The 2025 PGA Tour is off to a blazing start, and the competition is already white-hot!. From the lush fairways of Hawaii to the iconic courses of California, the world’s best golfers are battling it out for FedExCup points and major championship glory.
With a dynamic blend of seasoned veterans and electrifying rookies, the tour is more unpredictable than ever, and that has the betting markets buzzing. Which rising stars are poised to challenge the established order, and how are their performances impacting the odds? Let’s tee off and explore the key storylines shaping the 2025 PGA Tour
Rising Stars on the 2025 PGA Tour Who Are Becoming Betting Favorites
What makes a “rising star” on the PGA Tour? These are players who are starting to challenge seasoned veterans, consistently delivering strong performances, and catching the eye of fans and bettors alike.
In 2025, rising talents like Tom Kim, Sahith Theegala, and Ludvig Aberg are stepping up to compete with the likes of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. Their impact is reshaping the betting markets, offering exciting opportunities for fans looking to place smart wagers.
Established Stars Leading the Betting Markets
While the tour is buzzing with exciting new talent, the established stars are far from fading into the background; they remain the favorites in many betting markets. So, who are these seasoned champions that the rising stars are so eager to dethrone, and what makes them such formidable contenders week after week? Let’s take a closer look at the top players whose experience and skill continue to dominate the leaderboard and the odds.
Rory McIlroy: The Quest for a Career Grand Slam
Rory McIlroy enters the 2025 season ranked second in the world. With three tournament wins in 2024, including the BMW Championship, McIlroy’s consistency is unmatched. His final round average of 68.4 highlights his ability to perform under pressure.
Golf odds for The Masters already reflect McIlroy’s strong position, with bookmakers factoring in both his Grand Slam quest and recent putting improvements.
The one thing missing from McIlroy’s incredible career? A master title. Winning at Augusta National would make him just the sixth golfer in history to complete the career Grand Slam. This ambition makes him a popular choice for bettors, especially at The Masters in April.
Scottie Scheffler: Dominance and Versatility
Ranked No. 1 in the world as of February 10, 2025, Scottie Scheffler has been a dominant force on the PGA Tour. In 2024, he recorded seven official PGA Tour wins, including The Players Championship and his second Masters Tournament. His season was so dominant that he earned the Jack Nicklaus Award for the third consecutive season.
His stats on the fairways and greens are equally impressive, with a 318-yard average drive and a greens-in-regulation (GIR) percentage of 72.3%.
Scheffler’s tactical approach and ability to thrive on challenging courses make him a favorite for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Bettors value his consistency and versatility, especially in tough conditions.
Collin Morikawa: Precision and Adaptability
Collin Morikawa, ranked fourth in the world, is known for his pinpoint accuracy. In 2024, he averaged 4.75 birdies per round and ranked in the top 10 for approach shots under 150 yards.
Morikawa’s focus in 2025 is The Open, where his skills on links courses give him a distinct advantage. His ability to adapt to tough conditions makes him a strong contender for both fans and bettors.
Viktor Hovland: The International Contender
Norwegian star Viktor Hovland had a stellar 2024 season, with two PGA Tour wins and a reputation for excelling on hard courses. Ranked third globally, Hovland’s mental resilience and adaptability make him a threat in any major tournament.
For bettors, Hovland’s consistent finishes and ability to handle pressure make him a reliable pick, especially in head-to-head matchups.
Hideki Matsuyama: The Consistent Veteran
As the 2021 Masters champion, Hideki Matsuyama brings experience and precision to the table. His approach shots and performance in high-stakes events make him a dependable choice for bettors looking for value in major tournaments.
Rising Talents Poised for Breakout Seasons
While the established stars dominate headlines, several rising talents are making a name for themselves in 2025.
Tom Kim: Accuracy and Consistency
Tom Kim is quickly becoming a fan favorite. With a T-6 finish at the PGA Championship, Kim’s accuracy off the tee and calm demeanor under pressure are turning heads.
For bettors, Kim offers excellent value in markets like top-10 finishes and head-to-head matchups. Could 2025 be the year he claims his first major title?
Sahith Theegala: Creativity Around the Greens
Sahith Theegala secured his first PGA Tour win in 2024, showcasing his creativity and exceptional short game. His ability to navigate tricky greens makes him a wildcard in any tournament.
Theegala is a smart pick for bettors looking for under-the-radar players with high upside, especially in matchups or top-20 bets.
Wyndham Clark: Building Momentum
After a strong finish at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in 2024, Wyndham Clark is a player to watch. If he can maintain consistency, he has the potential to make a significant impact in 2025.
Clark’s underrated status makes him a value pick in outright winner markets.
Something Old, Something New
The 2025 PGA Tour is a thrilling mix of rising stars, established champions, and iconic tournaments. Players like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler remain favorites, but rising talents like Tom Kim and Sahith Theegala are making their mark.
For bettors, understanding player form, course compatibility, and market trends is key to making informed decisions. With so much talent on display, this season promises excitement for fans and bettors alike.