2025 PLAYERS Championship Best Bets: Scheffler, Morikawa, & Head-to-Head Picks

by | Last updated Mar 13, 2025 | golf

Doug Ghim Pro Golfer

The 2025 PLAYERS Championship, held at the iconic TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, stands as one of the crown jewels of the PGA Tour. Dubbed the “fifth major” due to its prestige and the strength of the field, the tournament offers one of the richest purses in professional golf and draws the world’s top golfers. The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is one of the most recognizable and challenging layouts on the tour, highlighted by the legendary par-3 17th hole, featuring the infamous island green.

This year’s field includes all of the sport’s biggest names, with defending champion Scottie Scheffler looking to go back-to-back while Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Collin Morikawa are all in strong form entering the event. The unpredictable nature of TPC Sawgrass — where water hazards lurk on nearly every hole and narrow fairways demand precision — ensures that no lead is safe, making for a thrilling four days of competition.

Event Details

  • Where: TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
  • When: March 13th-16th, 2025
  • Watch: The Golf Channel, NBC Sports, Peacock

About the Course

  • Par 72
  • Distance: 7,189 yards
  • Designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1980
  • The par-3 17th hole (island green) is one of the most famous holes in golf and often a deciding factor in the tournament outcome

Who to Bet This Weekend?

Scottie Scheffler – To Win (+500)

Scheffler has been in incredible form heading into The PLAYERS, with a win and two top-5 finishes in his last four starts. He’s the defending champion and has shown an ability to navigate the tricky layout of TPC Sawgrass with poise. Scheffler’s elite tee-to-green game and calm demeanor under pressure make him the favorite for a reason. His ability to score on par-5s and avoid big numbers on the island green could give him the edge over the field.

Collin Morikawa – Top 5 Finish (+285)

Morikawa’s iron play remains his biggest weapon, and TPC Sawgrass rewards precision over power. Morikawa has been trending upward, finishing T6 and T4 in his last two starts. His ability to hit greens in regulation and avoid mistakes on the back nine at Sawgrass makes him a strong candidate for a top-5 finish. If the putter stays hot, he could be in contention for the win come Sunday.

Jordan Spieth – Top 10 Finish (+240)

Spieth’s creative short game and ability to scramble make him a dangerous player at TPC Sawgrass, where uneven lies and tight pin locations put pressure on approach play. Spieth has made three straight cuts at The PLAYERS and finished T4 last year. He’s coming off a T3 at the Genesis and looks comfortable with his swing. A top-10 finish is well within reach given his current form.

Head-to-Head Matchup Picks

Taylor Pendrith (-120) over Doug Ghim

Pendrith’s length off the tee should give him a significant advantage at TPC Sawgrass, where driving accuracy and distance are key to setting up scoring opportunities. Ghim has struggled with consistency this season and his approach play has been below average. Pendrith, meanwhile, ranks inside the top 20 in strokes gained off the tee and has shown the ability to score well on challenging layouts. Pendrith’s superior driving and ability to avoid trouble should give him the edge in this matchup.

Justin Rose (-135) over Billy Horschel

Rose has been a model of consistency this season, with multiple top-10 finishes. His ball-striking and iron play have been among the best on tour, and his history at TPC Sawgrass includes a pair of top-10 finishes. Horschel has been inconsistent, missing two of his last four cuts. Rose’s strong iron play and reliable short game make him the more stable option in this matchup, especially given Horschel’s tendency to struggle with accuracy off the tee.

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