The 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship marks the kickoff of the FedEx Cup Playoffs this week, unfolding at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. With a challenging par 70 layout stretching just under 7,300 yards, players will face intense heat and humidity that may push the winning score to between 15 and 20 under par. Among the 69 competitors teeing off, only Masters champion Rory McIlroy is absent from the top-70 FedExCup standings, adding to the event’s competitive depth.
Advancing to next week’s BMW Championship in Maryland hinges on finishing among the top 50 this week. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leads the betting odds at +280, with notable contenders Xander Schauffele (+1600), Justin Thomas (+2200), and Tommy Fleetwood (+2500) trailing behind. Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama stands at +4000 odds, slated to start alongside Brian Harman at 10:05 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday.
Why Hideki Matsuyama Is a Strong Contender for Top Asian Finish
Hideki Matsuyama’s defending champion status paired with favorable odds of +150 in the Top Asian finisher category stands out against rivals Si Woo Kim (+300), Sungjae Im (+320), and Kevin Yu (+360). Kim is struggling, having missed three consecutive cuts and losing strokes putting in eight straight tournaments. Im’s approach game has faltered significantly, with minimal gains on iron shots since early March and only two positive iron performances in his last 17 events. Similarly, Yu has failed to make the cut in his last three starts and is new to the TPC Southwind course. In contrast, Matsuyama arrives confident after three consecutive top-20 finishes and aims to defend his title successfully. This prop bet offers solid value at DraftKings, which is also promoting a $5 bet that earns $200 instantly, alongside $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket with their current promo code.
“I’m stunned that the defending champion of this event is +150 in a category with Si Woo Kim (+300), Sungjae Im (+320), and Kevin Yu (+360). What am I missing here?” —Eric Cohen, SportsLine golf expert
Daniel Berger Looks Primed for a Top-10 Finish Based on Course History
Daniel Berger’s recent form might not be spectacular, but his track record at TPC Southwind is exceptional. Over five appearances from 2016 to 2021, Berger recorded finishes of 1st, 1st, missed cut, tied 2nd, and tied 5th. After a four-year hiatus due to injuries, the 32-year-old American seems poised for a comeback this week. Berger’s strength has consistently come from his approach shots, gaining approximately 29 strokes over five events on this course and showing positive gains on approach in 11 of his last 12 tournaments. However, his putting has been underwhelming since April. Currently holding 30th place in the FedEx Cup standings, Berger faces pressure to secure a spot in the TOUR Championship. This week’s tournament offers a crucial opportunity for him to prove his resilience and post another high finish. Bet365 Sportsbook is incentivizing new users with a $5 bet unlocking $150 instantly through their latest bonus code.
“Though Berger hasn’t been incredibly impressive of late, he’s the ultimate horse for the course at TPC Southwind.” —Eric Cohen, SportsLine golf expert
Top-20 Finishes Prediction for Fleetwood, Henley, and Aberg
Following a successful top-20 prop bet last week, optimism is high again for Tommy Fleetwood, Russell Henley, and Ludvig Aberg to finish within the top 20, including ties, at +500 odds. Fleetwood boasts 10 top-20 finishes in 17 worldwide events this season, with two additional finishes just outside that range. His third-place finish at TPC Southwind two years ago underscores his comfort on this course, though last year he slipped to tied 22nd after losing significant strokes putting. Ludvig Aberg showed modest results last year, tied 40th at this event, but arrives in better shape with three top-20 finishes in his last four non-major tournaments, fueled by consistent ball striking in seven consecutive events. Meanwhile, Russell Henley has been quiet recently but re-enters competition on the back of four straight top-10 finishes and placed tied 6th here in 2023.
With only 69 players competing this week—significantly fewer than a typical PGA Tour event—these three players have a solid chance of finishing within the top 20, as they only need to outperform roughly two-thirds of the field. This combination bet is available in the Tourney Specials section at FanDuel Sportsbook, which offers new users a $5 bet earning $150 if their initial wager wins under the current promo.
“Last week, my top-20 combo prop came through so let’s give it another try this week.” —Eric Cohen, SportsLine golf expert
Additional Expert Insights and Projections for the Championship
Beyond Cohen’s highlighted prop bets, the leaderboard at the FedEx St. Jude Championship draws significant interest, especially with leading players like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, and Tommy Fleetwood expected to fight fiercely for positioning. SportsLine’s predictive model, which has accurately forecasted outcomes for 16 major golf events including last week’s Open Championship, the last four Masters, the past two PGA Championships, and three majors between 2024 and 2025, offers detailed projections for this tournament.
Experts recommend reviewing these projections and advice before finalizing any PGA Tour bets. Cohen has also formulated a 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship parlay that carries a potential payout of nearly $1.1 million on just a $10 wager, providing additional avenues for bettors seeking to maximize returns during this critical playoff phase.
Rising Stakes as the FedEx Cup Playoffs Heat Up
With the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship setting the tone for the FedEx Cup Playoffs, players and fans alike confront intense pressure to advance. The narrow cut line and high stakes create an anxious atmosphere, especially for those on the cusp of qualifying for the TOUR Championship. Performances this week will directly impact players’ chances of clinching the season-ending title, heightening urgency as the next two playoff events rapidly approach. For bettors, leveraging expert picks and prop bets such as those provided by Eric Cohen could be invaluable in navigating this competitive landscape as favorites and underdogs alike push to peak during this pivotal stretch of the PGA Tour season.