The PGA Tour playoffs have commenced with the St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis taking center stage this week. As experts prepare their Xander Schauffele PGA Tour picks alongside other contenders, the betting panel from Sports Illustrated is eager to capitalize on this critical FedExCup Playoffs event, emphasizing the importance of elite ball striking to secure victory.
Expert Panel’s Top Contenders for the Championship
The first stage of the playoffs features a limited field where strong approach play is essential, as proven by past winners Hideki Matsuyama and Lucas Glover. The panel includes golf insiders such as Iain MacMillan, Brian Kirschner, John Schwarb, Cody Williams, and Brian Giuffra, each offering their favored outright winner and reasoning behind their choices.
Iain MacMillan is backing Scottie Scheffler at +280 on FanDuel, highlighting Scheffler’s recent improvements on the greens and consistent approach game, which he showcased notably during the British Open. MacMillan believes Scheffler is poised to start the playoffs with a commanding performance.
Brian Kirschner selects Matt Fitzpatrick at +2800 on DraftKings, surprised by his under-the-radar status despite excellent recent finishes including a top 8 at the British Open and Bermuda Wyndham. Kirschner sees Fitzpatrick’s course history and end-of-season focus as strong assets for contention.
John Schwarb focuses on Xander Schauffele at +1800 on DraftKings, citing Schauffele’s solid recent performances, including top-10 finishes at the Scottish and British Opens. Schwarb notes Schauffele’s runner-up finish at this event last year and believes he is primed to capitalize on Scheffler’s heavily favored odds.
Cody Williams leans toward Viktor Hovland at +3500 on DraftKings, pointing to Hovland’s upward trend at St. Jude, a runner-up finish last season, and strong ball striking metrics over recent rounds. Williams emphasizes Hovland’s proficiency on similar course setups demanding precise iron play and putting on Bermuda greens.
Brian Giuffra supports Russell Henley at +3000 on FanDuel, highlighting Henley’s hot streak of top-ten finishes and his compatibility with TPC Southwind’s layout. Giuffra notes Henley’s solid putting on Poa greens and his recent surge in approach accuracy as key factors driving his bet.
Longshot Selections That Could Deliver Big Returns
For those looking to add an element of risk with potential high reward, the panel offers several intriguing longshot picks. Iain MacMillan recommends Nick Taylor at +9000 on FanDuel, highlighting Taylor’s recent consistent performances before a missed cut at the British Open, including a solo fourth place at the Memorial.
Brian Kirschner doubles down on Chris Kirk at +10000 on FanDuel, noting Kirk’s strong iron play, accuracy off the tee, and success on Bermuda surfaces, backed by past solid finishes at this venue. Kirk’s T5 finish last week reinforces Kirschner’s confidence.
Both John Schwarb and Cody Williams select Lucas Glover at +9000 on FanDuel, emphasizing Glover’s previous success at St. Jude, including a win last year and a third-place finish in 2022. Glover’s recent improvement in ball striking and renewed accuracy with the driver bolster their shared belief in his potential.
Brian Giuffra identifies Daniel Berger at +5000 on FanDuel, citing Berger’s strong driving and approach despite recent putting struggles. Berger’s experience on Poa greens and recent top finishes on similar surfaces suggest he can rebound strongly in Memphis.
Best Bets for Leading Early in the Tournament
Focusing on first-round leader predictions, Iain MacMillan highlights Denny McCarthy at +5500 on FanDuel due to his strong history at TPC Southwind and impressive strokes gained in opening rounds this season.
Brian Kirschner picks Harris English at +4000 on DraftKings, recalling English’s near victory at the 2013 event and solid performances recently, including an impressive showing at The Open. Kirschner anticipates English could be poised for a strong start and contention.
John Schwarb and Cody Williams both recommend Scottie Scheffler at +1100 on DraftKings to lead early rounds. Schwarb values the solid odds and Scheffler’s consistent form, while Williams appreciates the better odds compared to the outright bet and notes Scheffler’s strong PM scoring average and favorable tee times.
Brian Giuffra bets on Lucas Glover at +6500 on FanDuel for the first-round lead, banking on Glover’s putting strength on Poa greens and his comfort at this venue with previous top finishes.
Strategic Prop Bets From the Panel Experts
The panelists also share compelling prop wagers that provide alternative ways to engage with the tournament. Iain MacMillan backs Cameron Young to finish in the top 20 at +140 odds, citing Young’s exceptional ball striking and putting demonstrated last week in his win.
Brian Kirschner suggests betting on Brian Harman to land in the top 20 at +200 on DraftKings, pointing to Harman’s performance at The Open where he excelled in ball striking and his previous strong finishes at St. Jude.
John Schwarb supports Aaron Rai at +450 on DraftKings to be the top UK or Ireland player this week, noting his consistent form following minimal rest after the British Open and a recent top-five finish at the Wyndham.
Cody Williams favors Ben Griffin to win Group C at +350 on FanDuel, highlighting Griffin’s strong play on Bermuda greens and balanced game in strokes gained categories.
Brian Giuffra identifies a higher-risk market by backing Russell Henley at +2000 on FanDuel to win if top favorites Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, and Xander Schauffele are excluded. He supports this with strong metrics indicating Henley’s potential to seize the opportunity in a favorable scenario.
Projected Winning Scores Indicate Competitive Finishes
- Iain MacMillan predicts a winning score of -18
- Brian Kirschner expects -16
- John Schwarb foresees -17
- Cody Williams projects -16
- Brian Giuffra anticipates -15
The odds reflecting these predictions refresh frequently and are subject to change as the tournament progresses.
With the playoff field shrinking to just 50 players in the coming rounds, the competition is intensifying, and betting opportunities such as the Xander Schauffele PGA Tour picks remain vital for those seeking an edge. The St. Jude Championship presents a critical juncture, where ball striking and putting on Bermuda and Poa greens will determine who advances and who falls out.
For fans and bettors alike, the expertise of the SI Golf panel offers a strategic advantage, delivering both favorites and value plays poised to make a significant impact in this pivotal playoff event.