucas Glover in 2023, for whom detailed data was not available.
Leaders in GIR Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
Aaron Rai
Paul Peterson
Emiliano Grillo
Takumi Kanaya
Andrew Putnam
Zach Johnson
Brandt Snedeker
Zac Blair
Rico Hoey
Brice Garnett
Par 3 Scoring
Sedgefield Country Club features four par 3s that range from 174 to 235 yards, each demanding precision and solid ball striking. These holes can swing momentum in either direction, making strong play on them a key to contending.
Two of the last three Wyndham Championship winners ranked second or better in Par 3 Scoring. The only outlier was Lucas Glover in 2023, whose detailed data was unavailable.
Leaders in Par 3 Scoring (Last 24 Rounds):
Keegan Bradley
Chandler Phillips
Matthias Schmid
Ben Griffin
Sahith Theegala
Cameron Champ
Harry Hall
Andrew Putnam
Antoine Rozner
Lucas Glover
Par 4 Scoring: 400-450 Yards
Sedgefield Country Club features eight par 4s that fall between 400 and 450 yards, making this yardage range a key battleground throughout the week. These holes require smart strategy, solid tee shots, and precise iron play to generate scoring chances.
Three of the last five Wyndham Championship winners ranked inside the top 14 in Par 4 Scoring from this range during their winning weeks. The two exceptions were Aaron Rai in 2024, who ranked 21st, and Lucas Glover in 2023, for whom detailed data was not available.
Leaders in Par 4 Scoring: 400-450 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Kevin Roy
Matteo Manassero
Emiliano Grillo
Trey Mullinax
Christiaan Bezuidenhout
Akshay Bhatia
Jake Knapp
Stephan Jaeger
Rico Hoey
Kevin Velo
Par 5 Scoring: 500-550 Yards
Both par 5s at Sedgefield Country Club fall in this distance range and present prime scoring chances, especially for longer hitters. Making birdies or better on these holes is often key to keeping pace with the field.
Four of the last five Wyndham Championship winners ranked inside the top 6 in Par 5 Scoring from 500 to 550 yards during their winning weeks. The only outlier was Lucas Glover in 2023, whose detailed data was unavailable.
Leaders in Par 5 Scoring: 500-550 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Lee Hodges
Keith Mitchell
Harry Hall
Nicolai Hojgaard
Chun-an Yu
Ben Kohles
Jordan Spieth
Chan Kim
Joohyung Kim
Jacob Bridgeman
Opportunities Gained
This metric tracks how frequently players create quality birdie looks inside 15 feet—crucial on a course like Sedgefield Country Club where low scores are required to contend. With the Wyndham Championship often turning into a birdie-fest, Opportunities Gained is a strong predictor of who’s in form and ready to capitalize.
Leaders in Opportunities Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
Keith Mitchell
Davis Thompson
Harry Hall
Thorbjorn Olesen
Adam Schenk
Lee Hodges
Kurt Kitayama
Joseph Bramlett
Lucas Glover
Hideki Matsuyama
Birdies or Better Gained
This stat is a key measure of scoring potential, especially at Sedgefield Country Club where winning totals often fall between 18 and 20 under par. Contenders must consistently capitalize on scoring chances and pile up birdies.
Three of the last five Wyndham Championship winners ranked inside the top 7 in Birdies or Better Gained during their victories. The two exceptions were Aaron Rai, who ranked 16th in 2024, and Lucas Glover in 2023, whose specific data was unavailable.
Leaders in Birdies or Better Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
Harry Hall
Keith Mitchell
Michael Thorbjornsen
Ben Griffin
Nicolai Hojgaard
Sami Valimaki
Robert Macintyre
Rickie Fowler
Kurt Kitayama
Jordan Spieth
Proximity: 100-175, 200+ Yards
At Sedgefield Country Club, a high volume of approach shots land in the 100-to-175-yard range, with a smaller but still meaningful share coming from beyond 200 yards. This reflects the course’s emphasis on wedge and mid-iron precision, while also testing long-iron play on several lengthy par 4s and both par 5s.
Success at the Wyndham Championship often comes down to who can dial it in from these key yardages and consistently give themselves realistic birdie looks.
Leaders in Proximity: 100-125 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Bud Cauley
Harry Hall
Adam Svensson
Adam Hadwin
Michael Kim
Matt Kuchar
Matthew Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fox
Jackson Suber
Jacob Bridgeman
Leaders in Proximity: 125-150 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Lucas Glover
Chandler Phillips
Aaron Baddeley
Greyson Sigg
Christiaan Bezuidenhout
Gary Woodland
Jim Herman
Nate Lashley
Thomas Detry
Seamus Power
Leaders in Proximity: 150-175 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Davis Thompson
Karl Vilips
Hideki Matsuyama
Akshay Bhatia
Harrison Endycott
Sami Valimaki
Henrik Norlander
Stephan Jaeger
Harry Hall
Max Greyserman
Leaders in Proximity: 200+ Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Hideki Matsuyama
Antoine Rozner
Ryan Gerard
Matthew Fitzpatrick
Will Gordon
Joseph Bramlett
Michael Thorbjornsen
Matthias Schmid
Chun-an Yu
Adam Schenk
Comparable Courses and Event History
These are your course horses—players who’ve repeatedly performed well at the Wyndham Championship. Whether it’s course fit, comfort with the setup, or success on similar layouts, this group has a proven track record at Sedgefield Country Club.
Leaders in SG: Total – Sedgefield Country Club (Last 5 Editions):
Sungjae Im
Webb Simpson
Si Woo Kim
Byeong Hun An
Kevin Kisner
Denny McCarthy
Zach Johnson
Joohyung (Tom) Kim
Adam Scott
Eric Cole
The Field:
The 2025 Wyndham Championship will showcase a full field of 156 players competing at Sedgefield Country Club, drawing a mix of seasoned stars and rising talents. Among the headliners are five players currently ranked inside the top 30 of the Official World Golf Ranking. With FedEx Cup Playoff spots on the line and a course that rewards aggressive play, expect a highly competitive week in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:
Winners of the Arnold Palmer, Memorial, Genesis (Last 3 Years)
Winner – PGA/U.S. Open Championship
Winner – Masters Tournament
Tournament Winner in Past Two Seasons
Top 70 on Prior Year FEC Playoff & Eligible List through the Playoffs
Top 30 on the FedExCup Playoffs & Eligibility Points List
Top 125 FedExCup Fall Point Lists
Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
Sponsor Exemptions: DPWT / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category
PGA TOUR University Accelerated – Current Season
PGA Section Champion\Player of the Year
Past Champion of Respective Event
Major Medical Extension
Leading Points Winner from DP World Tour
DP World Tour / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category – Reordered
Career Money Exemption
Previous Winners in the Field (Event):
Aaron Rai (2024), Lucas Glover (2023), Tom Kim (2022), Kevin Kisner (2021), Jim Herman (2020), J.T. Poston (2019), Brandt Snedeker (2018, 2007), Si Woo Kim (2016), Camilo Villegas (2014), Webb Simpson (2011),
Debutants in the Field:
Antoine Rozner, Braden Thornberry, Cristobal Del Solar, Danny Walker, David Ford, Frankie Capan III, Gordon Sargent, Isaiah Salinda, Jackson Koivun, Jackson Suber, Jake Knapp, Jesper Svensson, John Pak, Kaito Onishi, Karl Vilips, Kevin Velo, Matt McCarty, Matthew Riedel, Matthieu Pavon, Niklas Norgaard Moller, Noah Goodwin, Philip Knowles, Preston Cole, Quade Cummins, Rasmus Hojgaard, Ricky Castillo, Sahith Theegala, Sami Valimaki, Steven Fisk, Takumi Kanaya, Taylor Dickson, Thomas Rosenmueller, Thriston Lawrence, Tim Widing, Tony Finau, Will Chandler, William Mouw
Exemptions:
Zac Blair – Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
David Ford – Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
Will Gordon – Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
Zach Johnson – Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
Kevin Kisner – Career Money Exemption
Jackson Koivun – Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
Thriston Lawrence – Sponsor Exemptions: DPWT / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) July 29, 2025
The Odds:
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the top players in the field for this year’s Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club, ranked by current betting odds (via DraftKings). The table below details each player’s five most recent finishes on the PGA TOUR and their last five results at the Wyndham Championship.
Golfer
Odds
Last 5 Finishes on the PGA TOUR (Recent -> Past)
Last 5 Finishes at the Wyndham Championship (Recent -> Past)
Each of the last four Wyndham Championship winners recorded a top 5 finish in at least one of their five most recent starts.
Each of the last four Wyndham Championship winners finished T8 or better at the Rocket Mortgage Classic prior to their win.
Eleven of the last twelve winners had made at least one previous appearance at the Wyndham Championship.
Top-5 trends for the Wyndham Championship
Look for…
Top-10 finish in last two months Top-10 finish in last eight PGA Tour events in North Carolina Top-10 finish in last five Wyndham Championships Top-10 ranking in Strokes Gained: Approach the Green in last two months
Will There Be a Playoff at the Wyndham Championship? (Yes +350 / No -500)
Since its inception in 1938, the Wyndham Championship has delivered its fair share of drama, and playoffs have played a major role in that history. Over the years, the tournament has gone to extra holes 18 times, highlighting the tight competition and high stakes that often define this late-season PGA TOUR event.
The most recent playoff came in 2021 and was one for the record books. It featured a six-man sudden-death playoff, tying the PGA TOUR record for the largest playoff field in history. Kevin Kisner ultimately emerged victorious, earning his first individual stroke-play win in a playoff after five previous attempts.
Will There Be a Hole-in-One at the Wyndham Championship? (Yes -250/ No +160)
In 2024, there were two holes-in-one, both coming on the 12th hole during the second round. Joe Highsmith and Lucas Glover each recorded an ace on that hole, adding a spark to Friday’s action.
The 2023 tournament did not feature any holes-in-one.
In 2022, Joseph Bramlett delivered the lone ace of the week.
Will There Be a Wire-to-Wire Winner at the Wyndham Championship? (Yes +800)
There have only been nine wire-to-wire winners in the history of the Wyndham Championship, with the most recent coming in 2018. Sam Snead remains the only player to accomplish the feat twice, doing so in 1938, the tournament’s inaugural year, and again in 1950.
Recent Horses for Courses (Sedgefield Country Club):
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Golfer
Events Played
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Sungjae Im
6
T41
T14
T2
T24
T9
Eric Cole
2
T7
T14
–
–
–
Byeong Hun An
5
–
T2
–
T35
–
Matt Kuchar
3
T12
T38
–
T29
–
Adam Scott
6
–
T7
T76
T2
–
Adam Svensson
4
T7
T7
T78
–
–
Si Woo Kim
9
MC
T33
WD
T2
T3
Ben Griffin
3
T7
MC
4
–
–
Cam Davis
4
MC
T7
–
–
T15
Stephan Jaeger
4
MC
T14
T13
–
–
Adam Hadwin
6
T28
MC
–
T10
–
Austin Eckroat
3
6
MC
–
T37
–
Recent Donkeys for Courses (Sedgefield Country Club):
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Golfer
Events Played
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Aaron Baddeley
14
WD
MC
MC
MC
MC
Akshay Bhatia
4
MC
MC
–
MC
MC
Garrick Higgo
3
MC
MC
MC
–
–
Harry Hall
2
MC
MC
–
–
–
Sam Stevens
2
MC
MC
–
–
–
Kevin (Chun-an) Yu
2
MC
MC
–
–
–
Rickie Fowler
3
–
–
MC
MC
–
Hideki Matsuyama
8
–
MC
–
MC
–
Patton Kizzire
8
MC
MC
MC
MC
T51
Will Gordon
4
MC
MC
–
MC
T27
Previous Winners Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament):
2024: Aaron Rai (-18)
Price: 35-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
29th
1st
1st
29th
28th
2023: Lucas Glover (-20)
Price: 90-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
6th
1st
1st
52nd
15th
2022: Tom Kim (-20)
Price: 40-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
36th
33rd
12th
74th
1st
2021: Kevin Kisner (-15)
Price: 55-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
34th
12th
12th
26th
8th
2020: Jim Herman (-21)
Price: 600-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
5th
4th
4th
56th
3rd
Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):
2024: Aaron Rai
T75 – The Open Championship (MAJ)
T4 – Genesis Scottish Open (PGA)
T7 – John Deere Classic (PGA)
T2 – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
T19 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
2023: Lucas Glover
MC – 3M Open (PGA)
5 – Barbasol Championship (PGA)
T6 – John Deere Classic (PGA)
T4 – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
MC – Travelers Championship (PGA)
2022: Tom Kim
7 – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
T26 – 3M Open (PGA)
T47 – The Open Championship (MAJ)
3 – Genesis Scottish Open (PGA)
23 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
2021: Kevin Kisner
63 – WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational (PGA)
73 – The Open Championship (PGA)
T8 – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
T5 – Travelers Championship (PGA)
T55 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
2020: Jim Herman
77 – PGA Championship (MAJ)
MC – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
MC – Workday Charity Open (PGA)
T33 – RBC Heritage (PGA)
MC – Charles Schwab Challenge (PGA)
Previous Winners Finishes at Event:
2024: Aaron Rai
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
2023
2022
MC
T71
2023: Lucas Glover
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Chrysler Classic of Greensboro
Chrysler Classic of Greensboro
Chrysler Classic of Greensboro
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Forest Oaks Country Club
Forest Oaks Country Club
Forest Oaks Country Club
Forest Oaks Country Club
2022
2021
2020
2019
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
T54
MC
MC
T72
T28
T22
T18
MC
MC
WD
T30
7
T24
T20
T20
T6
T21
T57
2022: Tom Kim
Tournament Debut
2021: Kevin Kisner
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
2020
2017
2016
2014
2012
2011
T3
T42
T10
T8
T46
T59
2020: Jim Herman
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Wyndham Championship
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
Sedgefield Country Club
2015
2014
2013
2011
T18
MC
T11
T59
Picks:
Outrights
Matt Fitzpatrick (+2000) – FanDuel
It’s no secret I have a bit of a Fitzpatrick addiction. I cooled off on betting him earlier this year, but with his recent form, that’s quickly changed.
Fitzpatrick enters the Wyndham Championship with three top 10s in his last four starts, including back-to-back top 5 finishes. His ball striking has rounded back into form, and his accuracy off the tee has improved—two crucial elements for success at Sedgefield. He also rates well across several key stats this week and fits the recent trend of past winners, having finished T8 or better at the Rocket Mortgage Classic last month.
Lucas Glover (+4000) – DraftKings
Lucas Glover, a past champion of this event (2023), returns to Sedgefield in solid form, with finishes of T9 at the Travelers, T5 at the John Deere, and T23 at The Open in his last three starts.
Glover, one of the best iron players on TOUR, has rediscovered his rhythm after a slow start to the season. His ball-striking remains a strength, and his improved accuracy off the tee gives him plenty of chances to attack flags on this layout. Encouragingly, he’s also putted well over his last two starts—a trend that’s going to need to continue if he wants to win this week.
Michael Thorbjornsen (+6500) – FanDuel
Michael Thorbjornsen let down a lot of bettors last week at the 3M Open, missing the cut after being a popular pick. But don’t write him off just yet.
Before last week’s stumble, Thorbjornsen was in solid form with three straight top-25 finishes, including an impressive T4 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic—another Donald Ross layout.
If he can rediscover his iron play, he has the upside to contend. While that’s a bit of an ask, we’ve already seen him do it recently. I’m treating last week as a blip and backing a bounce-back.
Emiliano Grillo (+7000) – FanDuel
Emiliano Grillo arrives at the Wyndham Championship with some urgency, currently sitting 66th in the FedEx Cup standings. While he’s in the field for next week’s event as of now, he’d likely prefer to secure his spot himself rather than rely on others slipping.
Grillo is coming off a solid T20 finish at last week’s 3M Open and has posted five top 20 finishes in his last nine starts, including a runner-up at the John Deere Classic, where he lost in a playoff to Brian Campbell. His overall game remains steady, and if he can get his putting clicking, he should be a contender this week.
Joohyung (Tom) Kim (+8000) – FanDuel
Tom Kim’s last win came in 2023, but he came close twice—falling in a playoff to Scottie Scheffler at the Travelers Championship (a week we were on him) and finishing runner-up again to Scheffler at the Hero World Challenge.
After a slow start to this season, Kim has started to turn things around. He posted a T17 at the Genesis Scottish Open and followed that with a T28 at last week’s 3M Open. The recent jump in form is thanks in large part to improved iron play. His accuracy off the tee remains steady, and his putting has also shown signs of life—both encouraging signs for this week.
Kim won this event in 2022 in his only prior start at Sedgefield. At 80-1, he’s more than capable of making a run.
Andrew Putnam (+9000) – DraftKings
Similar to Thorbjornsen, I’m viewing Putnam’s missed cut at the 3M Open as more of an outlier than a red flag. There’s still plenty of upside here. He’s one of the most accurate drivers in the field, which is a great foundation for success at Sedgefield.
Putnam’s short game has been excellent lately—his putting and around-the-green play have both been sharp. While his iron play hasn’t been up to his usual standard, there are signs it’s starting to turn around. If the approach numbers continue trending upward, he has a real shot at contending.
Chris Kirk (+11000) – FanDuel
Chris Kirk has shown flashes of excellence this season, highlighted by a T2 finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, where he lost in a three-man playoff. In his most recent start, he finished T14 at the 3M Open, gaining strokes in every category and ranking 9th in the field in SG: Approach.
While putting has been his weakness for much of the season, he’s gained strokes with the flat stick in three of his last four starts—an encouraging trend heading into this week.
Kirk’s best finish at the Wyndham Championship came back in 2018 when he finished T11, gaining nearly two strokes on the greens. If his putter cooperates, he could be in the mix again.
Kevin Roy (+12000) – FanDuel
Kevin Roy finished T28 at last week’s 3M Open, doing most of his damage with the putter. While his wedges and irons weren’t sharp, his elite putting kept him inside the top 30.
Earlier this summer, Roy flashed real upside with three straight top-20 finishes from the RBC Canadian Open through the John Deere Classic. If he can regain that level of iron play while continuing to roll it well, he could be a factor this week. His off-the-tee numbers dipped at the 3M—an uncharacteristic blip for him—but he’s typically more accurate and should bounce back.
Roy also has some form on Donald Ross designs, finishing T8 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic last month. At 120-1, he’s worth a flier.
Top 20 (Incl. Ties):
Ben Griffin (+125) – DraftKings
Harry Hall (+175) – DraftKings
Top 40 (Incl. Ties):
Christiaan Bezuidenhout(+100) – BetMGM
Nicolas Echavarria (+125) – BetMGM
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.
Solid season, but his xFIP of 4.07 suggests some regression may be coming.
Giants: Logan Webb (9–7, 3.08 ERA)
Ranked as a top-10 starter by projection models, with a stellar 2.58 FIP indicating he’s been unlucky.
🔥 Recent Form
Mets: 6–4 in their last 10, riding a 4-game win streak after sweeping the Angels.
Giants: 3–7 in their last 10, but just took two from Atlanta to regain momentum.
💪 Key Players to Watch
Mets:
Juan Soto: 24 HR, ranks 10th in MLB.
Pete Alonso: 80 RBI, batting .272, 5th in MLB RBI.
Francisco Lindor: Snapped a brutal 0-for-31 slump with multi-hit games.
Giants:
Rafael Devers: 19 HR, 73 RBI, heating up with a .364 average over his last 5 games.
Jung Hoo Lee & Heliot Ramos: Providing steady contact and extra-base potential.
Weather:
A Brisk 60 degrees in the Bay area with the wind blowing out to center field at 9.8 MPH.
Prediction:
Today’s game is all about the starting pitching. Clay Holmes takes the mound for the Mets boasting a 3.48 ERA yet a 4.2 FIP. Logan Webb takes the helm for the Giants with a 3.08 ERA and a 2.58 FIP. As of late, Holmes has been faltering. He has allowed 5 runs two out of his last three appearances. He had a great April/May and has since faltered some. From a hitting standpoint, I have to give it to the Mets with all of the power in their lineup, but this is also a long travel spot for this team. Webb is the Giants ace, and if he can go 6 or 7 innings, I think the west cost G-men hold on to the lead. One also has to recognize all of the bullpen injuries that the Mets have as of late. Take San Fran.
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The 2025 3M Open promises another exciting week of golf at TPC Twin Cities. But first, let’s recap the highlights and key takeaways from last week’s tournaments before we jump into this week’s action.
Scottie Scheffler’s dominance continues as he captured the Open Championship, earning his fourth Major title. Scheffler has now won the Masters twice (2022, 2024) and claimed the PGA Championship earlier this season at Quail Hollow with a commanding five-shot victory. With only the U.S. Open missing from his résumé, Scheffler is one title away from completing the career grand slam, a feat achieved by just six players in history: Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen.
Scheffler’s first opportunity to complete the slam will come next June at Shinnecock Hills, when the U.S. Open returns to the iconic Long Island venue for the first time since 2018, when Brooks Koepka emerged victorious. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Scheffler is the early favorite at +320 to win the 2026 U.S. Open and make history. In a poetic twist, the final round of next year’s U.S. Open falls on June 21, Scheffler’s 30th birthday.
This also marks the second consecutive season in which a player has won two majors. Last year, Xander Schauffele pulled off the PGA Championship and Open Championship double, a feat now matched by Scheffler in 2025.
Barracuda Championship Recap
BREAKTHROUGH🏆Ryan Gerard wins his first PGA TOUR title in his first year holding a PGA TOUR card. Let’s gooooo! pic.twitter.com/ZBpWWBGnPm
Ryan Gerard captured his first PGA TOUR title at the Barracuda Championship, held as an Additional Event opposite The Open Championship. With the win, Gerard secured a spot in next year’s PGA Championship but not an invitation to The Masters.
In this preview, I’ll highlight the key storylines, analyze the course, and share my picks to help you gain an edge at this year’s 3M Open. Let’s dive into the main storylines driving the action this week…
Pre-Tournament Storylines:
Crunch Time for the FedEx Cup Playoffs
The 3M Open marks the penultimate event of the PGA TOUR regular season, and the pressure is on. Only the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings will qualify for the first leg of the playoffs—the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind. For players hovering around the bubble, this week represents one of the final opportunities to secure their spot, making for a high-stakes atmosphere filled with urgency, strategy, and emotional swings.
To view the latest FedEx Cup standings, click the link.
3M Open Secured Through 2030
In March, the PGA TOUR and 3M officially announced a five-year extension, ensuring that the 3M Open will remain a staple of the summer schedule through at least 2030.
📢 Exciting news! 📢 The 3M Open is here to stay through 2030! 🎉🏌️♂️
More than golf, it’s a force for good—bringing people together through world-class play, 3M innovation, and our communities.We’re proud to showcase 3M Science while making an impact. See you at @tpctwincities! pic.twitter.com/3wpacUYXGy
The Road to Bethpage: Who’s In for the 2025 Ryder Cup?
With the 2025 Ryder Cup just around the corner, anticipation is heating up as fans and analysts alike start zeroing in on the players poised to represent the U.S. and Europe this fall. The event heads to Bethpage Black in New York from September 26–28, and the qualification race is far from settled.
One of the most intriguing storylines? U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley might be pulling double duty. Not since Arnold Palmer in 1963 has a Ryder Cup captain also teed it up as a player — but Bradley currently sits ninth in the U.S. standings, giving him a real shot to qualify on points.
How Qualification Works: U.S. Team: The top six players in Ryder Cup points after the BMW Championship (Aug. 17) will earn automatic spots. Bradley will then select six captain’s picks to round out the team. After The Open Championship, the top six in U.S. points are: Scottie Scheffler (already clinched), Xander Schauffele, J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, and Harris English.
Scheffler leads the way & Harris English moves into the Top-6 of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team Rankings following @TheOpen 🏆
European Team: Their top six will be locked in following the Betfred British Masters (Aug. 24), with Captain Luke Donald also adding six captain’s picks of his own. As of now, the leading contenders are: Rory McIlroy (clinched), Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, and Sepp Straka.
With just a few weeks left until the Ryder Cup rosters are locked in, the pressure is on. A couple strong finishes or big-time performances could shake up the standings and give the captains some tough decisions to make.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the United States is currently favored to win the Ryder Cup at -145, with Europe listed as the underdog at +115.
The 3M Open is one of the PGA TOUR’s newest events, making its debut in 2019 at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. Before becoming a full-field TOUR stop, the tournament was known as the 3M Championship on the PGA TOUR Champions circuit, where it enjoyed a long run from 1993 to 2018. Its elevation to the PGA TOUR brought top-tier professional golf back to the Twin Cities for the first time since the 1969 Minnesota Golf Classic, quickly establishing the 3M Open as a late-season fixture where players jockey for FedExCup positioning.
TPC Twin Cities opened in 2000 as a collaboration between Arnold Palmer and Minnesota native Tom Lehman, built specifically to host the 3M Championship. Designed with tournament golf in mind, the course features a mix of scoring opportunities and danger, with water hazards on 15 of 18 holes, generous fairways, and large, undulating greens. In preparation for its PGA TOUR debut, architect Steve Wenzloff led renovations in 2018 to toughen the layout—adding length, shifting bunkers, and reworking greens to challenge the world’s best.
Previous Tournament Venues:
Duration
Course
Location:
2019 – Present
TPC Twin Cities
Blaine, Minnesota
Previous Tournament Names:
Duration
Tournament Name
2019 – Present
3M Open
Tournament Records:
72-Hole Record:
260 – Lee Hodges (2023)
18-Hole Record:
62 – Scott Piercy (first round, 2019), Bryson DeChambeau (second round, 2019), Matthew Wolff (third round, 2019), Lucas Glover (fourth round, 2019), Beau Hossler (fourth round, 2023)
Course Guide/ Scorecard:
Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, TPC Twin Cities is a challenging par-71 layout that stretches to 7,431 yards. The course features a balanced mix of four par 3s, eleven par 4s, and three par 5s, requiring a calculated approach. Scoring opportunities are out there, but players must navigate water hazards, tricky greens, and swirling winds to stay in contention for the 3M Open title.
TPC Twin Cities stretches to 7,431 yards, ranking as the 9th longest course on the PGA TOUR this season. While the fairways are relatively wide at an average of 35 yards, among the most generous on TOUR, precision off the tee is still crucial. That’s because water comes into play on 15 holes, the third most of any PGA TOUR stop, adding serious risk to aggressive lines. The greens are also sizable, averaging 6,500 square feet, which places added emphasis on dialed-in approach shots. Bunkers are less of a concern here, with just 72 on the course, the 21st fewest on TOUR.
The four par 3s at TPC Twin Cities range from 177 to 228 yards, putting a premium on precision and smart club selection. In last year’s 3M Open, only holes No. 4 and No. 8 played under par on average, while the others proved to be more penal, especially when the wind picked up.
The freshly renovated TOUR tee forces the pros to play over the water on all 4 tournament rounds. Anything short will end up in the water, while any shot that goes long will end up in the bunker or even the grandstands. Hitting the green on the tee shot will give you a good birdie opportunity, as the green is relatively flat and slopes from back to front. The defense of the hole comes from the water and the wind.
TPC Twin Cities offers eleven par 4s, with the majority landing in the 400–450 yard range. Strategic decisions are key, especially on risk-reward holes that tempt players with aggressive lines. The most difficult par 4 in 2024 was the 9th, which averaged +0.415 over par, emphasizing its challenge in both length and layout.
This watery hole continues to play more difficult for the pros each year, and annually is the most difficult for the membership. Your first option is to lay back to the widest part of the fairway with a utility or 3-wood, leaving a mid-iron shot into a heavily protected green. Playing more aggressively with your tee shot and taking on the water and fairway bunker will leave you with a scoring club in your hand and a chance to make birdie.
Dubbed “Tom’s Thumb” in reference to PGA TOUR player and course consultant Tom Lehman, the green may be reached with a long and accurate tee shot that carries the lake on the left side and avoids the massive bunkers short and right of the green. A conservative tee shot into the fairway will often render an approach of less than 100 yards to the two-tiered green.
All three par 5s—holes 6, 12, and 18—played under par in 2024 and offer the best birdie or eagle opportunities on the course. However, danger lurks on every tee shot, especially at the finisher.
This hole has consistently played as one of the toughest par-5s on the PGA TOUR schedule since 2019. The prevailing wind will push your tee ball towards the water on the right. Hitting the fairway allows most pros an attempt to go for the green in two. A three-tiered and very shallow green makes it tough to keep the ball on the putting surface. Adding in a forced carry over the pond makes judging the correct distance even tougher. Plenty of birdies are made here, but more 7s & 8s find scorecards than you would think.
Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 2, 7, 17, 18
Key Statistics:
As the 3M Open returns to TPC Twin Cities, understanding how the course compares to PGA TOUR averages can help identify which players are best suited for success. Here’s how TPC Twin Cities stacks up statistically:
Statistics
PGA Tour Average
TPC Twin Cities
Driving Distance (Yards)
283.98
291.18
Driving Accuracy
62%
63%
GIR Percentage
66%
71%
Avg GIR Prox. to Hole (Feet)
29.25
29.08
Scrambling Percentage
57%
55%
Avg 3 Putts / Round
0.55
0.50
According to DataGolf, players who thrive at TPC Twin Cities typically excel in ball striking and precision off the tee. With water hazards in play on nearly every hole and fairways that demand accuracy, success here often comes down to sharp tee-to-green execution and the ability to avoid costly mistakes.
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
Driving the ball effectively is a huge advantage at TPC Twin Cities. With wide fairways and a premium on distance, players who can consistently gain strokes off the tee, especially bombers who keep it in play, tend to thrive here.
Looking at recent history, two of the last three 3M Open champions ranked 8th or better in strokes gained: off the tee. The exception was Lee Hodges in 2023, who finished 27th in this category but made up for it with exceptional iron play.
Leaders in SG: Off the Tee (Last 24 Rounds):
Cameron Champ
Chris Gotterup
Michael Thorbjornsen
Niklas Norgaard Moller
Jesper Svensson
Kevin Yu
Rico Hoey
Kurt Kitayama
Jake Knapp
Thomas Rosenmueller
Strokes Gained: Approach
Approach play is often the deciding factor between contenders and the rest of the field. At TPC Twin Cities, with its large greens and accessible pin positions, precise iron play is essential for creating numerous birdie opportunities, a key ingredient for scoring success.
Four of the last five winners of the 3M Open ranked inside the top 8 for SG: Approach. The lone exception was Cameron Champ in 2021, who ranked 19th in this category but made up for it with outstanding putting throughout the week.
Leaders in SG: Approach (Last 24 Rounds):
Lee Hodges
Kevin Roy
Akshay Bhatia
Emiliano Grillo
Doug Ghim
Victor Perez
John Pak
Luke Clanton
Henrik Norlander
Chris Kirk
Strokes Gained: Ball Striking
Ball striking is a critical metric that measures a player’s overall ability to hit quality tee shots and approach shots, combining both accuracy and distance. At a course like TPC Twin Cities, where precision and power off the tee and into the greens can make or break a round, excelling in ball striking often separates the contenders from the rest of the field.
Last year, every player who finished inside the top 10 at the 3M Open gained strokes in ball striking. The champion, Jhonattan Vegas, ranked 4th in this category, while Matt Kuchar, who tied for 3rd, led the field in ball striking. Taylor Pendrith, finishing 5th, ranked 8th, and both Kurt Kitayama and Sahith Theegala, who tied for 6th, ranked 11th and 5th respectively. This trend highlights how dominant ball striking is at TPC Twin Cities and its direct impact on leaderboard success.
Leaders in SG: Ball Striking (Last 24 Rounds):
Chris Gotterup
Emiliano Grillo
Doug Ghim
Cameron Champ
Lee Hodges
Kevin Roy
Kurt Kitayama
Luke Clanton
Thomas Rosenmueller
Michael Thorbjornsen
Strokes Gained: Putting (Bentgrass)
The bentgrass greens at TPC Twin Cities are among the purest surfaces players see all year. Good bentgrass putters tend to maintain their edge here, especially with scoring bunched around 15–20 under par.
Four of the last five 3M Open champions ranked ninth or better in SG: Putting. The only exception was Tony Finau in 2022, who ranked 42nd in this category but compensated with exceptional performance in other areas.
Leaders in SG: Putting (Bentgrass) (Last 24 Rounds):
Sam Burns
Vince Whaley
Pierceson Coody
Brandt Snedeker
Ben Silverman
Jacob Bridgeman
Justin Lower
Cristobal Del Solar
Kevin Kisner
Cameron Champ
Greens in Regulation Gained
With water in play on the majority of holes, finding greens safely and consistently is crucial. GIR Gained reflects both strong iron play and strategic ball control.
Four of the last five 3M Open champions ranked tenth or better in Greens in Regulation Gained. The only exception was Cameron Champ in 2021, who ranked 26th in this category.
Leaders in GIR Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
Chris Gotterup
Cameron Champ
Patrick Fishburn
Victor Perez
Doug Ghim
Kevin Roy
Steven Fisk
Sam Burns
Lee Hodges
Antoine Rozner
Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards
Three of the four par 3s at TPC Twin Cities fall in this demanding range. Long iron play and control into these holes can be a significant scoring separator.
Three of the last four 3M Open champions ranked tenth or better in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards. The only exception was Tony Finau in 2022, who ranked 36th in this category.
Leaders in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Si Woo Kim
William Mouw
Kevin Yu
Wyndham Clark
Antoine Rozner
Hayden Springer
Matti Schmid
Mackenzie Hughes
Erik Van Rooyen
Michael Thorbjornsen
Par 4 Scoring
Par 4s make up the bulk of the scorecard. With several short to mid-length par 4s, success here often correlates directly with leaderboard position.
Four of the last five 3M Open champions ranked third or better in Par 4 Scoring. The only exception was Jhonattan Vegas in 2024, who ranked 19th in this category.
Leaders in Par 4 Scoring (Last 24 Rounds):
Kevin Roy
Sam Burns
Maverick McNealy
Jake Knapp
Chris Gotterup
Emiliano Grillo
Victor Perez
Christiaan Bezuidenhout
Mark Hubbard
Byeong Hun An
Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards
All three par 5s at TPC Twin Cities fall into this range and are reachable for longer hitters. Capitalizing on these opportunities is essential to staying competitive.
Three of the last five 3M Open champions ranked twentieth or better in Par 5 Scoring. The two exceptions were Tony Finau in 2022 and Cameron Champ in 2021.
Leaders in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Michael Thorbjornsen
Danny Walker
Adam Scott
Taylor Pendrith
Jake Knapp
Tony Finau
Chris Gotterup
Vince Whaley
Pierceson Coody
Akshay Bhatia
Opportunities Gained
This stat measures how often players are giving themselves realistic birdie chances inside 15 feet. At a birdie-fest like the 3M Open, this stat is a leading indicator of success.
Leaders in Opportunities Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
Keith Mitchell
Davis Thompson
Thorbjorn Olesen
Adam Schenk
Lee Hodges
Kurt Kitayama
Joseph Bramlett
Jake Knapp
Michael Thorbjornsen
Ricky Castillo
Birdies or Better Gained
This is the most direct indicator of scoring upside. With winning scores often in the -17 to -20 range, you need guys who rack up red numbers.
Four of the last five 3M Open champions ranked inside the top four in Birdies or Better Gained for the week. The lone exception was Michael Thompson in 2020, who still finished a strong 7th in the category.
Leaders in Birdies or Better Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
Keith Mitchell
Michael Thorbjornsen
Chris Gotterup
Sami Valimaki
Rickie Fowler
Kurt Kitayama
Matti Schmid
Luke Clanton
Mark Hubbard
Kevin Yu
Proximity: 175-200, 200+ Yards
DataGolf’s approach distribution from last year shows that a large share of second shots at TPC Twin Cities came from 175–200 yards and beyond 200 yards, significantly higher than the PGA TOUR average. That means long-iron proximity will be a major separator this week.
Leaders in Proximity: 175-200 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Si Woo Kim
Matti Schmid
Rikuya Hoshino
Carson Young
Chris Kirk
Chez Reavie
Karl Vilips
Patrick Rodgers
Lee Hodges
William Mouw
Leaders in Proximity: 200+ Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Antoine Rozner
Will Gordon
Brandon Matthews
Joseph Bramlett
Michael Thorbjornsen
Matti Schmid
Kevin Yu
Adam Schenk
Chris Kirk
Joel Dahmen
Comparable Courses and Event History
These are your course horses—players who’ve repeatedly performed well at the 3M Open. Whether it’s course fit, comfort with the setup, or success on similar layouts, this group has a proven track record at TPC Twin Cities.
Leaders in SG: Total – TPC Twin Cities (Last 5 Editions):
Tony Finau
Cameron Davis
Emiliano Grillo
Cameron Champ
Doug Ghim
Jhonattan Vegas
Brice Garnett
Keith Mitchell
Maverick McNealy
Aaron Baddeley
The Field:
The 2025 3M Open will showcase a full field of 156 players competing at TPC Twin Cities, drawing a mix of seasoned stars and rising talents. Among the headliners are eight players currently ranked inside the top 30 of the Official World Golf Ranking. With FedEx Cup Playoff spots on the line and a course that rewards aggressive play, expect a highly competitive week in Blaine, Minnesota.
Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:
Winner – PGA/U.S. Open Championship
Tournament Winner in Past Two Seasons
Winner – World Golf Championship Event
Winners of the Arnold Palmer, Memorial, Genesis (Last 3 Years)
Past Champion of Respective Event
Top 30 on the FedExCup Playoffs & Eligibility Points List
Top 125 FedExCup Fall Point Lists
Top 70 on Prior Year FEC Playoff & Elig List through the Playoffs
DP World Tour / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category – Reordered
Reorder Category – Cat. 37 thru 44
PGA Section Champion\Player of the Year
No 1 player PGA TOUR University (current year)
Top 10 and Ties from the Previous Event
Career Money Exemption
Major Medical Extension
Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
Sponsor Exemptions: DPWT / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category
Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
Previous Winners in the Field (Event):
Jhonattan Vegas (2024), Lee Hodges (2023), Tony Finau (2022), Cameron Champ (2021)
Debutants in the Field:
Adam Scott, Antoine Rozner, Braden Thornberry, Brendan Valdes, Cristobal Del Solar, Danny Walker, David Ford, Gordon Sargent, Isaiah Salinda, Jackson Suber, Jeremy Paul, Jesper Svensson, Karl Vilips, Kevin Velo, Mason Andersen, Matt McCarty, Matthew Riedel, Matthieu Pavon, Michael La Sasso, Niklas Norgaard Moller, Noah Goodwin, Paul Peterson, Philip Knowles, Ricky Castillo, Rikuya Hoshino, Sami Valimaki, Steven Fisk, Takumi Kanaya, Taylor Dickson, Thomas Campbell, Thomas Rosenmueller, Thorbjorn Olesen, Victor Perez, Webb Simpson, Will Chandler, William Mouw
Exemptions:
Chesson Hadley: Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
Carson Herron: Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
Kevin Kisner: Career Money Exemption
Michael La Sasso: Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
Troy Merritt: Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
Ryan Palmer: Career Money Exemption
Chez Reavie: Sponsor Exemptions: DPWT / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category
Webb Simpson and longtime caddie Paul Tesori have reunited, nearly two years after parting ways. The duo originally split in 2023, ending a 12-year partnership that included all seven of Simpson’s PGA Tour victories—highlighted by the 2012 U.S. Open and 2018 Players Championship.
After the split, Tesori joined Cameron Young’s bag, but they parted ways in 2024. Tesori then worked briefly with Brendon Todd before teaming up with Tom Kim. That partnership ended just before the 2025 Open Championship last week. Now, it appears Simpson and Tesori are back together once again.
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) July 22, 2025
The Odds:
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the top players in the field for this year’s 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities, ranked by current betting odds (via DraftKings). The table below details each player’s five most recent finishes on the PGA TOUR and their last five results at the 3M Open.
Top-10 ranking in Strokes Gained: Around the Green in last two months Top-10 ranking in Strokes Gained: Of the Tee in last two months Played in either of the last two 3M Opens Ranked top-10 in field for Par-5 Scoring… pic.twitter.com/q3hpkz6Ezr
Will There Be a Wire-to-Wire Winner at the 3M Open? (Yes +800)
Lee Hodges made history at the 2023 3M Open as the tournament’s only wire-to-wire winner. He held the lead after every round and capped off a dominant week with a final-round 67, finishing at 24-under-par (260). The performance set a new tournament scoring record and his seven-shot victory marked the largest winning margin in 3M Open history.
Previous Winners Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament):
2024: Jhonattan Vegas (-17)
Price: 80-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
8th
7th
8th
53rd
9th
2023: Lee Hodges (-24)
Price: 90-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
27th
1st
1st
27th
4th
2022: Tony Finau (-17)
Price: 14-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
3rd
1st
3rd
2nd
42nd
2021: Cameron Champ (-15)
Price: 150-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
39th
27th
19th
48th
1st
2020: Michael Thompson (-19)
Price: 125-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
51st
17th
4th
53rd
1st
Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):
2024: Jhonattan Vegas
T20 – John Deere Classic (PGA)
T25 – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
T27 – RBC Canadian Open (PGA)
MC – THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson (PGA)
MC – Zurich Classic of New Orleans (PGA)
2023: Lee Hodges
MC – The Open Championship (MAJ)
T12 – Genesis Scottish Open (PGA)
MC – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
MC – Travelers Championship (PGA)
T25 – RBC Candian Open (PGA)
2022: Tony Finau
T28 – The Open Championship (MAJ)
T13 – Travelers Championship (PGA)
MC – U.S. Open (MAJ)
2 – RBC Canadian Open (PGA)
T4 – Charles Schwab Challenge (PGA)
2021: Cameron Champ
T11 – John Deere Classic (PGA)
MC – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
MC – U.S. Open (MAJ)
WD – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
MC – Charles Schwab Challenge (PGA)
2020: Michael Thompson
MC – Workday Charity Open (PGA)
T64 – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
T46 – Travelers Championship (PGA)
T8 – RBC Heritage (PGA)
MC – Korn Ferry Challenge (KFT)
Previous Winners Finishes at Event:
2024: Jhonattan Vegas
3M Open
3M Open
TPC Twin Cities
TPC Twin Cities
2021
2020
T2
MC
2023: Lee Hodges
3M Open
TPC Twin Cities
2022
T16
2022: Tony Finau
3M Open
3M Open
3M Open
TPC Twin Cities
TPC Twin Cities
TPC Twin Cities
2021
2020
2019
T28
T3
T23
2021: Cameron Champ
3M Open
TPC Twin Cities
2019
MC
2020: Michael Thompson
3M Open
TPC Twin Cities
2019
MC
Picks:
Outrights
Maverick McNealy (+2000) — DraftKings
While McNealy hasn’t picked up a win this season, he’s quietly putting together one of the best years of his career. He arrives at TPC Twin Cities in great form, with three straight top-25 finishes, including strong performances at The Open and the Memorial.
McNealy has also found success at this event before. In three previous appearances at the 3M Open, he’s recorded two top-20s, including a T3 finish in 2024, where he gained +2.66 strokes total. That week, he stood out around the greens and on the putting surface—two areas that consistently separate contenders at this course.
In 2025, McNealy’s putter has been a major weapon, and his approach play has trended in the right direction over the last few starts. If he continues to pair solid iron play with his reliable driving, he has a real chance to turn last year’s near-miss into a breakthrough victory.
Michael Thorbjornsen (+3500) — DraftKings
Thorbjornsen enters the week ranked 86th in the FedEx Cup standings, making this a key opportunity to secure a spot in the FedEx St. Jude Championship—and he has the game to capitalize on it.
Thorbjornsen is well-suited for TPC Twin Cities, a layout that demands both power and precision to navigate the many water hazards. He’s posted T4 (Rocket Mortgage), T21 (John Deere), and T14 (ISCO Championship) finishes in his last three starts, gaining strokes off the tee in all of them.
Both his putting and iron play have shown signs of improvement, and the timing couldn’t be better. He flashed potential here last year with an opening-round 66 before fading on Friday. This time around, he enters with more experience and much steadier form. If he keeps the ball in play and converts his birdie looks, Thorbjornsen could break through for his first PGA TOUR win.
Kurt Kitayama (+4000) — DraftKings
Kurt Kitayama enters the 3M Open ranked 110th in the FedEx Cup standings, making the next two weeks critical in his push to qualify for the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
He’s trending in the right direction, with a T5 at the John Deere Classic followed by a T14 at the Barracuda Championship. Kitayama also has strong course history to lean on—his lone start at TPC Twin Cities resulted in a T6 finish.
The biggest question mark for Kitayama this season has been the putter, which has lacked consistency. But encouragingly, he’s been better with the flat stick in each of his last three starts. Combine that with strong recent ball-striking—he’s gaining strokes both on approach and off the tee—and he has the tools to contend. If the putter cooperates, Kitayama could be in the mix come Sunday.
Keith Mitchell (+5500) — DraftKings
Keith Mitchell currently sits at 70th in the FedEx Cup standings, making the next two weeks vital to securing his spot in the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
While his recent form hasn’t been great—largely due to struggles on approach and around the green—Mitchell has continued to gain strokes both off the tee and with the putter. Those strengths could go a long way at TPC Twin Cities, especially given his track record at this event.
In two of his last three starts here, Mitchell finished 5th (2021) and T5 (2023), despite losing strokes on approach in both. He leaned on elite driving and solid putting to post those results. If he can rediscover even average iron play this week, his past success at this course suggests he’s more than capable of another strong finish.
Andrew Putnam (+7000) — DraftKings
Andrew Putnam enters the week sitting 87th in the FedEx Cup standings, making the next two events critical if he wants to qualify for the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Putnam has quietly put together some strong performances over the past two months. He kicked off June with a T6 at the RBC Canadian Open and followed it up with a T8 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Although he was forced to withdraw from the John Deere Classic due to a back injury, he returned at the Genesis Scottish Open (MC) and bounced back nicely with a T11 at the Barracuda Championship last week—an encouraging sign.
His putting and short game have remained sharp throughout the season, but his iron play has been inconsistent. That said, last week’s showing offers hope that he’s trending in the right direction. He’s also had success at TPC Twin Cities, finishing T11 in 2022 and T19 in 2024, making him an intriguing long shot this week.
Top 20
Akshay Bhatia (+175) — DraftKings
After a strong 2024, Bhatia has flown under the radar this season—but signs of a resurgence are showing. He’s posted back-to-back solid results with a T30 at The Open and a T26 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. His iron play has stayed consistent, and his driving accuracy has taken a noticeable step forward. Around-the-green and putting have also been trending up after being weaknesses earlier in the year. If that progress continues, Bhatia is a real threat for another high finish at TPC Twin Cities.
Emiliano Grillo (+190) — DraftKings
Grillo enters the week at 71st in the FedEx Cup standings, making these next two events critical to locking in a spot at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. He’s coming off a disappointing result at the Barracuda Championship, but his recent form includes a playoff loss at the John Deere Classic—on a comp course for TPC Twin Cities.
Grillo’s history here is strong. In five starts, he’s posted three top 10 finishes, including a T2 in 2022 and a T3 in 2020. He clearly feels comfortable at this venue.
Matti Schmid (+280) — DraftKings
Sitting 68th in the FedEx Cup standings, Schmid is another player on the bubble looking to secure a playoff spot. He struggled at The Open (T69), but his form before that was encouraging—T17 at the Genesis Scottish Open and T7 at the BMW International Open on the DP World Tour.
Schmid has played well here before, finishing T20 in 2023 and improving to T12 in 2024. His putter let him down at Royal Troon, but his iron play rebounded nicely, which bodes well this week. With solid distance off the tee and improving accuracy, Schmid has the tools to contend.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.
Tonight’s UFC 318 co-main event features a compelling middleweight clash between Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov, two fighters with very different trajectories and styles.
🥊 Fighter Breakdown
Paulo Costa (14–4)
Former title challenger, ranked #13
Known for explosive power and aggressive pressure
Has struggled with consistency, going 1–4 in his last five fights
Last win: Decision over Luke Rockhold in 2022
Concerns: Cardio issues, inactivity, and mental focus
Roman Kopylov (14–3)
Ranked #14, surging with a 6–1 record in his last seven bouts
Technical striker with crisp kickboxing and strong finishing ability
Most recent win: Head-kick KO of Chris Curtis in January
Strengths: Precision, composure, and fight IQ
🔍 Tactical Preview
Costa’s Path to Victory: He needs to turn this into a brawl—pressure Kopylov, use body kicks, and mix in clinch work. If he fights cautiously or from range, he risks getting picked apart.
Kopylov’s Strategy: Keep it technical. His superior striking and movement give him the edge in a measured fight. If Costa fades or gets reckless, Kopylov can capitalize.
Stats:
Attribute
Paulo Costa
Roman Kopylov
Record
14–4
14–3
Height
6’1″ (185 cm)
6’0″ (183 cm)
Reach
72″ (183 cm)
75″ (190 cm)
Stance
Orthodox
Southpaw
Significant Strikes Landed/Min (SLpM)
6.22
4.96
Striking Accuracy
58%
50%
Significant Strikes Absorbed/Min (SApM)
6.56
4.86
Strike Defense
47%
55%
Takedown Avg/15 min
0.00
1.17
Takedown Accuracy
0%
42%
Takedown Defense
75%
87%
Submission Avg/15 min
0.0
0.0
Prediction:
This should be a great fight two watch between two guys that have been going opposite directions in the UFC. Roman Kopylov is on a great win streak while Paulo Costa has lost four of his last five fights. Usually, I tend to lean with the guy who is moving on up, but in this case, the price is making me make a play on Costa who is in some trouble. The issue with Paulo is that his mind hasn’t been right since he drank wine the day he was fighting Izzy. In saying that, this is a situation where Costa has to find that dog within him. Paulo has struggled from becoming too timid during his fights against guys that can move around the ring. I do not see Kopylov as having that profile. Paulo should be the stronger and harder hitting opponent here, and the statistic show that he should land more strikes. The other big thing for this handicap is strength of schedule. Roman has only fought one tier 1 fighter in Fluffy Hernandez. This fight didn’t end well for him as it ended in him tapping out. Paulo has fought at least six tier one fighters, and although he hasn’t won as of late, he certainly showed well back when he has beaten Yoel Romero and Uriah Hall who I suppose could be called boarderline tier 1 fighters. The price on this fight should be a pickem at best. Seeing +190 on Paulo is just too good to pass up. I will take the plus money in a coin flip fight.
Paulo Costa +190 – 1 star
Bonus Play: Daniel Zellhuber by submission +440 – .5 stars – This is a play more about the opponent Michael Johnson. Out of his 19 losses, he has been submitted 9 times. Zell can wrestle, and he submitted Christos Giagos three fights ago back in 2023. Worth a shot with the big plus money.
We have a GREAT show for you today! Brett Ciancia @Picksixpreviews is back to talk about some college football and his great preview magazine! First, Kiev talks about being back from his vacation and how it’s time for some football. Next, Brett comes on, and the guys get right into his wonderful power four preview magazine. We talk about how this publication is the most accurate of them all. We discuss teams that he hit and teams that he missed on. Then, the guys get into some Heisman talk. After that, we talk about what’s new for 2025 with Pick six plus! Then, Brett and Kiev talk some underrated/overrated teams for the 2025 season. Finally, Kiev talks some UFC 318 with a few plays that he likes! Should you have any questions for the podcast, or games that you want us to cap during our shows, please message us at Info@TheOddsBreakers.com. Have a wonderful week!
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Chris Gotterup earned his second career PGA TOUR victory at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open, edging out Rory McIlroy in a dramatic final round. The win also locked up one of the final three qualifying spots for The Open Championship.
The final major of the season has arrived, as the PGA TOUR travels to Royal Portrush Golf Club for the 153rd Open Championship. One of golf’s most historic and demanding tests, Portrush sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the major championship calendar.
Pre-Tournament Storylines:
Shane Lowry Returns to Royal Portrush
Shane Lowry makes his much-anticipated return to Royal Portrush, the site of his unforgettable 2019 Open Championship victory. The Irishman captured his first—and so far only—major title with a dominant six-shot win over Tommy Fleetwood, highlighted by a stunning course-record 63 in the third round.
Since that career-defining week, Lowry has remained a major threat, posting top-5 finishes at the 2021 PGA Championship and the 2022 Masters. He’s also been a consistent performer at The Open, finishing inside the top 25 in three of his last four appearances.
While he’s still chasing his first win of the 2025 season, Lowry has come close, finishing runner-up at both the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Truist Championship. A return to Portrush could be the spark he needs to break through once again.
Xander looks to defend the Claret Jug
Xander Schauffele enters this week’s Open Championship looking to repeat his triumph from last year at Royal Troon. After a breakout season in 2024, Xander started 2025 with high hopes but was sidelined early on by a rib injury. Though he struggled in his first few events this season, he’s since found his rhythm with multiple top-20 finishes. However, he has yet to secure another victory since lifting the Claret Jug.
Since the tournament’s inception in 1860, only 16 players have successfully won the Open Championship in consecutive years. Even more impressively, three golfers have managed to win it three years running, and one legend claimed the title four times in a row.
Scheffler’s Next Summit
Scottie Scheffler has already scaled golf’s highest peaks—but another challenge looms this week at Royal Portrush. The two-time Masters champion added a second major to his growing legacy earlier this season, cruising to a five-shot win at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.
Now, Scheffler eyes a third major title. A win at the Open would put him just one shy of the career Grand Slam—a rare achievement in golf history. With Rory McIlroy finally capturing the green jacket this year, don’t be surprised if Scottie keeps pace by conquering the links.
He arrives at Portrush in strong form, having won three of his last seven starts. This will be his fifth Open Championship appearance, highlighted by two top 10 finishes, including a career-best T7 last year at Royal Troon. While this marks his debut at Royal Portrush, few players are better equipped to take on unfamiliar terrain.
McIlroy Returns to His Home Country as a Grand Slam Champion
For the first time since completing the career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy returns to his home country of Northern Ireland to compete in The Open Championship—and the stage couldn’t be more meaningful. Earlier this year, McIlroy captured the one title that had long eluded him: the Masters, joining just five other players in history to win all four majors.
This week, he’s back at Royal Portrush, just a two-hour drive from his roots at Holywood Golf Club, where his journey in the game began. McIlroy played in the 2019 Open at Portrush, but a tough opening round led to a missed cut—an outcome that still lingers. Now, six years later, he returns a different player: a Grand Slam winner, the spotlight firmly on him, with a chance to complete the story where it all began.
McIlroy’s 2025 season has been nothing short of outstanding. In addition to his Masters triumph, he’s claimed titles at THE PLAYERS Championship and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, reinforcing his position as one of the sport’s most dominant forces.
Portrush also holds a special place in McIlroy’s personal history. At just 16 years old, he electrified the golf world by shooting an 11-under 61 in stroke-play qualifying for the North of Ireland Championship on July 12, 2005. “It was the first time I ever played 18 holes without a bogey,” McIlroy recalled—an early glimpse of greatness on a course he now returns to with redemption and legacy in sight.
Open Championship to Launch On-Site Monday Qualifier in 2026 for Final Spot in Field
Beginning in 2026, the R&A will introduce a new on-site “last chance” qualifier for the Open Championship, giving one player a dramatic final opportunity to earn a place in golf’s oldest major.
Set to debut at Royal Birkdale, the new format will feature a 12-player, winner-takes-all playoff held on the Monday of Open week—a concept inspired by traditional Monday qualifiers on the PGA Tour. According to the R&A, the move is a direct response to fan feedback calling for more live, meaningful golf content leading into the tournament.
The addition not only raises the stakes for hopefuls on the bubble but also injects a fresh dose of drama and storytelling into the lead-up to The Open.
Northern Ireland Back on Display
For just the third time in history, Royal Portrush will host The Open Championship, once again placing Northern Ireland on golf’s grandest stage.
The course made history in 1951 when it became the first venue outside of Scotland and England to host The Open. That year, Max Faulkner captured the Claret Jug with a bold and stylish performance, etching his name into championship lore and putting Portrush firmly on the map.
Nearly seven decades later, The Open made a triumphant return to the County Antrim coast in 2019, and the moment couldn’t have been more storybook. Shane Lowry, embraced by roaring Irish crowds, delivered a dominant six-shot victory that turned Royal Portrush into a sea of celebration. His third-round 63 and emotional walk up the 72nd fairway remain some of the most iconic scenes in recent Open history.
Now in 2025, Portrush once again steps into the spotlight—ready to test the world’s best and showcase the beauty, history, and passion of Northern Irish golf to a global audience.
To read more about the renovation, you can click the following link.
Comparable Courses:
Royal Liverpool – 2023 Open Championship
Why it compares:
Royal Liverpool and Royal Portrush share a similar links DNA—firm fairways, penal bunkering, and wind-exposed conditions that demand precise ball striking. Both venues emphasize discipline over distance, rewarding players who stay patient and avoid mistakes.
Birkdale is set within dramatic dunes that shape its fairways and sightlines, much like Portrush. It offers a stern but fair challenge, with firm, fast conditions and a design that puts a premium on hitting fairways and navigating tricky green complexes.
Muirfield is a cerebral test where precision, patience, and positional play are key—traits that align closely with Portrush’s layout. Its famous routing with two loops in opposite directions creates ever-changing wind conditions, similar to what players face along the Antrim coast.
Royal St. George’s (England) – 2021 Open Championship
Why it compares:
With its rolling terrain, unpredictable bounces, and rugged features, Royal St. George’s presents a level of volatility that resembles the challenge at Portrush. Both reward creativity but can punish even slight misses due to their natural defenses and penal rough.
Carnoustie is often labeled the toughest Open venue—and like Portrush, it earns that reputation without gimmicks. It tests every part of a player’s game through tight landing areas, thick rough, and lightning-fast greens.
The Open Championship, often referred to as The Open or the British Open, is the oldest golf tournament in the world. It was first played in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, with just eight players competing over three rounds in a single day. Willie Park Sr. won that inaugural event, and the early years of The Open were dominated by Scottish golfers, especially Young Tom Morris, who famously won four consecutive titles from 1868 to 1872. Originally hosted exclusively at Prestwick, the tournament began rotating among other prestigious Scottish courses like St Andrews and Musselburgh by the 1870s.
As golf’s popularity grew, The Open expanded its footprint across the United Kingdom. By the early 20th century, the rotation included iconic English courses such as Royal St George’s, Royal Liverpool, and Royal Lytham & St Annes. The tournament began attracting top players from around the world, with American dominance emerging in the interwar years—most notably through legends like Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. The post-war era further globalized The Open, with champions from South Africa, Australia, and Europe joining the elite list of Claret Jug winners.
The modern Open Championship remains one of golf’s four major championships and is administered by The R&A. Known for its challenging links-style courses and unpredictable weather, The Open tests every aspect of a golfer’s skill. Venues rotate among a select group of historic courses, including St Andrews, Muirfield, Royal Troon, and Royal Portrush—the latter of which marked a triumphant return to Northern Ireland in 2019 after nearly 70 years.
The Open has witnessed some of golf’s most dramatic moments—from Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus’s Duel in the Sun at Turnberry in 1977 to Tiger Woods’s dominance at St Andrews in 2000. As of 2025, the tournament has been held 153 times and continues to be revered as the pinnacle of golf tradition, excellence, and history.
History of the Claret Jug
The Claret Jug, officially known as the Golf Champion Trophy, is one of the most iconic and coveted trophies in all of sports. It is awarded annually to the winner of The Open Championship, the oldest golf tournament in the world. The original prize for winning The Open, beginning in 1860, was the Challenge Belt—made of red Moroccan leather and awarded to the champion to hold for one year. After Young Tom Morris won the Belt outright by claiming the title three consecutive times from 1868 to 1870, the event was canceled in 1871 due to the lack of a replacement trophy.
In 1872, it was agreed that a new trophy would be created, with Prestwick, St Andrews, and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (Musselburgh) each contributing £10 toward its cost. The new prize, the Claret Jug, was inspired by traditional vessels used for serving wine and spirits. Although the trophy was not ready in time for the 1872 Open, which Young Tom Morris also won, his name was the first engraved on it retroactively. The actual presentation of the Claret Jug began with the 1873 champion, Tom Kidd.
Today, the original Claret Jug is housed permanently in the clubhouse of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. The winner of each Open Championship receives a replica of the trophy to keep for a year, after which it must be returned ahead of the next tournament. The player is then given a smaller replica to keep permanently. Over the years, the Claret Jug has come to symbolize the highest level of achievement in golf, its legacy shaped by the legends who have hoisted it—from Bobby Jones and Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. It remains a timeless symbol of golf’s deep tradition and international prestige.
History of Royal Portrush Golf Club
Royal Portrush Golf Club, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is one of the most storied and revered venues in golf. Established in 1888 as The County Club, it was created during a time when the local railway brought visitors from cities across Ireland and beyond to the seaside village of Portrush, drawn by the invigorating Atlantic air and rugged coastline.
Just four years later, in 1892, it became the Royal County Club with His Royal Highness The Duke of York as its patron—a rare and prestigious designation that usually took decades to earn. In 1895, the club received its current name, Royal Portrush Golf Club, bestowed by King Edward VII, firmly cementing its place among the elite institutions in the British Isles permitted to carry the ‘Royal’ title.
The club is home to two courses: the Valley Links and the iconic Dunluce Links, named after the nearby medieval Dunluce Castle, which overlooks the sea from the cliffs. The Dunluce Links, redesigned by legendary architect Harry Colt, is consistently ranked among the finest links courses in the world. Known for its rolling terrain, deep bunkers, coastal winds, and spectacular views, it offers both a visual and competitive masterpiece.
In 1951, Royal Portrush made history by becoming the first course outside mainland Great Britain to host The Open Championship, where Max Faulkner claimed the Claret Jug. Following decades away from the Open rota, the club underwent substantial upgrades—including the construction of two entirely new holes—to strengthen the finishing stretch and meet modern major championship standards.
That transformation set the stage for a triumphant return in 2019, when The Open came back to Portrush in front of a passionate local crowd. Shane Lowry captivated fans with a dominant six-stroke victory, delivering one of the most memorable performances in recent Open history and reigniting Northern Ireland’s place in the global golf spotlight.
Now set to host The Open once again in 2025, Royal Portrush stands as a symbol of golf’s enduring legacy—blending history, architecture, and emotion in a way few venues can match. From its royal roots to its championship pedigree, it remains a crown jewel of the game.
— Royal Portrush G.C. (@royalportrush) July 13, 2025
Royal Portrush Golf Club: A Modern Clubhouse Steeped in Legacy
Though the clubhouse at Royal Portrush Golf Club may not boast centuries of age—having been officially opened in May 1999 by His Royal Highness The Duke of York, Prince Andrew—it more than makes up for its youth with a deep sense of tradition and legacy. The club, which was renamed Royal Portrush Golf Club in 1895 with the Prince of Wales as patron, has long been a cornerstone of golf in Northern Ireland.
The current clubhouse stands on the site of the former Holyrood Hotel, purchased by the club in 1946 and later transformed through a major redevelopment project completed in 1997 at a cost of £1.5 million. While the structure is modern, its interior tells the rich and storied history of the club.
As visitors step through the main entrance, they’re greeted by an atmosphere steeped in reverence. The first trophy cabinet on the right proudly displays the scorecard from Rory McIlroy’s record-breaking 61, shot in the 2005 North of Ireland Championship—a defining moment in both McIlroy’s rise and the club’s lore. Throughout the building, photographs, trophies, and memorabilia celebrate Royal Portrush’s place in the game, preserving stories of triumphs and legends tied to its name.
Notable tributes include a portrait of Harry Colt, the renowned architect behind the championship Dunluce Links, as well as displays honoring Fred Daly and Darren Clarke, two local heroes and Open champions who brought major glory back to Northern Ireland. A particularly captivating photograph features King George VI, his father, and golfer Sandy Herd, taken during a visit that once caught the attention of Queen Elizabeth II, linking Royal Portrush to both golfing and royal history.
At the heart of the clubhouse, above the central stairwell, the honours boards stand as a living record—etched with the names of every major championship hosted by the club and their respective winners.
This is more than just a clubhouse. It’s a tribute to the past, a celebration of the present, and a symbol of Royal Portrush Golf Club’s enduring connection to the game of golf.
6, Harry Vardon (1914, 1911, 1903, 1899, 1898, 1896)
72-Hole Record:
264, Henrik Stenson (2016 at Royal Troon)
18-Hole Record:
62, Branden Grace (3rd round, 2017 at Royal Birkdale)
Course Records:
72-Hole Record:
269, Shane Lowry (2019)
18-Hole Record:
63, Shane Lowry (3rd round, 2019)
Largest Margin of Victory:
6 Strokes, Shane Lowry (2019)
Course Guide/ Scorecard:
Perched on the rugged northern coast of Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush Golf Club’s Dunluce Links is a breathtaking and brutal examination of links golf at its highest level. Originally designed by Harry Colt in 1929 and reimagined by Martin Ebert ahead of the 2019 Open Championship, the course is carved into a landscape of towering dunes, windswept valleys, and panoramic views of the North Atlantic. It is as visually arresting as it is strategically unforgiving—a raw, elemental test shaped more by nature than by hand.
The layout sprawls across a rolling expanse of seaside linksland, where elevation changes and ever-present coastal winds make distance a moving target and club selection a constant puzzle. The course is a par 71, stretching over 7,300 yards from the championship tees, and offers little in the way of reprieve. Fairways ripple and twist unpredictably, punishing anything less than precise ball striking, while thick native rough and gorse await errant shots with little sympathy.
At the heart of Portrush’s menace lies its green complexes—subtle, firm, and often perched in natural hollows or atop exposed plateaus. The smallest miscalculation with approach shots can send balls careening into run-offs or pot bunkers, many of which are deep, penal, and strategically placed to punish bold or careless play. The course’s famous par-three 16th, aptly named “Calamity Corner,” demands a long carry over a yawning chasm to a green perched on a cliff’s edge—miss left, and your ball tumbles into oblivion; bail out right, and you’re left with a delicate recovery.
Every hole at Royal Portrush presents its own challenge, yet the course builds in crescendo. The reconfigured 7th and 8th holes—added in place of the former 17th and 18th—have seamlessly integrated into the routing, enhancing both the competitive balance and visual rhythm. The final stretch is both heroic and humbling. The 18th, “Babington’s,” is a narrow, uphill par four that funnels between bunkers and grandstands—a stage where champions are crowned and mistakes amplified.
Royal Portrush is one of only two Open Championship venues outside of mainland Britain, and its return to The Open rota in 2019 was nothing short of triumphant. The course’s unique combination of historical significance, natural grandeur, and relentless strategic rigor makes it one of the finest championship venues in the world.
In its essence, Royal Portrush is not merely a golf course—it is a confrontation with the elements, a walk through history, and a crucible for the game’s bravest. Those who survive its gauntlet emerge not only tested, but transformed.
Royal Portrush’s quartet of par threes presents a formidable examination of precision and control. Ranging from 176 to a daunting 236 yards, three of the four stretch between the 175–200-yard mark, demanding long irons into narrow, well-defended targets. During the 2019 Open Championship, each par three played over par with one exception. No. 3, the shortest of the set, yielded a scoring average of 2.974. It was the only brief moment of relative respite in an otherwise unforgiving set of one-shot holes.
The 3rd hole takes its name from the Scottish island of Islay, which is visible from the elevated tee on a clear day. Although this par-3 has just one bunker, getting up and down can prove tricky for those who miss the green, with a number of steep slopes surrounding the putting surface. For that reason, many players will opt to aim for the centre of the green, which slopes from right to left, regardless of pin position.
Hole 6 – Harry Colt’s | Par 3 | 193 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 3.085 (Difficulty Rank – 10)
Front and back pin positions can both prove challenging at the picturesque par-3 6th, where the opening shot is struck from a clifftop tee overlooking the beach. A false front ensures any under-hit shots will roll off the green, while the putting surface narrows at the back and is guarded by deep swales to the left and right. Although the hole has no bunkers, it is certainly capable of tripping up the world’s best if they are not on their game.
Hole 13 – Feather Bed | Par 3 | 199 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 3.011 (Difficulty Rank – 12)
The site of an opening-round ace for Emiliano Grillo on The Open’s last visit to Royal Portrush, the 13th played almost exactly to its par in 2019, with an average score of 3.011 across the Championship. Club selection can prove tricky, particularly on a breezy day, on a hole that plays downhill to an exposed green sloping from front to back. Five bunkers surround the putting surface to capture errant tee shots.
Royal Portrush’s signature 16th is named ‘Calamity Corner’ for good reason. It is quite simply one of the toughest holes you are likely to encounter. Expect to see plenty of players missing the green long and left, given anything short or right can tumble 40-50ft below the green into thick rough. Even if you do find the putting surface from well over 200 yards away, birdies will be hard to come by on an elevated green that is exposed to the elements. This iconic par-3 yielded just 24 birdies across four rounds in The 148th Open, the fewest of any hole.
Portrush head pro McNeill said: “As the name suggests, it’s a very challenging hole from the Championship tee – 236 yards over a very deep chasm to not a huge target when you’re all the way back there. I think every competitor would quite happily take a three in each round. It’s a hole where if you get it wrong you can easily run up a double-bogey or worse, particularly if the player pushes it out to the right and doesn’t make the carry across. The ball has a tendency to bounce and make its way right down to the base of that chasm and then you’re at the mercy of what lie you get down there and you’re trying to play a shot up a very steep bank to a blind target. It has the potential to be a real card-wrecker – most players will kind of aim to the left centre of the green and just try and play up that left-hand side, where you do get a little bit of assistance from the mounding.”
Royal Portrush Golf Club presents a formidable collection of twelve par fours, each sculpted to test a player’s full command of the game. The majority of these holes, six in total, fall within the demanding 400-to-450-yard range. The shortest of the group, the 5th, measures a mere 372 yards, offering a tempting risk-reward opportunity late in the round. In contrast, the 4th stands as the longest par four on the course at a stern 502 yards, requiring a pair of well-executed shots to reach the green in regulation. During the 2019 Open Championship, the eleventh hole emerged as the most difficult, playing to an average of 4.352 strokes, while the 10th proved the most forgiving, yielding a scoring average of 3.983.
Hole 4 – Fred Daly’s | Par 4 | 502 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 4.201 (Difficulty Rank – 5)
Named after the Champion Golfer of 1947, who hails from Portrush, the 4th is one of the stiffest tests on the course, playing as stroke index one for the members, and has been lengthened since 2019. Accuracy from the tee is essential, with out-of-bounds to the right and two bunkers cutting into the fairway from the left. Things do not get much easier with the approach. A number of sand hills surround the green, including one huge mound that can block the view of a back-left pin. Any player would gladly take four fours here in Open week.
“The new Championship tee is really going to bring the two fairway bunkers into play from the tee shot,” said McNeill. “The hole has been lengthened considerably and I think it is going to present a slightly different proposition to what it did in 2019.”
Hole 5 – White Rocks | Par 4 | 372 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 3.882 (Difficulty Rank – 16)
A classic risk-and-reward hole. This short par-4 can be driven by the longer hitters and it yielded four eagles and 111 birdies in 2019. However, with a host of dangers including out-of-bounds immediately behind the green, there were also 13 double bogeys or worse through the week as the hole played only marginally under par. Expect a similarly wide range of scoring at the 5th in The 153rd Open.
Another challenging par-4 bending gently to the left rounds off the front nine. There are once again bunkers on the right side of a fairway that falls away towards thick rough on the left. Although the hole typically plays into the wind, many players are likely to opt for fairway woods or irons off the tee as they prioritize finding the short grass. There are run-offs to the right and front-left of the green, with the first of those likely to be a particularly popular spot.
The 11th is a par-5 for Portrush’s members, but plays as a par-4 in The Open and was the toughest hole on the course in 2019, with more than four times as many bogeys or worse than birdies. The tee shot is arguably the most intimidating on the course, with sand hills and thick rough to either side, although the fairway does open up as it swings right, rewarding those who successfully cut the corner at 260 yards. There is another false front on the elevated green, with any balls that come up short set to trickle back into a huge valley.
The 11th may have been the toughest hole in The 148th Open, but the 14th – lengthened considerably ahead of the Championship – was very close behind, playing more than a third of a stroke over par on average. Bunkers on either side represent a threat from the tee, with the fairway cambering towards the trap on the left and narrowing the further you go. Players then face a challenging approach to a ‘hog’s back’ green that falls away dramatically to the left, front and back. A deep bunker to the left sits well below the level of the putting surface and must be avoided.
“It’s one of the great holes here at Royal Portrush and probably one of the great second shots in golf,” said the club’s head professional Gary McNeill.
Another classic risk-reward hole, which could easily produce a late twist if the battle for The 153rd Open goes down to the wire. The green is not visible from the tee, but can potentially come within reach – particularly if the wind is helping – due to the fairway sloping downhill dramatically from around the 300-yard mark. There are deep bunkers at the front-left and front-right of the green to dissuade players from taking the aggressive approach, while the landing area narrows significantly for those pulling driver. Expect many to utilise an iron off the tee and rely on their skills with a wedge or short-iron.
Royal Portrush’s final test was the site for an extraordinary recovery shot from Max Faulkner on his way to victory in 1951, when the hole played as the 16th. Faulkner found himself up against the out-of-bounds to the left of the fairway and famously sliced the ball under and around a barbed-wire fence and on to the green. The out-of-bounds remains a significant threat more than 70 years on, while thick rough and a pair of bunkers lie in wait for anyone bailing out to the right from the elevated tee. The biggest challenges on the approach are a deep bunker to the front-right, tall mounds of rough wrapping around the green and a steep drop-off to the left.
Royal Portrush Golf Club boasts two par fives, the seventh and twelfth holes, with one extending over 600 yards. In the 2019 Open Championship, both of these holes had a scoring average under par.
The 7th yielded the most eagles (11) of Portrush’s par-5s in 2019, but nevertheless played as the toughest of the three long holes across the week. One of two new holes added to the Dunluce Links ahead of The 148th Open, Curran Point begins with a drive from an elevated tee into the valley, with a cavernous bunker lurking to the right of the fairway. The second shot plays uphill and the fairway narrows significantly as you approach the green, with sloping banks of thick rough on either side presenting danger to those aiming to get home in two. Two accurate shots can set up eagle and birdie chances, but there is punishment waiting for those who are off-target, so another wide spread of scores can be anticipated.
The toughest hole from The 148th Open is immediately followed by the easiest, with the long and straight 12th offering players a much-needed birdie chance ahead of a demanding closing stretch. However, there is still potential peril here, starting with a trio of bunkers down the right side of a fairway that slopes in that direction. As well as yet another false front, there is a hidden stream to the right of the green. Nevertheless, this par-5 represents comfortably the best opportunity to improve your score on the back nine.
The 2025 Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club, a spectacular and demanding links venue that tests every aspect of a player’s game. Carved through towering dunes on Northern Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coast, Portrush challenges the field with firm fairways, unpredictable winds, punishing bunkers, and greens that are more likely to reject than receive. It’s a venue that rewards discipline, precision, and short game creativity—and punishes hesitation or error.
Below is a statistical comparison between Royal Portrush and PGA TOUR averages, revealing just how exacting this test is:
Statistics
PGA Tour Average
Royal Portrush Golf Club
Driving Distance (Yards)
283.83
–
Driving Accuracy
62%
56%
GIR Percentage
66%
56%
Avg GIR Prox. to Hole (Feet)
29.17
–
Scrambling Percentage
58%
52%
Avg 3 Putts / Round
0.55
0.47
These numbers tell a clear story: fairways and greens are harder to find, and scrambling is less successful than on typical TOUR tracks. Yet interestingly, three-putts occur less frequently at Portrush—possibly due to smaller or less contoured greens compared to many modern American layouts.
In short, players will need to control their ball in the wind, recover skillfully from trouble, and stay mentally sharp over four difficult rounds. Those who navigate the course with strategy and precision—rather than pure power—are the most likely to contend.
The radar plot for Royal Portrush Golf Club highlights a clear preference for players who excel in driving distance and approach play. Compared to the average PGA TOUR course, Royal Portrush places a greater premium on length off the tee, making driving distance one of the most important attributes this week. The ability to carry bunkers, shorten demanding par 4s, and set up easier approaches is a major advantage, especially on a course shaped by natural dunes and firm, running fairways.
Approach play also rates highly, as precision into Portrush’s perched and contoured greens is essential. Simply hitting the green is not enough—players must be able to control trajectory, spin, and direction to land in the correct quadrants and avoid tricky run-offs. While driving accuracy holds some importance, it takes a backseat to distance. Missing the fairway isn’t overly penal if players have the length and skill to recover.
Around the green and putting show average importance, indicating that while a solid short game is needed—particularly to handle firm conditions and shaved surrounds—it’s not the primary differentiator. Putting is similarly balanced: the greens are quick and wind-exposed, so steady performance is important, but it’s not a stat that will separate the field like it might at other venues.
Overall, success at Royal Portrush will come down to elite tee-to-green ball striking, with an emphasis on length and iron precision. Players who can consistently gain strokes off the tee and on approach will be best positioned to handle the unique demands of this championship test.
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
Royal Portrush’s layout is shaped by natural dunes, creating uneven lies, narrow corridors, and unpredictable bounces. Driving the ball well here isn’t just about length—it’s about precision and control, especially in avoiding the pot bunkers that penalize even slightly off-line tee shots. Players who can combine distance with accuracy will have a major edge.
Leaders in SG: Off the Tee (Last 24 Rounds):
Bryson DeChambeau
Niklas Norgaard Moller
Aldrich Potgieter
Scottie Scheffler
Jesper Svensson
Kevin Yu
Jason Kokrak
Jordan L. Smith
Daniel Berger
Adam Scott
Good Drives Gained
Tracking players who consistently keep the ball in play—whether by hitting fairways or recovering effectively to reach the green in regulation—is crucial on demanding links layouts. Good Drives Gained measures consistency and control, making it a key stat for success at Royal Portrush.
Leaders in Good Drives Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
Corey Conners
Henrik Stenson
Aaron Rai
Daniel Berger
Tommy Fleetwood
Shane Lowry
Scottie Scheffler
Collin Morikawa
Sepp Straka
Harris English
Strokes Gained: Approach
Approach play is where the field often separates. The greens at Portrush are subtly tiered, elevated, or angled, and simply hitting the putting surface isn’t enough—you have to find the correct quadrant. Add in swirling winds and firm conditions, and this becomes a true test of ball striking and trajectory control.
Leaders in SG: Approach (Last 24 Rounds):
Scottie Scheffler
Viktor Hovland
Shane Lowry
Sepp Straka
Akshay Bhatia
Ben Griffin
Daniel Berger
Brian Campbell
Joaquin Niemann
Russell Henley
Strokes Gained: Around the Green
Firm turf, shaved run-offs, and pot bunkers demand imagination and touch around the greens. Whether it’s a bump-and-run, a low spinner, or a delicate flop, variety and creativity are essential. Players with elite short games can salvage pars and maintain momentum where others drop shots.
Leaders in SG: Around the Green (Last 24 Rounds):
Cameron Smith
Sungjae Im
Bryson DeChambeau
Keegan Bradley
Matteo Manassero
Matt Wallace
Jason Day
Russell Henley
Tyrrell Hatton
Scottie Scheffler
Strokes Gained: Putting
While the greens aren’t overly undulated, they’re fast, firm, and wind-exposed—making even short putts nervy. Players who excel on slick surfaces and adjust to wind will gain strokes with the flatstick.
Leaders in SG: Putting (Last 24 Rounds):
Harry Hall
Sam Burns
Cameron Smith
Lucas Herbert
Cameron Young
Justin Thomas
Thorbjorn Olesen
J.J. Spaun
Robert MacIntyre
Scottie Scheffler
Adrien Saddier
Greens in Regulation Gained
Consistently finding greens, particularly from longer distances and uneven lies, will be a major separator. GIR leaders will give themselves more birdie looks—and avoid tricky up-and-downs. Check the traditional statistics from 2019 here and Greens in Regulation was critical.
Reviewing the traditional stats from 2019 shows just how important Greens in Regulation was. Shane Lowry led the category during a tough, windy Open by hitting an impressive 59 out of 72 greens (79.17%). Tony Finau and Lee Westwood each found 56 of 72 greens (75%), tying them for third in GIR. Finau finished third overall, with Westwood close behind in fourth.
Leaders in GIR Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
Scottie Scheffler
Joaquin Niemann
Ben Griffin
Jon Rahm
Patrick Cantlay
Daniel Berger
Harris English
Corey Conners
Robert MacIntyre
Collin Morikawa
Par 3 Scoring: 175-200 Yards
Three of Portrush’s four par 3s fall into this range and are exposed to wind and elevation changes. Precision long irons or hybrids are required. The outlier, No. 16 (“Calamity Corner”), is a brutal 236-yard hole that can end a round in a heartbeat.
Back in 2019, Shane Lowry ranked 12th in Par 3 Scoring from this range during his championship run. In Strokes Gained: Par 3, he led the field—tied with Lee Westwood, who finished 4th, and Dustin Johnson, who ended up T51.
Leaders in Par 3 Scoring: 175–200 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Taylor Pendrith
J.T. Poston
Harry Hall
Justin Thomas
Cameron Smith
Matthieu Pavon
Dean Burmester
Andrew Novak
Lucas Glover
Daniel Hillier
Par 4 Scoring: 400-450 Yards
Half of the par 4s at Portrush fall within this range and demand sharp tee-to-green execution. These holes are the backbone of the scoring and where rounds can be built—or undone—due to firm fairways and penal hazards.
In 2019, Shane Lowry dominated this range, ranking 1st in Par 4 Scoring: 400–450 yards en route to his Open victory. He wasn’t alone—Danny Willett, Robert MacIntyre, and Tyrrell Hatton all finished T6 or better and ranked inside the top 5 in this category that week. Success on these holes was a clear indicator of leaderboard position.
Leaders in Par 4 Scoring: 400–450 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Matteo Manassero
Matt Wallace
Tommy Fleetwood
Justin Thomas
Patrick Cantlay
Russell Henley
Daniel Brown
Sergio Garcia
Scottie Scheffler
Cameron Smith
Par 5 Scoring
With just two par 5s on the card—No. 2 and No. 12—scoring opportunities are limited and birdies aren’t guaranteed. Both feature undulating fairways and tough approaches, especially in firm conditions. Players must capitalize when these rare chances arise.
Leaders in Par 5 Scoring (Last 24 Rounds):
Scottie Scheffler
Xander Schauffele
Jordan Spieth
Sam Burns
Ben Griffin
Tommy Fleetwood
Justin Suh
Matt Wallace
Viktor Hovland
Tyrrell Hatton
Scrambling Gained
Given the difficulty of consistently hitting greens and the severity of run-offs, scrambling ability will be crucial. Players who can consistently get up-and-down from tight lies, rough, or bunkers will save vital strokes.
Leaders in Scrambling (Last 24 Rounds):
Matteo Manassero
Mackenzie Hughes
Matt Wallace
Tom Hoge
Guido Migliozzi
Tommy Fleetwood
Sam Burns
Scottie Scheffler
Hideki Matsuyama
Patrick Reed
Bogey Avoidance Gained
In major championships—especially links setups—mistake avoidance is more valuable than making birdies. Those who limit bogeys and avoid big numbers stay in contention.
During the 2019 Open Championship at Portrush, Shane Lowry ranked 4th in Bogey Avoidance on his way to lifting the Claret Jug. Tommy Fleetwood, the runner-up, led the field in this category, while Tony Finau, who finished third, ranked third in bogey avoidance—highlighting how vital this stat was to success that week.
Leaders in Bogey Avoidance (Last 24 Rounds):
Scottie Scheffler
Rory McIlroy
Jon Rahm
Joaquin Niemann
Bryson DeChambeau
Ben Griffin
Harry Hall
Corey Conners
Matt Wallace
Sepp Straka
Proximity: 150-200 Yards
Approach shots from mid to long iron range will be a major factor this week, especially on a layout like Royal Portrush, where players often face lengthy second shots into firm greens. Proximity from 150–200 yards helps identify who consistently sets up realistic birdie chances from these key distances.
Leaders in Proximity: 150-175 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Davis Thompson
Viktor Hovland
Xander Schauffele
Corey Conners
Hideki Matsuyama
Akshay Bhatia
Scottie Scheffler
Justin Rose
Stephan Jaeger
Daniel Berger
Leaders in Proximity: 175-200 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
Viktor Hovland
Rikuya Hoshino
Hideki Matsuyama
Patrick Reed
Chris Kirk
Scottie Scheffler
Brooks Koepka
Davis Thompson
Dean Burmester
Brian Campbell
Strokes Gained: Tee to Green – High Winds
Royal Portrush is frequently battered by coastal gusts, making wind management an essential skill. Players who can flight the ball, control spin, and remain composed in swirling, unpredictable conditions tend to separate themselves from the field. Historical performance in windy conditions is one of the strongest indicators of potential success this week.
Leaders in SG: Total – Windy AF (Last 24 Rounds):
Tony Finau
Hideki Matsuyama
Corey Conners
Scottie Scheffler
Shane Lowry
Keegan Bradley
Sungjae Im
Wyndham Clark
Jon Rahm
Tom Hoge
Strokes Gained: Total – Scoring Relative to Par: Difficult
Portrush doesn’t yield many birdie runs. With narrow fairways, firm greens, and penal bunkers, it plays well above par when the wind blows and conditions firm up. Players with a track record of gaining strokes relative to par on tougher setups—rather than relying on birdie-fests—tend to shine in major environments like this.
Leaders in SG: Total – Difficult Scoring Conditions (Last 24 Rounds):
Scottie Scheffler
Corey Conners
Rory McIlroy
Bryson DeChambeau
Jon Rahm
Russell Henley
J.J. Spaun
Keegan Bradley
Shane Lowry
Ben Griffin
Major History
Big moments on big stages matter. Experience in majors reflects more than just physical ability—it shows who can handle the pressure, the pacing, and the grind of championship golf. Players who have consistently contended in majors—especially those involving windy or firm conditions—bring a valuable edge to Portrush.
Leaders in SG: Total – Majors (Last 50 Rounds):
Scottie Scheffler
Xander Schauffele
Rory McIlroy
Jon Rahm
Viktor Hovland
Collin Morikawa
Tommy Fleetwood
Bryson DeChambeau
Cameron Young
Cameron Smith
Open Championship History
There’s no tournament quite like The Open. Links golf demands a different kind of skillset: creative shot-making, adaptability, patience, and comfort in variable weather. Players with a strong track record in Open Championships have already proven they can succeed in these unpredictable environments.
Leaders in SG: Total – Open Championship (Last 50 Rounds):
Jordan Spieth
Rory McIlroy
Xander Schauffele
Adam Scott
Henrik Stenson
Sergio Garcia
Rickie Fowler
Cameron Young
Shane Lowry
Dustin Johnson
Course & Comparable Courses History
Royal Portrush has a distinct feel, but it shares characteristics with Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale, Carnoustie, Royal St. George’s, and Muirfield—firm turf, punishing bunkers, and heavy wind influence. Performance on these or similarly demanding links courses can be a useful guide for identifying players with the right tools and temperament for Portrush.
Leaders in SG: Total – Course & Comparable Courses (Last 36 Rounds):
Jordan Spieth
Rory McIlroy
Sergio Garcia
Rickie Fowler
Tommy Fleetwood
Adam Scott
Shane Lowry
Xander Schauffele
Tony Finau
Henrik Stenson
The Field:
The 2025 Open Championship will feature a field of 156 players, with forty-nine of the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking set to compete. The only absence among the elite is Billy Horschel, who will miss the Open Championship as he recovers from recent surgery on his right hip.
Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:
The Open Champions aged 60 or under on 20 July 2025 (for all Champions up until 2024)
The Open Champions aged 55 or under on 20 July 2025 (for all Champions from 2024)
The Open Champions for 2014-2024
First 10 and anyone tying for 10th place in The 152nd Open at Royal Troon in 2024
The first 50 players on the OWGR for Week 21, 2025
First 25 in the Final Race to Dubai Rankings for 2024
The BMW PGA Championship winners for 2022-2024
First 5 DP World Tour members and any DP World Tour members tying for 5th place, not otherwise exempt, in the top 20 of the Race to Dubai Rankings on completion of the 2025 BMW International
The Masters Tournament Champions for 2020-2025
The PGA Champions for 2019-2025
The US Open Champions for 2020-2025
Top 30 players from the Final 2024 FedEx Cup Points List
The PLAYERS Champions for 2023-2025
First 5 PGA TOUR members and any PGA TOUR members tying for 5th place, not otherwise exempt, in the top 20 of the PGA TOUR FedExCup Points List for 2025 on completion of the 2025 Rocket Classic.
The first player and anyone tying for that place, not otherwise exempt, in the top 5 of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Season Standings on completion of LIV Golf Dallas.
The 2024 Olympic Men’s Golf Gold Medallist
The 118th VISA Open de Argentina 2025 Champion
The first 5 players on the 2025 Federations Ranking List as of closing date
The Japan Open Champion for 2024
The Senior Open Champion for 2024
The US Amateur Champion for 2024
The Mark H McCormack Medal (Men’s WORLD AMATEUR GOLF RANKING) winner for 2024
The Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion 2024
The Latin America Amateur Champion 2025
The Africa Amateur Champion 2025
The Amateur Champion for 2025
The European Amateur Champion for 2025
The Open Amateur Series winner 2025
Medical Exemption
The Open Qualifying Series
Previous Winners in the Field (Event):
Xander Schauffele (2024), Brian Harman (2023), Cameron Smith (2022), Collin Morikawa (2021), Shane Lowry (2019), Francesco Molinari (2018), Jordan Spieth (2017), Henrik Stenson (2016), Zach Johnson (2015), Rory McIlroy (2014), Phil Mickelson (2013), Ernie Els (2012, 2002), Darren Clarke (2011), Louis Oosthuizen (2010), Stewart Cink (2009), Pádraig Harrington (2008. 2007), Justin Leonard (1997)
Previous Winners in the Field (Course):
Shane Lowry (2019)
Debutants in the Field:
Adrien Saddier, Andrew Novak, Brian Campbell, Bryan Newman, Cameron Adam, Connor Graham, Curtis Luck, Daniel Young, Dylan Naidoo, Ethan Fang, Filip Jakubcik, Frazer Jones, George Bloor, Harry Hall, J.J. Spaun, Jesper Sandborg, John Axelsen, Justin Hastings, Justin Suh, Kevin Yu, Kristoffer Reitan, Martin Couvra, Matt McCarty, Max Greyserman, Mikiya Akutsu, Nathan Kimsey, Nicolas Echavarria, Niklas Norgaard Moller, OJ Farrell, Oliver Lindell, Richard Teder, Riki Kawamoto, Ryan Peake, Ryggs Johnston, Sampson Zheng, Seb Cave, Sebastian Soderberg, Taylor Pendrith
Amateurs in the Field:
A strong contingent of elite amateurs will tee it up at Royal Portrush, each earning their spot through impressive accomplishments on the global stage. Here’s a look at the amateurs competing in the 2025 Open Championship:
Cameron Adam (Scotland): A recent Northwestern graduate, Adam earned his spot through The Open Amateur Series and is the reigning Scottish Amateur champion.
Sebastian Cave (USA): A junior at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Cave led his team with a 70.67 scoring average this season.
Ethan Fang (USA): The standout junior from Oklahoma State claimed both the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship and the prestigious Amateur Championship, punching his ticket to Portrush.
Connor Graham (Scotland): A sophomore at Texas Tech, Graham was named to the GCAA All-Freshman Team and won the stroke play portion of The Amateur Championship for the second straight year.
Justin Hastings (Cayman Islands): The Latin America Amateur Champion made his Masters debut earlier this year (MC) and followed it with an impressive T55 finish at the U.S. Open.
Filip Jakubcik (Czech Republic): A senior at the University of Arizona, Jakubcik secured his spot by winning the European Amateur Championship in Sweden.
Frazer Jones (USA): A junior at Charlotte, Jones advanced through 36-hole Final Qualifying to book his place at Royal Portrush.
Bryan Newman (South Africa): The winner of the 2024 Africa Amateur Championship, Newman will represent his native South Africa in his Open debut.
Richard Teder (Estonia): Teder made history by becoming the first Estonian to qualify for The Open, earning his place with a fifth-place finish at The Amateur Championship.
Moments like this define Final Qualifying.
An incredible eagle for amateur golfer Richard Teder to secure a spot at The 153rd Open. pic.twitter.com/ljOVfXu6oV
Through grueling 36-hole Final Qualifying across four venues—Burnham & Berrow, Dundonald Links, Royal Cinque Ports, and West Lancashire—a diverse group of professionals and amateurs secured their spots at Royal Portrush. Here’s a look at the qualifiers who earned their way into the field:
Burnham & Berrow Qualifiers
Justin Walters (South Africa): Competing on the Challenge Tour, Walters returns to The Open for the first time since 2014 (MC).
Jacob Skov Olesen (Denmark): A historic qualifier, Olesen became the first Dane to win The Amateur Championship in 2024. This will be his Open debut.
Harry Hall (England): PGA Tour member and 2024 ISCO Championship winner, Hall will make his first career start in The Open.
Frazer Jones(Amateur): A standout junior at Charlotte, Jones punched his ticket through Final Qualifying.
OJ Farrell (England): Competing on the Clutch Pro Tour, Farrell will also be making his Open debut.
Dundonald Links Qualifiers
Lee Westwood (England): The LIV Golf veteran and former world No. 1 qualifies for his 21st Open Championship appearance.
Daniel Young (Scotland): Currently on the Challenge Tour and in excellent form (3rd and T2 in his last two starts). Young starred at Lynn University in Florida, where he became the program’s first three-time All-American.
Angel Hidalgo (Spain): The 2024 Open de España champion returns after missing the cut at last year’s Open.
Jesper Sandborg (Sweden): A rising name on the Nordic Golf League, Sandborg has won twice this season.
Connor Graham(Amateur): The talented Scot adds another championship start after a strong amateur season.
Royal Cinque Ports Qualifiers
Dean Burmester (South Africa): LIV Tour member making his fourth Open appearance.
Nathan Kimsey (England): DP World Tour pro back from injury, set for his first Open start.
Curtis Knipes (England): Playing on the Challenge Tour, Knipes returns after missing the cut at the 2019 Open.
Sebastian Cave(Amateur): The UNC-Charlotte standout earns his Open debut.
John Axelsen (Denmark): Challenge Tour player and former top-ranked amateur, making his first career Open Championship appearance.
West Lancashire Qualifiers
Lucas Herbert (Australia): LIV Golf member and multiple-time worldwide winner, returns for his fifth Open start.
Sampson Zheng (China): Asian Tour player and former Cal standout, making his Open debut.
George Bloor (England): Challenge Tour pro earning his first start in The Open Championship.
Oliver Lindell (Finland): DP World Tour regular also set for his Open debut.
Richard Teder(Amateur): The first Estonian to ever qualify for The Open, Teder makes history at Portrush.
Players with Ties to Northern Ireland in the Field:
Birthplace:
Rory McIlroy — Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland
Darren Clarke — Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the top players in the field for this year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club, ranked by current betting odds (via DraftKings). The table below details each player’s five most recent finishes on the PGA TOUR/ LIV TOUR and their last five results at the Open Championship.
Golfer
Odds
Last 5 Finishes on thePGA TOUR/ LIV TOUR (Recent -> Past)
Last 5 Finishes at theOpen Championship (Recent -> Past)
Finish at the 2019 OpenChampionship hosted at Royal Portrush Golf Club
Six of the last 10 winners were sat inside the top 10 in the OWGR.
Open Championship Form:
Eight of the last 10 Open winners had already posted a top 10 in the event.
Recent Form:
Eight of the last 10 Open champions had a win earlier in the season.
Recent Majors Form:
Eight of the last 10 had posted a top 20 in one of their previous two majors
Major History
All of the last 10 Open winners had already posted a top two in a major during their careers.
Current Form:
Nine of the last 10 Open champions had posted at least one top 10 in one of their three previous starts.
Here’s my 10-year trends preview for the 2025 Open Championship. Give it a good old read please. Some interesting names in the top dozen. @Betfairhttps://t.co/ZdAKNYyKpD
Top-10 ranking in Strokes Gained: Putting in last two months Top-10 ranking in Approach the Green in last two months Top-10 finish in last two months Top-10 ranking in Tee to Green in last two months Played in either of the… pic.twitter.com/mupMVpPPtJ
Will There Be a Playoff at the Open Championship? (Yes +360 / No -500)
The last Open Championship to end in a playoff came in 2015 at St. Andrews, where Zach Johnson outlasted Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen in a four-hole aggregate to claim his second major title.
Royal Portrush Golf Club has hosted the Open twice—2019 and 1951—and neither edition required a playoff to determine the champion.
At the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon, Si Woo Kim recorded a hole-in-one on the 17th hole during the third round.
In 2023 at Royal Liverpool, Travis Smyth made an ace on the 17th hole in the second round.
The 2022 Open at St. Andrews saw no holes-in-one.
In 2021 at Royal St. George’s, Jonathan Thomson made a hole-in-one on the 16th hole during the second round.
Royal Portrush last hosted the Open in 2019, when Emiliano Grillo made an ace on the 13th hole in the opening round. In 1951, the only other time Portrush hosted, no holes-in-one were recorded.
Recent Donkeys for Courses (The Open Championship):
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
Royal Troon
Royal Liverpool
St. Andrews
Royal St George’s
Royal Portrush
Golfer
Events Played
SG: Total (Event)
2024
2023
2022
2021
2019
Keegan Bradley
11
-2.05
MC
MC
MC
MC
MC
Takumi Kanaya
4
-6.75
–
MC
MC
MC
MC
Marc Leishman
11
-11.45
–
–
MC
MC
MC
Shaun Norris
5
-8.45
–
–
MC
MC
MC
Li Haotong
5
-8.45
–
–
MC
MC
MC
Nick Taylor
2
-2.61
MC
MC
–
–
–
Benjamin Griffin
2
-3.61
MC
MC
–
–
–
Marco Penge
2
-7.88
–
MC
MC
–
–
Shugo Imahira
3
-14.8
–
–
MC
–
MC
Denny McCarthy
2
-9.61
MC
MC
–
–
–
Darren Clarke
21
-22.47
T75
MC
MC
MC
MC
Phil Mickelson
21
-25.47
T60
MC
MC
MC
MC
Ernie Els
22
-7.45
WD
MC
MC
MC
T32
Rikuya Hoshino
4
-12.82
MC
T60
MC
MC
–
Recent Horses for Courses (Royal Portrush Golf Club):
The Open Championship
Royal Portrush Golf Club
Golfer
2019
Shane Lowry
WON
Tommy Fleetwood
2
Tony Finau
3
Lee Westwood
T4
Brooks Koepka
T4
Robert MacIntyre
T6
Rickie Fowler
T6
Tyrrell Hatton
T6
Patrick Reed
10
Jon Rahm
T11
Francesco Molinari
T11
Justin Thomas
T11
Ryan Fox
16
Jordan Spieth
T20
Henrik Stenson
T20
Cameron Smith
T20
Louis Oosthuizen
T20
Justin Rose
T20
Matthew Fitzpatrick
T20
Stewart Cink
T20
Lucas Glover
T20
Recent Donkeys for Courses (Royal Portrush Golf Club):
The Open Championship
Royal Portrush Golf Club
Golfer
2019
Rory McIlroy
MC
Brian Harman
MC
Corey Conners
MC
Adam Scott
MC
Jason Day
MC
Li Haotong
MC
Marc Leishman
MC
Hideki Matsuyama
MC
Christiaan Bezuidenhout
MC
Zach Johnson
MC
Phil Mickelson
MC
Bryson DeChambeau
MC
Sungjae Im
MC
Joaquin Niemann
MC
Padraig Harrington
MC
Keegan Bradley
MC
Shaun Norris
MC
Darren Clarke
MC
Takumi Kanaya
MC
Shugo Imahira
MC
Curtis Knipes
MC
Previous Winners Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament):
2024: Xander Schauffele (-9) – Royal Troon
Price: 14-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
10th
1st
1st
11th
15th
2023: Brian Harman (-13) – Royal Liverpool
Price: 125-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
34th
17th
24th
22nd
1st
2022: Cameron Smith (-20) – St. Andrews
Price: 28-1
SG: Off the Tee
SG: Tee to Green
SG: Approach
SG: Around the Green
SG: Putting
15th
17th
30th
27th
1st
2021: Collin Morikawa (-15) – Royal St. George’s Golf Course
Price: 40-1
2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Price: N/A
2019: Shane Lowry (-15) – Royal Portrush Golf Club
Price: 70-1
Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):
2024: Xander Schauffele
T15 – Genesis Scottish Open (PGA)
T13 – Travelers Championship (PGA)
T7 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
T8 – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
WON – PGA Championship (MAJ)
2023: Brian Harman
T12 – Genesis Scottish Open (PGA)
T9 – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
T2 – Travelers Championship (PGA)
T43 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
MC – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
2022: Cameron Smith
T10 – Genesis Scottish Open (PGA)
MC – U.S. Open (MAJ)
T48 – RBC Candian Open (PGA)
T13 – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
T13 – PGA Championship (MAJ)
2021: Collin Morikawa
T71 – abrdn Scottish Open (DPWT)
T4 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
2 – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
T14 – Charles Schwab Challenge (PGA)
T8 – PGA Championship (MAJ)
2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
2019: Shane Lowry
T34 – Dubai Duty Free Irish Open (DPWT)
T28 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
T2 – RBC Canadian Open (PGA)
T8 – PGA Championship (PGA)
MC – Zurich Classic of New Orleans (PGA)
Previous Winners Incoming Form (Majors that year):
2024: Xander Schauffele
U.S. Open
PGA Championship
Masters Tournament
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2)
Valhalla Golf Club
Augusta National Golf Club
2024
2024
2024
T7
WON
8
2023: Brian Harman
U.S. Open
PGA Championship
Masters Tournament
The Los Angeles Country Club (North Course)
Oak Hill Country Club
Augusta National Golf Club
2023
2023
2023
T43
MC
MC
2022: Cameron Smith
U.S. Open
PGA Championship
Masters Tournament
The Country Club
Southern Hills Country Club
Augusta National Golf Club
2022
2022
2022
MC
T13
T3
2021: Collin Morikawa
U.S. Open
PGA Championship
Masters Tournament
Torrey Pines (South)
Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
Augusta National Golf Club
2021
2021
2021
T4
T8
T18
2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
2019: Shane Lowry
U.S. Open
PGA Championship
Masters Tournament
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Bethpage Black
Augusta National Golf Club
2019
2019
2019
T28
T8
MC
Previous Winners Finishes at Event:
2024: Xander Schauffele
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
Royal Liverpool
St Andrews
Royal St George’s
Royal Portrush
Carnoustie
Royal Birkdale
2023
2022
2021
2019
2018
2017
T17
T15
T26
T41
T2
T20
2023: Brian Harman
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
St Andrews
Royal St George’s
Royal Portrush
Carnoustie
Royal Birkdale
St Andrews
Royal Liverpool
2022
2021
2019
2018
2017
2015
2014
T6
T19
MC
MC
MC
MC
T26
2022: Cameron Smith
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
Royal St George’s
Royal Portrush
Carnoustie
Royal Birkdale
2021
2019
2018
2017
T33
T20
78
MC
2021: Collin Morikawa
Tournament Debut
2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
2019: Shane Lowry
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
The Open Championship
Carnoustie
Royal Birkdale
Royal Troon
St Andrews
Royal Liverpool
Muirfield
Royal Lytham & St Annes
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2010
MC
MC
MC
MC
T9
T32
T37
Picks:
Outrights
Jon Rahm (+1200) – DraftKings
Jon Rahm rolls into The Open on the heels of a runner-up finish at LIV Andalucía, where he finished just one stroke behind Taylor Gooch—who, notably, isn’t in the field this week. While Rahm has yet to notch a win on the LIV TOUR this season, he’s been remarkably consistent, posting top-10 finishes in every LIV event except one (T11 at LIV Dallas).
Rahm’s form in Major Championships this year has also been rock-solid: T14 at The Masters, T8 at the PGA Championship, and T7 at the U.S. Open. He’s no stranger to closing the deal at this level either, with two Major titles to his name—the 2023 Masters and 2021 U.S. Open.
Rahm has quietly built an impressive Open Championship résumé, finishing T11 or better in four of his last five starts. That run includes a T11 finish the last time The Open was held at Royal Portrush in 2019, along with a T2 at Royal Liverpool in 2023 and a T3 at Royal St. George’s in 2021—both courses with similarities to this week’s setup. His links pedigree is well established, highlighted by wins at the Irish Open in 2017 (Portstewart) and 2019 (Lahinch).
Rahm checks every box this week: strong recent form, elite Major track record, proven links pedigree, and past success in this tournament. He’ll be one of the most popular picks on the board—and for good reason.
Ludvig Åberg (+2800) – DraftKings
Ludvig Åberg enters The Open off a strong showing at the Genesis Scottish Open, where he finished T8 behind a pair of sparkling 65s in Round 2. His performance highlighted elite ball-striking and adaptability to firm, wind-affected conditions—an encouraging sign ahead of this week’s links test.
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster season for Åberg. He captured a signature win at The Genesis Invitational but has also shown some inconsistency, notably missing the cut at both the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. Still, his T7 finish at The Masters earlier this year—and runner-up finish there in 2024—demonstrate his ability to rise on golf’s biggest stages.
Åberg’s Open Championship résumé is limited. He missed the cut in his lone appearance last year at Royal Troon, shooting 75-76. However, his victory at the 2023 Omega European Masters (while not a true links course) showcased his ability to navigate firm turf and elevation changes—traits that can translate to success on linksland.
While Åberg may not match the traditional mold of an Open Championship winner, his raw talent, versatility, and high ceiling make him an intriguing play at this price. If he brings the same putting stroke he flashed in Scotland, he has the tools to be right in the mix come Sunday.
Viktor Hovland (+3000) – DraftKings
Viktor Hovland heads into The Open with momentum after a T11 finish at the Genesis Scottish Open, closing with a pair of 67s. It was a reassuring performance following his withdrawal from the Travelers Championship due to a neck injury—proof that he’s healthy and rounding into form at the right time.
Hovland has quietly put together a solid run in the majors this season: T21 at The Masters, T28 at the PGA Championship, and a strong solo 3rd at the U.S. Open. He’s no stranger to contending on golf’s biggest stages, with multiple close calls in recent years, including top-4 finishes at all three of the non-Masters majors.
His Open Championship track record is equally impressive. He’s finished T13 or better in three of his last four appearances, including a T13 last year at Royal Liverpool and a T12 at Royal St. George’s in 2021—two venues that share strategic and visual similarities with Royal Portrush.
With his health no longer in doubt, a win already secured this season at the Valspar, and his major championship form trending in the right direction, Hovland offers strong value at this price.
Robert MacIntyre (+3500) – DraftKings
Robert MacIntyre enters The Open off a disappointing T65 at the Genesis Scottish Open, a tournament he won in dramatic fashion last year. Still, his recent form leading into that was trending in the right direction, with four top-20 finishes in his previous five starts.
That said, MacIntyre isn’t the type of player whose wins are preceded by steady, linear progression. In fact, his biggest victories often come out of nowhere. He missed the cut the week prior to winning both the 2024 RBC Canadian Open and last year’s Genesis Scottish Open. The same pattern held true in 2022 when he won the Italian Open on the DP World Tour after a T50 finish the week before.
MacIntyre struggled early in the majors this year, missing the cut at the Masters and finishing T47 at the PGA Championship. However, he flipped the script at the U.S. Open, where he finished solo 2nd—his best career result in a major.
This will be his sixth Open Championship start. While he’s missed the cut in his last three appearances, he flashed serious upside with a T6 finish at Royal Portrush in 2019—this week’s host course—and a T8 at Royal St. George’s in 2021, which shares several traits with Portrush as a links-style test.
A proud Scot, MacIntyre has also shown strong form on true links tracks, including a T5 at last year’s Irish Open at Royal County Down. He may be volatile, but he’s shown he can contend when conditions align—and there’s reason to believe they might this week.
Sepp Straka (+5000) – DraftKings
Sepp Straka has quietly put together an excellent 2025 season, becoming one of just a few players to capture multiple victories. He started the year with a win at The American Express and added another title at the Truist Championship at Philadelphia Cricket Club. Since then, results have been mixed, but he showed strong form with a T7 finish last week at the Genesis Scottish Open.
While he’s struggled in the majors this season—missing the cut at the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open—The Open Championship has been the most favorable major for Straka. After missing the cut in his debut in 2022, he’s posted back-to-back solid performances: a T2 finish at Royal Liverpool in 2023 (a comp course) and a T22 at Royal Troon in 2024.
Straka’s elite approach play continues to be a strength, but when his putter heats up, he becomes a legitimate threat. That was the case in Scotland last week, where he ranked 3rd in SG: Putting—on a similar surface to what he’ll face at Royal Portrush. If the flat stick stays hot, Straka has serious upside this week.
Top 20 (Inc. Ties)
Xander Schauffele (+110) – DraftKings
After dealing with an early-season injury, Xander Schauffele has steadily rounded back into form. He’s been on a strong run since the Valspar Championship in May and most recently posted a T8 at the Genesis Scottish Open, signaling that his game is peaking at the right time.
Schauffele has been a steady presence in the majors this year, finishing T8 at the Masters, T28 at the PGA Championship, and T12 at the U.S. Open—continuing his reputation as one of the most reliable major performers on TOUR.
This will be Schauffele’s eighth Open Championship appearance, and he returns as the defending champion after winning at Royal Troon in 2024. He also recorded solid finishes at comparable links venues: T17 at Royal Liverpool in 2023, T15 at St. Andrews in 2022, T20 at Royal Birkdale in 2017, and a runner-up at Carnoustie in 2018. He also finished T41 in the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush—the last time this course hosted the championship—and won the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club.
With elite ball-striking, proven links success, and his form trending upward, Schauffele is a strong candidate for a top 20 finish this week.
Tyrrell Hatton (+115) – DraftKings
Tyrrell Hatton enters the week in steady form, coming off a T5 at LIV Dallas and a T23 at LIV Andalucia, where he struggled with the putter—losing over a stroke on the greens. Despite that, his ball-striking and tee-to-green play remain sharp.
In the majors this season, Hatton has been solid. He finished T14 at the Masters, T60 at the PGA Championship, and impressed with a T4 at the U.S. Open—his best major result since 2019.
This marks Hatton’s 13th Open Championship appearance. He missed the cut last year at Royal Troon but posted encouraging results in the two editions prior—T20 at Royal Liverpool in 2023 (a comp course) and T11 at St. Andrews in 2022. Notably, he also finished T6 at Royal Portrush in 2019, the last time The Open was held at this week’s venue. Given his experience, recent form, and proven ability on links-style courses, Hatton looks like a strong candidate to secure a top 20 finish.
Robert MacIntyre (+150) – BetMGM
Russell Henley (+175) – DraftKings
Russell Henley has put together a strong 2025 season, highlighted by a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and three top 10 finishes heading into this week’s Open Championship.
His major record this year started slowly, with missed cuts at both the Masters and PGA Championship. However, he bounced back impressively at the U.S. Open, where he finished T10—his best major showing of the season.
This will be Henley’s 11th career Open Championship start. Historically, it hasn’t been his best major, with five missed cuts in his first ten appearances. But he showed significant improvement last year at Royal Troon, finishing 5th—his best result in this championship. With solid form and a recent breakthrough on links-style terrain, Henley is well-positioned to contend for a top 20 finish.
Top 30 (Inc. Ties)
Matt Fitzpatrick (+120) – DraftKings
Adam Scott (+120) – DraftKings
Ryan Fox (+140) – DraftKings
Top 40 (Inc. Ties)
Tom Kim (+135) – DraftKings
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.
We have a MASSIVE show for you today! Joshua Nunn @StepOnADuck1 is back to break down the 2025 big 10 preview! First, Kiev talks about the membership packages that we have up at The Oddsbreakers! Next, Josh comes on and the guys get right into some bets that they have added since their last show together. Then, the boys talk Big 10! We get into performances from last season from a YPP and EPA perspective. We talk about what teams lost and gained in the draft as well as the transfer portal. We discuss scheduling spots and which teams should exceed expectations. After that, Josh and Kiev talk some early college football week 0 & week 1 bets that they have made. Should you have any questions for the podcast, or games that you want us to cap during our shows, please message us at Info@TheOddsBreakers.com. Have a wonderful week!
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