2025 Golf Season Preview: Top Players to Watch and Their Betting Odds
As the 2025 golf season unfolds, the global field is as competitive as ever. The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) offers a revealing snapshot of form, consistency, and momentum. From rising talents to dominant veterans, this year’s major championship picture is shaping up with a core group of elite contenders.
Below, we explore the standout players to watch to gauge where betting value might be found—and who’s most likely to lift silverware in 2025.
Scottie Scheffler: Still the Man to Beat
Scottie Scheffler has established himself as the definitive No. 1 heading into 2025. With an average of 18.35 ranking points, he boasts a 2.5-stroke-per-tournament edge over the next best player. His dominance is reflected not just in raw stats—752.5 total points and multiple trophies this season—but in consistency. He ranks inside the top 25 of every strokes-gained category and has proven immune to pressure.
Scheffler’s current form includes three wins in four recent starts. Bettors are backing him heavily, with implied odds positioning him around +280 for the PGA Tour. That short number speaks to his stranglehold on the field. It’s no surprise he’s been a focal point in golf betting odds discussions. Unless something dramatic shifts, he’s the benchmark for every other player on tour.
Rory McIlroy: High Risk, High Reward
Rory McIlroy’s season has been one of extremes. He surged to a Masters win but then struggled at the PGA Championship and Canadian Open. While his recent form is shaky, he still holds the No. 2 OWGR slot with a healthy 11.01 average. According to recent FanDuel golf player updates, McIlroy’s outlook remains cautiously optimistic heading into the U.S. Open.
Despite missing the cut in Canada, his history at the U.S. Open is strong, with six consecutive top 10s and elite ball-striking numbers when on song. His betting odds are drifting—now hovering near +1100—but that creates value for gamblers willing to overlook recency bias. If he figures out the driver, he’s more than capable of flipping the narrative.
Xander Schauffele: The Grinder with Upside
Ranked third globally, Xander Schauffele has become a fixture near the top of leaderboards at majors, particularly U.S. Opens. He’s placed inside the top 15 in all eight of his appearances at the national championship, and his average points (7.31) reflect high-level consistency.
In 2024, he broke through with his first two major titles, and he continues to build. Schauffele thrives under difficult conditions. Oddsmakers have noticed—he’s priced around +1400 for most majors—and he could provide value as a steady top-five finisher or winner each-way.
Justin Thomas: Searching for Stability
Justin Thomas enters 2025 ranked fifth, but his recent major record is concerning. He’s missed six cuts in his last 12 major starts and lacks a top-30 result outside of one exception. His short game and approach play remain assets, but off-the-tee issues have derailed his efforts.
Thomas’s average points (6.01) and total points (264.26) are strong, yet recent results suggest caution. His odds, often around +2500, may tempt based on name value, but unless he finds more fairways, he’s tough to justify.
Sepp Straka: Quiet Climber with Lethal Precision
Austrian Sepp Straka has climbed to seventh in the OWGR on the back of excellent approach play and elite driving accuracy. With an average of 4.82 points from 54 events, his game has matured into something dependable and dangerous.
Straka’s odds usually fall in the +3000 to +4000 range, giving him real upside for long-shot backers. His precise tee game often sets him up for consistent birdie chances. If his short game holds, he’s a live pick.
Ludvig Åberg: The Breakout Star
Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg is having a breakthrough year. Ranked tenth with an average of 4.74 points, he’s been a driver-first machine. He led the 36-hole standings at last year’s U.S. Open and finished T12, proving he can handle major pressure.
Åberg’s game from tee to green is elite, although his approach play still lags behind. Nevertheless, his upside is immense. Oddsmakers place him around +2500, with some fluctuation based on field strength. If his wedge game clicks, Åberg could be this year’s Viktor Hovland—a sleeper turned superstar.
Bryson DeChambeau: Built for Brutality
Bryson DeChambeau may be ranked 13th, but his U.S. Open resume tells a more complete story. The two-time champion thrives in conditions where others flounder. He’s finished top six in six of the last seven majors on U.S. soil and has updated his iron set to compensate for early-season issues.
At 4.27 average points in only nine events, he has the highest point-per-event ratio among the top 20. That suggests sharp form in limited starts. DeChambeau’s power game, complemented
by a tactical mindset, makes him a true contender. He’s typically priced at +1400 to +1800, and bettors should expect that line to shorten if his new scoring clubs produce results.
Ben Griffin: The Emerging Threat
Ben Griffin’s season is flying under the radar. Ranked 15th with 3.95 average points, he’s quietly surged with a win at the Charles Schwab Challenge and a near-miss at the Memorial. His all-around game, bolstered by strong putting and recent confidence, makes him one of the most intriguing debutants.
Griffin’s odds are still generous—often beyond +5000—which makes him ideal for dark horse bets. If you’re looking for a breakout major performance, he’s near the top of the list.
Harris English: The Major Lurker
Harris English is another name that doesn’t scream “contender,” yet his major results do. Ranked 17th, English has three U.S. Open top 10s in five years. In 2021, he was third at Torrey Pines and his 2025 season shows he’s in arguably the best driving form of his career.
He’s priced conservatively at around +6000, but for top-10 or top-20 plays, English offers substantial value. His even-keeled approach is tailor-made for punishing venues.
A Historic 2025 Golf Season
The 2025 season isn’t just another chapter; it’s potentially a turning point. Scheffler is poised for a Tiger-esque run. Rory could cement his legacy. The rise of Åberg, Straka, and Griffin promises a future not dominated by a single narrative.
Every stroke matters now—whether you’re watching or wagering, this year promises fireworks.