While a lot was made about the world’s top-five golfers playing in the Charles Schwab Challenge, it was the tour’s rank and file who made the biggest noise at the event. Daniel Berger, who was ranked 106th in the Official World Golf Ratings, defeated Collin Morikawa, who was ranked 65th, on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff at Colonial Country Club Sunday.
Berger was 80/1 to win the Charles Schwab Challenge at the Westgate SuperBook USA, though one lucky bettor cashed a 71-1 ticket at a Draft Kings sportsbook in Colorado. The unidentified gambler put $1,000 down. MGM reported that one of its mobile bettors collected $3,500 on a $50 wager.
How the Top 5 Golfers Fared Sunday
| No. 1 Rory McIlroy | Tied 32nd |
| No. 2 Jon Rahm | Missed Cut |
| No. 3 Brooks Koepka | Tied 32nd |
| No. 4 Justin Thomas | Tied 10th |
| No. 5 Dustin Johnson | Missed Cut |
Berger earned his third PGA Tour victory on Sunday. All of them have come in the second week of June. His other two victories came at the 2016 and 2017 FedEx St. Jude Classic.
Berger’s Past Hints of Charles Schwab Success
Berger’s victory shouldn’t have been too much of a surprise, considering how he was playing coming into the Charles Schwab Challenge. Before the tour went on a 12-week suspension because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the 27-year-old had three straight top-10 finishes.
Even though he was playing well three months ago, he was still a long shot in those events. His odds did drop every week, however.
Daniel Berger’s Top-10 Finishes/Odds
| Tournament | Finish | Odds to Win |
| Phoenix Open | Tied Ninth | 80/1 |
| Pebble Beach Pro-Am | Tied Fifth | 40/1 |
| Honda Classic | Tied Fourth | 30/1 |
Despite the three-month break, Berger said he felt his game was strong.
“It was a great week, and I’ve been playing some great golf for the last couple months,†Berger said. “I’m just excited to be back in this position.â€
Those that had faith in Berger before the Charles Schwab Challenge were rewarded greatly, but there were still good odds to be had following each round.
After Thursday’s opening round at Colonial Country Club, Berger was a 25/1 pick to win on adjusted odds at the Westgate SuperBook USA. His odds stayed at 25/1 before the third round. Going into the final round, he was bumped to 20/1.
Even going into the playoff Berger was an underdog. The Westgate had him at even, while Morikawa was -110.
McIlroy Falters as Favorite
For the fifth time this year, No. 1 golfer in the world Rory McIlroy failed to win a golf tournament when he was the favorite. Before the start of the Charles Schwab Challenge, McIlroy was listed anywhere from 8/1 to 10/1, depending on the sportsbook. McIlroy did win the HSBC Champions in November as a 6/1 favorite.
McIlroy 2020 Results as Tournament Favorite
| Tournament | Odds | Result |
| Farmers Insurance Open | 7/1 | Tied Third |
| Genesis Invitational | 8/1 | Tied Fifth |
| WGC-Mexico | 6/1 | Fifth |
| Arnold Palmer Invitational | 5/1 | Tied Fifth |
| Charles Schwab Challenge | 10/1 | Tied 32nd |
The tie for 32nd on Sunday broke McIlroy’s streak of eight straight finishes in the top 10 on the PGA Tour. He told reporters on Sunday a bad start doomed his chances.
“Yeah, I just got off to a bad start. But you know, sort of played all the way to the end, shot a decent back nine,†McIlroy said. “I was a couple under on the back. But front nine, I just got into a rut and played a bad run of holes, and obviously that put me out of the tournament.â€
