After a thrilling finale at Pebble Beach last weekend, the PGA Tour continues this week with a trip to Arizona for one of the most anticipated events of the early season – the Phoenix Open.
The event is notorious for having a Ryder Cup-style atmosphere with fans often queuing for hours to gain access to TPC Scottsdale. The par-3 16th hole is a particularly rowdy hole and fan celebrations on this hole have even caused play disruptions in the past.
While some players love playing in this type of atmosphere, others aren't fans, and now that the tournament isn't a designated event, there isn't an expectation for the world's best players to compete. However, there is still a stacked field in Phoenix this week which sets us up for a brilliant weekend of golf.
The most notable name in the field is none other than Scottie Scheffler. The world number one made his first appearance of the season last week and finished inside the top ten. He will want to improve on that this week as he looks to repeat his seven-win season last year.
Last weekend's winner, Rory McIlroy, has declined to take part this week which is a shame given the momentum he now has behind him. The Northern Irishman will next be seen at the Genesis Invitational next weekend.
Ahead of the first tee times tomorrow, here are our Phoenix Open betting tips.
Phoenix Open betting tips
Scottie Scheffler EW (Ten places) – 5/2
Yes, we're backing Scottie Scheffler again this week despite him being the overwhelming favourite to lift the title on Sunday. To put it in simple terms, it's almost impossible to ignore what Scheffler brings to the table this week, not least the fact he won this event in 2022 and 2023 and finished in a tie for third last year.
The overbearing crowds clearly don't phase the world number one and his game looked in good nick on his season debut last week, and if it wasn't for a few unusually wayward iron shots then he would have been right in the mix down the stretch.
That ring rust is now out of the system, though, and with no Rory McIlroy or Xander Schaufelle taking part this week, there isn't anyone in the field he should fear.
Sam Burns EW (Ten places) – 16/1
While Scheffler won't fear anyone this week, one player he will be wary of is his good friend, Sam Burns. The pair are regular practice partners so the idea of Scheffler intimidating Burns should they both be in the mix on Sunday is out of the question.
Burns has a good record at TPC Scottsdale, too, finishing third and sixth in his last two appearances here. He has started the year in decent form as well, with his best performance coming at Sentry where he finished in a tie for eighth. While he may not win, he feels relatively safe to cover the E/W.
Burns' last win on the PGA Tour came at the WGC matchplay in 2023 where he beat Scheffler in the semi-finals. For a player who regularly ranks high in putting metrics, two years is far too long without a tournament win so he is due one.
Sepp Straka EW (Ten places) – 28/1
Sepp Straka has made a brilliant start to 2025 and the signs are there that the Austrian could have a season to remember.
Straka has been busy, playing in four of the five events so far in 2025 and is yet to miss the cut line in any. His best performance came at the American Express where he lifted the trophy to become a three-time winner on the PGA Tour.
Aside from his form, what makes Straka a great outside bet this week is the fact he is ranking highly in two key metrics. Compared to the PGA Tour average, greens in regulation percentage and strokes gained from tee to green are for more important at TPC Scottsdale. This season, Straka ranks fifth for the former and seventh for the latter.
At 28/1 with all of the best golf betting sites, Straka offers brilliant value this week.
Phoenix Open tips
- Scottie Scheffler EW – 5/2 @ BoyleSports
- Sam Burns EW– 16/1 @ BoyleSports
- Sepp Straka EW – 28/1 @ BoyleSports
Andy is tipster who has been calling Golf tournaments for several years across many different platforms. He has covered all tournaments from the Asian Tour to the Masters.
