The WM Phoenix Open is here, and the pressure is on! But forget the favorites for a second – let's talk about the golfers who could surprise everyone and deliver a payout. This year's tournament is shaping up to be a thriller, and these are the players who might just steal the show.
Outright Winner: Matt Fitzpatrick (+4900)
Don't let the odds fool you – Matt Fitzpatrick is no ordinary sleeper pick. While his world ranking (24th) might suggest otherwise, 17 golfers are favored ahead of him. But here's the thing: every WM Phoenix Open winner in the last decade has played TPC Scottsdale before. Fitzpatrick has five starts under his belt, including a T10 in 2022 and a T15 in 2024. Yes, he missed the cut last year, but that was during a slump he swiftly recovered from, finishing 2023 with nine top 10s and a victory at the DP World Tour Championship. Can he dethrone Scottie Scheffler? These odds make him a tempting long shot.
Top 5: Matt McCarty (+1000)
Matt McCarty's journey on the PGA TOUR hasn't been linear, but he's found his stride. After a slow start, he's racked up impressive results, including a T3 at the Bank of Utah Championship and a T2 at The American Express. He's proven he can handle TPC Scottsdale, and his recent form suggests he's ready to contend for a top 5 finish.
And this is the part most people miss... McCarty's ability to learn from his mistakes and adapt is crucial. His missed cuts at The American Express and Farmers Insurance Open last year are now distant memories, replaced by strong performances at the same events this season.
Top 10: Haotong Li (+550)
Haotong Li, a PGA TOUR rookie from China, is making waves. He's 3-for-3 in cuts made this season, with a T8 at PGA WEST and a T11 at Torrey Pines. His ball-striking is exceptional, and even his putting, which is below average, hasn't held him back significantly. While he's a TPC Scottsdale debutant, his current form is undeniable.
Top 20: S.H. Kim (+385)
S.H. Kim's streak of top 20 finishes may have ended at Torrey Pines, but don't count him out. He dominated the Korn Ferry Tour in 2025, leading in all-around ranking and finishing second in scoring. His T28 at TPC Scottsdale in 2024 shows he has the game for this course. A slight dip in form doesn't erase his talent and potential.
Top 30: Adam Schenk (+475)
Adam Schenk has a love-hate relationship with the WM Phoenix Open, consistently finishing in the top 25 in recent years but never cracking the top 10. His scoring average at TPC Scottsdale is impressive (68.625 in his last eight rounds), and his T11 at the Farmers Insurance Open suggests he's in good form. Could this be the year he finally breaks through?
Top 40: Zach Bauchou (+300)
Zach Bauchou, a 30-year-old rookie, is defying expectations. He's one of only three rookies to make the cut in the first three tournaments, with a T13 at The American Express. His pedigree is impressive, having played alongside PGA TOUR winners like Wyndham Clark and Viktor Hovland at Oklahoma State University. Bauchou is approaching his prime, and his consistent performances make him a solid pick for a top 40 finish.
But here's where it gets controversial... While these golfers offer enticing odds, the WM Phoenix Open is notoriously unpredictable. Can Fitzpatrick overcome the odds and challenge Scheffler? Can Li's hot streak continue at a new course? Will Kim bounce back from his recent setback? The answers lie on the greens of TPC Scottsdale. Who are your sleeper picks? Let us know in the comments below!
Odds were sourced at DraftKings.
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