Golf betting in 2025 has never been more dynamic. Between the unpredictability of tournament setups, the psychological resilience needed in closing rounds, and the global talent pool pushing into the PGA Tour spotlight, bettors are presented with a wealth of opportunities. For those exploring alternatives such as betting sites not on GamStop here, the latest betting insights, particularly from the TOUR Championship and FedEx Cup standings, highlight a clear group of players who combine form, consistency, and betting market value.
In this article, we break down the top 10 golf players currently favored for betting, focusing on outright wins, top finishes, and round-specific wagers. From dominant forces like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy to valuable outsiders like Tommy Fleetwood and Ben Griffin, here’s what you need to know before placing your next wager.
- Scottie Scheffler – The Undisputed Favorite
No player defines 2025 betting markets more than Scottie Scheffler. With four PGA Tour wins this year, including the Open Championship in Northern Ireland, Scheffler sits comfortably at the top of the FedEx Cup standings. His odds tell the story:
- FedEx St. Jude Championship: +280
- TOUR Championship: +150
- 2025 Open Championship: +550
Scheffler consistently enters events as the clear favorite, often trading below +200 for a Top-5 finish, which makes him one of the few golfers whose outright market dominance translates into value even at shorter odds. Bettors can confidently back him for outright wins or safe placements in Top 5 and Top 10 markets.
The betting strategy with Scheffler is straightforward: ride the form. Until the market significantly overcorrects or injury concerns appear, Scheffler remains the premier pick across all majors and FedEx events.
- Rory McIlroy – The Perennial Challenger
If Scheffler is the immovable object, Rory McIlroy is the unstoppable force chasing him. The Northern Irishman remains one of the most popular betting choices, often priced between +600 and +800 for outright wins. His consistency is key: while Scheffler takes headlines with victories, McIlroy delivers steady Top-10 finishes and is rarely out of contention on Sunday.
For bettors, McIlroy represents lower volatility. While his outright wins may be fewer than Scheffler’s, he thrives as a bet in markets like Top European Player or head-to-head matchups. With majors still on his radar and fan confidence high, McIlroy is a cornerstone of any diversified betting slip.
- J.J. Spaun – The Underdog Value Pick
J.J. Spaun may not have the household name recognition of Scheffler or McIlroy, but his odds make him a fascinating value option. Often priced well into double digits (+4000 or longer for outright wins), Spaun has shown resilience in high-pressure rounds.
Bettors should consider Spaun in Top-20 markets or round-by-round matchups, where his consistency can translate into profitable outcomes without needing him to lift the trophy.
- Justin Rose – The Experienced Veteran
At 45, Justin Rose continues to defy age with competitive performances in 2025. While his outright odds are higher than those of top favorites, Rose thrives in events where experience outweighs raw power.
Rose is particularly strong in links golf and tournaments where course management matters more than driving distance. For bettors, this means Rose is a smart pick in the Open Championship markets or for Top-30 finishes in big fields.
- Tommy Fleetwood – A Sleeper With Strong Value
The narrative around Tommy Fleetwood remains the same: incredible ball-striking, incredible potential, but still hunting for that breakthrough PGA Tour victory. In 2025, Fleetwood continues to appear on betting radars thanks to his match-play strength and ability to deliver in tough conditions.
Bettors who trust Fleetwood often look to placement markets (Top 5, Top 10) or special props like lowest round. His odds are longer than McIlroy’s or Scheffler’s, but his form suggests that value lies in these side markets.
- Ben Griffin – The Emerging Contender
Ben Griffin has turned heads with consistent finishes on the PGA Tour this year, positioning himself as one of 2025’s breakout stars. Griffin’s outright odds remain attractive, often priced around +3000 to +5000, making him an excellent option for bettors seeking a blend of upside and affordability.
Griffin is particularly worth watching in early-round leader bets, where his ability to start strong translates into profitable wagers even if he fades later in the tournament.
- Russell Henley – The Steady Performer
Known for his accurate iron play, Russell Henley offers reliability in placement markets. His outright odds are longer, but Henley consistently finds himself inside the Top 20 on leaderboard weekends.
For bettors, Henley is a low-risk, medium-reward option. He rarely collapses, making him ideal for conservative strategies like Top 20 or Top 30 finishes across multiple tournaments.
- Sepp Straka – Europe’s Dark Horse
Sepp Straka is a name bettors love because of his volatility. When he’s on, Straka can contend for titles and deliver at long odds. When he’s off, he can miss cuts and frustrate backers.
The best way to approach Straka is through Top Continental European Player bets or speculative outright punts when his form is trending upward. His game suits longer courses, so bettors should track him closely at U.S. Open-style setups.
- Robert MacIntyre – The Scottish Hope
Young and fearless, Robert MacIntyre enters 2025 with growing momentum. His performances in majors have shown glimpses of brilliance, making him a value pick in big events.
MacIntyre’s outright odds remain long enough to justify small stake outright bets. He’s also a reliable choice for Top-40 markets, giving bettors flexibility depending on risk tolerance.
- Maverick McNealy – The Wildcard
Few players carry as much intrigue in betting markets as Maverick McNealy. His skill set makes him dangerous in birdie-friendly courses where low scoring dominates.
McNealy is best approached in First-Round Leader bets or as a speculative outright punt when the course fits his style. At odds often stretching past +8000, even modest bets can return significant profits if he delivers.
Betting Strategies for 2025
With these 10 names setting the tone for betting markets, how should bettors approach the season?
- Anchor bets on Scottie Scheffler – Outright wins, Top-5, and Top-10 markets remain the strongest bets in golf right now.
- Diversify with Rory McIlroy – Consistency pays, making McIlroy an excellent hedge in placement or head-to-head bets.
- Target value in Fleetwood and Griffin – Their odds offer upside without excessive risk.
- Exploit volatility with Straka and McNealy – High-risk, high-reward strategies make sense with these players.
- Stay updated on odds shifts – Course setups, weather conditions, and last-minute injuries can create significant movement in markets.
The 2025 golf season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in betting history. With Scheffler dominating, McIlroy challenging, and a host of players like Fleetwood, Griffin, and McNealy offering unique market value, bettors have an array of profitable paths to explore.
Whether you’re building safe slips anchored on proven stars or hunting big payouts on long-shot contenders, the key lies in blending certainty with calculated risk. Golf’s unpredictability is its beauty—and in 2025, it’s also its greatest opportunity for bettors.
