The FedEx Cup Playoffs begin this week, and No. 1 seed Justin Thomas is the favorite to win at 3/1 at the Westgate SuperBook USA in Las Vegas. But before gamblers back Thomas to win the playoffs, there’s a stat they should consider.
In the 14 years of the event, only one golfer entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed and went on to win. Tiger Woods managed to do it back in 2007 and 2009. That was back when the playoffs were four golf tournaments instead of three, as is the current format.
Odds to Win FedEx Cup Playoffs
- Justin Thomas 3/1
- Bryson DeChambeau 9/2
- Collin Morikawa 6/1
- Rory McIlroy 12/1
- Webb Simpson 12/1
- Jon Rahm 12/1
- Sung-Jae Im 20/1
- Daniel Berger 25/1
- Xander Schauffele 25/1
- Patrick Reed 25/1
- Tony Finau 40/1
- Tiger Woods 50/1
- Brooks Koepka 50/1
Source: Westgate SuperBook USA
The first of the three playoff events begins Thursday at The Northern Trust at TPC Boston. That tournament is followed by the BMW Championship at Olympia Fields, outside of Chicago. The playoffs culminate with the Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta.
So who has the best chance to win the FedEx Cup Playoffs? We take a look at golfers to possibly wager on, and others to skip.
Golfers to Consider
Justin Thomas (3/1)
The reigning points leader going into the FedEx Cup Playoffs won in 2017, and is trying to join Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy as a two-time champion.
Thomas has won three tournaments this year, including a World Golf Championship event. He won the BMW Championship last year, and could seal up the title with a victory and two high finishes.
Bryson DeChambeau (9/2)
DeChambeau has performed as well as anyone since the tour restarted its season on June 13. He had five top 10s in seven events, including a tie for fourth at the PGA Championship.
Now, DeChambeau believes he’s fixed a flaw in his game; finding the fairway off the tee.
“I think I’ve figured something out in the golf swing that will hopefully help me hit it a little straighter,†DeChambeau told reporters on Tuesday. “That would be nice.”
Webb Simpson (12/1)
Simpson is consistent and, though not flashy, might be well suited for the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs. He’s won twice this season, including in June at the RBC Heritage.
He also finished tied for third at last week’s Wyndham Championship, so he might be peaking at the right time.
Golfers to Avoid
Rory McIlroy (12/1)
The Irishman has been off since the restart, especially in big events. He tied for 32nd at the Memorial, tied for 47th at the WGC FedEx St. Jude Invitational, and was tied for 33rd at the PGA Championship. Those three finishes are huge red flags, and at 12/1, we don’t believe he’s worth a bet.
Brooks Koepka (50/1)
A 50/1 line on Koepka seems like a value wager, but it’s really a sucker’s bet if you look closer. Koepka has played six consecutive events and, if he makes it to the Tour Championship in three weeks, he will have competed for nine weeks straight. That’s a lot of golf.
Add the fact that his performances in the past six events have been pretty shabby, other than a tie for second at the WGC FedEx St. Jude Invitational. He missed the cut last week against much weaker competition.
