NOTE: Sleeper Picks did not appear in Rob’s Power Rankings, but each presents value for the bet specified.
Wyndham Clark (+11000) … The inclusion of this market raises questions for those who believe neither Rory McIlroy nor Scottie Scheffler will win. The odds for both players are shorter than +500, making this major particularly competitive. Clark stands out in his performance, having secured eight top-25 finishes last season, four of which were top 10s. Although he has had a quieter year, he still achieved a T5 finish. Clark’s only top 40 in four major appearances came from his breakthrough victory at Quail Hollow two years ago, and his U.S. Open victory the following month is his sole top-30 finish in 13 major starts. McIlroy and Scheffler finished second and third, respectively, at The Los Angeles Country Club that week.
Maverick McNealy (+1400) … If McNealy excels in his 10th major appearance, it will mark his first top-five, -10, and -20 finishes in this series. The 12th-ranked golfer is expected to achieve this milestone sooner rather than later, given his recent success with three podium finishes in his last eight tournaments. Following an upper-body injury, McNealy has regained his form and is performing at a high level. Known for his putting skills, he has also improved his approach game this season. With his ability to compete off the tee, his combination of precision and putting could be advantageous.
Daniel Berger (+500) … Berger would have been a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year in 2024, largely due to his strong performance in the FedExCup Fall, where he finished co-runner-up at The RSM Classic. This year, he has continued his top-tier performance, achieving two podium finishes among six top 20s, making him one of the most improved players. He has consistently recorded at least one top 10 in all majors except this one, with two top 15 finishes. Currently, he ranks inside the top 15 on the PGA TOUR in several categories, including Total Driving and Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green.
Denny McCarthy (+290) … Despite lacking a PGA TOUR victory, McCarthy is comparable to Adam Hadwin due to their reputations as excellent putters. McCarthy ranks ninth in Strokes Gained: Putting and twelfth in Bogey Avoidance. He generates opportunities by consistently finding fairways, leading to 16 consecutive cash finishes, including 12 this season, with half resulting in top 20 finishes. In his last three appearances at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow, he has placed T25, T8, and T6, with a scoring average of 69.58 on the challenging par 71 course.
Bud Cauley (+450) … Cauley has earned his place in the field through consistent strong play over the past two months, marking his first major start since the 2020 PGA Championship. After undergoing surgery for complications from a 2018 car accident, he returned to competition in January 2024. Now at 35 years old, he has emerged as a significant contender, reminiscent of his initial rise as a non-member in 2011. Currently, he ranks fifth on the PGA TOUR in adjusted scoring, supported by his precision on approach and exceptional putting.
Odds were sourced at FanDuel.
Martin Henriksen
Som skribent for Golfspillerne.dk, har Martin skrevet adskillige artikler og anmeldelser om golfbaner, udstyr og teknikker. Hans erfaring som golfspiller gør ham til en autoritet inden for feltet, og hans passion for sporten er smitsom for læsere og andre golfspillere.
