Majors Challenge

WM Phoenix Open

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: Waste Management Phoenix Open
• Date: February 5 – February 8, 2026
• Venue: TPC Scottsdale – Stadium Course, Scottsdale, Arizona.
• Purse: $9,600,000 (winner $1.73 million)
• Course Details: Designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf, this desert test stretches 7,261 yards and blends dramatic risk‑reward scoring with precision demands. Sculpted with large landing areas that tighten quickly toward the greens, it challenges players to balance aggression with control—especially with its strategic bunkering and firm playing surfaces. The layout’s stadium-inspired atmosphere amps up the pressure, rewarding those who can handle both the adrenaline and the angles, making it a perfect venue for volatility and fantasy upside.
• Weather: Expect classic desert sunshine this week, with daily highs hovering in the low‑to‑mid 70s and mostly dry conditions—ideal for scoring.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The WM Phoenix Open returns this week with its signature mix of elite golf and electric chaos, transforming the desert into one of the PGA TOUR’s most energized stages. Known as The People’s Open and celebrated for its stadium‑style atmosphere—especially the raucous 16th hole—this event consistently draws massive crowds and a top‑tier field. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines once again after opening his season with a dominant win, while former champions Brooks Koepka and Hideki Matsuyama return to a venue where they’ve thrived. With its mix of star‑power, volatility, and fan-fueled intensity, this week sets the stage for one of the most unpredictable—and fantasy‑friendly—tournaments of the season.

Past Champions:

• 2025 – Thomas Detry (-24)
• 2024 – Nick Taylor (-21)
• 2023 – Scottie Scheffler (-19)
• 2022 – Scottie Scheffler (-16)
• 2021 – Brooks Koepka (-19)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

With a loaded field returning to the desert, this year’s event features past champions, elite ball‑strikers in peak form, and several big names still searching for their footing. The stadium‑style pressure at this venue often rewards confident drivers and elite tee‑to‑green performers—especially those with proven success in past editions.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Scottie Scheffler – A two‑time winner here (2022–23) who arrives in top form after a dominant victory at The American Express. He hasn’t missed a cut since 2022 and continues to rank among the best tee‑to‑green players on the planet—exactly the profile that thrives at this event.
• Hideki Matsuyama – A two‑time champion (2016–17) with a remarkably consistent record at this venue, including multiple top‑30 finishes and strong form coming into the week. His mid‑iron play remains elite, and Scottsdale has historically been one of his best fits.
• Brooks Koepka – A past champion in both 2015 and 2021, Koepka made his PGA TOUR return recently and is looking to build on a solid warm‑up start at the Farmers Insurance Open. His history here—two wins and strong ball‑striking—makes him an intriguing high‑ceiling option.
• Xander Schauffele – A consistent performer appearing among this week’s marquee names, and with the course favoring strong drivers and elite iron players, his profile fits perfectly.
• Jake Knapp – Quietly one of the hottest players entering the week with multiple top‑11 finishes early in the season. Ranked second in true strokes gained over the past three months behind only Scheffler—he could be a breakout fantasy play.

Potential Fades:

• Joel Dahmen – Although a fan favorite with past storyline moments here, he hasn’t matched the consistency of others in the field and enters this week without strong recent results compared to the top contenders.
• Rickie Fowler – A former champion, but his results in recent seasons have been far more inconsistent. Though he returns to a comfortable venue, current form doesn’t match the field’s elite.
• Jordan Spieth – Another big name with past success but inconsistent tee‑to‑green form lately. While capable of magic, he presents higher volatility than many of the top projected performers. 

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

A strong fantasy strategy for the WM Phoenix Open starts with understanding how uniquely the course and atmosphere shape outcomes: TPC Scottsdale consistently rewards elite ball‑striking—especially strong driving and mid‑iron play—while the stadium‑style pressure amplifies volatility, making it crucial to balance reliability with upside. Because scoring swings can happen quickly on this layout, particularly around the risk‑reward finishing stretch, prioritize players who gain off the tee and approach, as these metrics historically correlate with success here. This means anchoring your lineups with steady tee‑to‑green performers who avoid big mistakes, then mixing in a few high‑variance, aggressive scorers who can capitalize on the par‑5s and short par‑4s. The event’s intense, crowd‑driven environment also favors mentally resilient players comfortable in chaotic settings, so weighting course history and composure becomes more important than in typical stroke‑play weeks. Ultimately, the goal is to build lineups that combine safety, spike‑week potential, and adaptability to a course where strong fundamentals and emotional control often separate contenders from casualties.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Sahith Theegala – If you want a fresh sleeper who actually brings course‑fit credentials, Sahith is your guy. He finished T3 here in 2022, proving he can thrive amid the chaos and pressure. His aggressive style can lead to streaky scoring and while he’s not as consistent as the top‑tier picks, he’s exactly the type of player who can catch fire at Scottsdale when the moment gets loud.
• Keith Mitchell – Ranked third in the field in strokes gained off the tee entering the week, Mitchell’s driving advantage plays extremely well here. He also posted a top‑11 finish last week, suggesting strong current form.
• Joel Dahmen – Yes, Joel Dahmen is somehow both a sleeper and a fade this week. His recent form doesn’t inspire much confidence, but his sponsor’s exemption—earned via that now‑famous letter‑and‑polo stunt—adds a bit of buzz and low‑owned upside. Just don’t mistake chaos for consistency… buyer beware.
• J.J. Spaun – Listed among this week’s marquee names, Spaun doesn’t command the same star attention, but his tee‑to‑green skill set aligns with what succeeds here. He’s a solid lower-ownership pivot.

⭐️ Pro Tip: Prioritize elite ball‑strikers with steady tee‑to‑green numbers, but leave room for one high‑volatility scorer who can ride the adrenaline of the stadium atmosphere to a weekend surge.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

❎ One-and-Done Corner

This is a second-tier purse week, and there are still plenty of bigger leverage spots ahead:

• 15 picks remaining in tournaments in a higher purse tier
• 6 picks remaining in tournaments with a higher first prize, but in the same purse tier

Once again, we want to balance how we select golfers, considering both win odds and how strongly we want a golfer available for higher-purse events in the future. This is especially true in an event where Scheffler is taking up a large chunk of the win equity.

Picking for one‑and‑done at the WM Phoenix Open is a bit like trying to snag a prime seat at the 16th – if you wait too long, the best options are gone, but if you sprint recklessly, you might waste a star too early; the trick is choosing someone steady enough to cash but bold enough to ride the chaos, because patience may be wise, but fortune usually favors the fan who commits before the crowd roars.

Download the One & Done strategy guide by Team Rankings

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Scottie Scheffler +225
Xander Schauffele +2000
Si Woo Kim +2200
Hideki Matsuyama +2200
Cameron Young +2200

Mid Tier Contenders
Rickie Fowler +4500
Jordan Spieth +4500
Nicolai Højgaard +7000
Keith Mitchell +7500
Max Homa +10000

Long Shots
Akshay Bhatia +10000
Eric Cole +12500
Ryo Hisatsune +12500
Joel Dahmen +15000
Webb Simpson +15000

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?

Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

The Farmers Insurance Open

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: The Farmers Insurance Open
• Date: January 29 – February 1, 2026
• Venue: Torrey Pines Golf Course (North & South Courses), San Diego (La Jolla), California
• Purse: $9,600,000 (winner $1.73 million)
• Course Details: Set along dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific, this venue is one of the longest and most demanding tests on the PGA Tour, stretching to nearly 7,800 yards as a par 72. Originally designed by William F. Bell and later toughened by Rees Jones, the layout rewards elite ball‑striking, especially with long irons, while punishing missed fairways with thick rough and small, bumpy poa annua greens. With three of four rounds played on the longer championship setup, par is always valuable, and patience is mandatory.
• Weather: Expect classic coastal San Diego conditions this week, with cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and highs in the mid‑60s, while light to moderate ocean breezes—especially in the afternoon—could add bite on the exposed holes overlooking the cliffs. Overall, weather should be largely dry and favorable, but wind remains the primary factor players will have to manage.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The Farmers Insurance Open represents the first true grind of the PGA TOUR season, as the West Coast swing moves to a demanding coastal test that regularly plays closer to a major than a birdie fest, with a two‑course rotation to start the week and the final rounds contested on a brutally long, championship‑level layout where patience, elite ball‑striking, and long‑iron proficiency are essential. This year’s field is compelling and wide open, led by Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Åberg, and Cameron Young, alongside proven performers like Jason Day and past champion Si Woo Kim, while Brooks Koepka returns to the PGA TOUR this week, making his season debut after his high‑profile switch back from LIV Golf, adding another layer of intrigue. Notably, Scottie Scheffler is not in the field, removing the usual runaway favorite and creating a rare early‑season event where win equity feels more evenly distributed across the top of the board—making this one of the most intriguing fantasy weeks of the young PGA TOUR calendar.

Past Champions:

• 2025 – Harris English (−8)
• 2024 – Matthieu Pavon (−13)
• 2023 – Max Homa (−13)
• 2022 – Luke List (−15)
• 2021 – Patrick Reed (−14)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

The Farmers Insurance Open tends to reward a very specific type of golfer, and year after year we see familiar names rise to the top on this demanding test. Length, long‑iron play, comfort on poa annua greens, and patience in tough scoring conditions all matter here, making course history especially relevant when identifying players likely to contend.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Xander Schauffele – A Southern California native who has consistently played well on this stage, Schauffele’s elite all‑around game and comfort in difficult scoring conditions make him an ideal fit for this venue.
• Ludvig Åberg – One of the best pure ball‑strikers in the world, Åberg showed last season that his power and long‑iron play translate perfectly to this course, particularly on the longer championship setup.
• Jason Day – Few players in the field are more comfortable here. A multiple‑time winner at this event, Day’s combination of experience, patience, and short‑game excellence has proven to be a winning formula.
• Si Woo Kim – A former champion at this tournament, Kim has routinely played well on long, demanding layouts. When conditions get difficult, his ball‑striking profile tends to shine.
• Keegan Bradley – This course has historically rewarded strong iron players who aren’t afraid to grind, and Bradley fits that mold as well as anyone in the field.

Potential Fades:

• Patrick Cantlay – While his overall résumé is elite, this venue hasn’t always produced the ceiling performances fantasy players might expect, and the course can blunt his usual edge if scoring stays tough.
• Hideki Matsuyama – Always capable of contending anywhere, but lingering inconsistency with the putter on poa greens has made this a somewhat volatile stop for him historically.
• Brooks Koepka – Making his season debut, Koepka brings plenty of intrigue, but this has not been his most successful stop in past appearances, and the course demands sharpness from tee to green all week.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

The Farmers Insurance Open requires a slightly different fantasy mindset than most early‑season PGA TOUR stops, as raw scoring upside often takes a back seat to consistency and resilience. With three of four rounds played on an extremely long, demanding layout, this is a week to prioritize strong tee‑to‑green profiles, especially long‑iron play, over putter‑dependent scorers. Bogeys are inevitable, so golfers who limit mistakes and remain patient tend to separate over four rounds, while volatile birdie‑or‑bust profiles are more likely to struggle. Course history and comfort on poa annua greens also carry more weight here than at most West Coast events, making this an ideal week to blend top‑tier talent with steady ball‑strikers who can grind in difficult conditions.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Maverick McNealy – A California native who tends to play comfortably in West Coast conditions, McNealy brings a steady tee‑to‑green profile and the ability to scramble when greens are missed—an underrated skill here.
• Chris Gotterup – Length off the tee and confidence with long irons make Gotterup an intriguing upside play. On a course where power can shorten demanding approaches, his skill set fits better here than on most venues.
• J.J. Spaun – Often overlooked in deeper fields, Spaun has quietly built a strong resume on tough par‑72 tracks. His iron play and experience on poa annua greens give him sneaky top‑20 upside.
• Ryan Gerard – Not a household name yet, but Gerard profiles well statistically for a course that limits birdie chances. He tends to gain strokes on approach and doesn’t rely on hot putting to score.

⭐️ Pro Tip: Prioritize steady tee‑to‑green players with strong long‑iron performance and a proven ability to grind on difficult scoring courses, as avoiding big numbers is often more valuable than chasing birdies this week.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

❎ One-and-Done Corner

This is a second-tier purse week, and there are still plenty of bigger leverage spots ahead:

• 15 picks remaining in tournaments in a higher purse tier
• 6 picks remaining in tournaments with a higher first prize, but in the same purse tier

Yet again, we want to balance how we pick golfers, considering both win odds and how strongly we want a golfer available for higher-purse events in the future.

The Farmers Insurance Open is a classic thinking-player’s One and Done week. Smart balance beats raw star power, and Torrey Pines has a long history of rewarding patience, ball-striking, and proven course comfort. Use that to your advantage—and make someone else regret firing their best bullet a week too early.

Download the One & Done strategy guide by Team Rankings

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Xander Schauffele +1400
Ludvig Aberg +1600
Cameron Young +2000
Jason Day +2200
Si Woo Kim +2200

Mid Tier Contenders
Jason Day +3000
Keegan Bradley +4000
Max Homa +5000
Matt Wallace +10000
Tom Hoge +15000

Long Shots
Emiliano Grillo +15000
Tom Kim +15000
Matt Kuchar +15000
Adam Svensson +20000
Brandt Snedeker +25000

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?

Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

The American Express

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: The American Express
• Date: January 22-25, 2026
• Venue: PGA WEST – Pete Dye Stadium Course, La Quinta, California
• Purse: $9,200,000 (winner $1.67 million)
• Course Details: The week opens with players rotating through three desert layouts, each offering ample scoring chances and softer early‑week conditions. By Sunday, everyone converges on the Stadium Course, the event’s primary and most demanding finishing venue, stretching to about 7,210 yards and bringing tighter sightlines plus deeper hazards into play.
• Weather: Expect classic desert conditions in La Quinta: mild, sunny days in the mid‑60s to low 70s and cool nights in the low‑50s, with little chance of rain and generally calm winds — ideal for low scoring.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The PGA TOUR heads into the California desert for The American Express, a rare three‑course pro‑am rotation where players spread out across PGA West and La Quinta Country Club before all contenders converge on the pressure‑packed Stadium Course for Sunday’s finish. Expect another low‑scoring shootout — winning scores have hovered between 23‑under and 29‑under for more than a decade. This week also brings one of the strongest fields The AmEx has seen in years, headlined by World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler making his season debut after a six‑win 2025 campaign, defending champion Sepp Straka returning after reaching 25‑under to win here last year, and top challengers Ben Griffin, Russell Henley, and Robert MacIntyre rounding out a deep early‑season lineup. With several players also carrying hot form from the Sony Open — including Robert MacIntyre (T4), Harry Hall (T6), and Patrick Rodgers (solo 3rd) — this event sets up as one of the most volatile and fantasy‑friendly stops on the West Coast Swing.

Past Champions:

• 2025 – Sepp Straka (−25)
• 2024 – Nick Dunlap (−29)
• 2023 – Jon Rahm (−27)
• 2022 – Hudson Swafford (−23)
• 2021 – Si Woo Kim (−23)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

With one of the strongest fields this event has seen in decades — including 12 of the top 25 players in the world — this week offers plenty of fantasy leverage and star power. The three‑course rotation often favors confident iron players and hot putters, while past results at PGA West can give us strong clues about who’s primed to score and who may struggle..

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Scottie Scheffler – The World No. 1 makes his season debut after a dominant six‑win campaign in 2025. He has four top‑25 finishes in this event, including a solo third in his 2020 debut, making him the highest‑floor, highest‑ceiling option on the board.
• Russell Henley – Ranked No. 5 in the world, Henley’s elite iron play and consistent scoring make him a natural fit for a low‑scoring venue like PGA West.
• Robert MacIntyre – The No. 7 player in the world rides strong form into the desert, including a T4 showing at the Sony Open. His current trajectory makes him one of the top upside plays this week.
• Ben Griffin – Ranked No. 8, Griffin has improved his finish here every year — 32nd (2023), 9th (2024), 7th (2025) — signaling a strong course fit and upward momentum.
• Sepp Straka – The defending champion returns after a −25 winning total last year and enters with strong recent form, including a solo 3rd at the Hero World Challenge.

Potential Fades:

• Sam Burns – Despite his course history, the CBS projection model flags Burns as a fade candidate this week, predicting he will struggle to contend due to inconsistent recent form.
• Harris English – Although ranked No. 11 and certainly capable, English arrives without the same recent momentum as others in his tier, making him more uncertain in a field loaded with form players.
• Alex Noren – Another world top‑15 entrant, but historically not as explosive in birdie‑fest setups, making him more volatile for fantasy formats requiring aggressive scoring.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

The American Express demands a fantasy approach built around birdie‑makers and hot putters, as the three‑course rotation and historically low winning scores reward players who can pile up scoring streaks on soft setups with minimal rough. Course familiarity also matters, with players like Ben Griffin showing steady improvement here (32nd → 9th → 7th), while defending champion Sepp Straka has already proven he can take this layout deep. Early‑season momentum is another key indicator, making recent Sony Open standouts Robert MacIntyre, Harry Hall, and Patrick Rodgers especially appealing. Even stars aren’t automatic plays — Scottie Scheffler, for all his brilliance, has only one top‑10 in five appearances, reminding managers not to overweight name value over course fit. Meanwhile, the easiest tracks in the rotation (La Quinta and the Nicklaus Tournament Course) have yielded 59s, making early‑week tee‑sheet exposure a meaningful tiebreaker.

Sleepers to Consider:

• J.T. Poston – One of the field’s best putters and a player with four straight top‑25 finishes at this event, including three straight 12th‑or‑better results. If he catches a hot putter, he could absolutely contend.
• Alex Smalley – Has never finished outside the top 25 in four career starts here (25th → 11th progression), and he continues to trend upward.
• Harry Hall – Coming off a T6 at the Sony Open, Hall has flashed early‑season form and is traditionally strong on easy‑scoring setups. Momentum makes him a very live sleeper.
• Tom Kim – Finished 6th here in 2024 and is coming off a strong final round at the Sony (5‑under Sunday). Not many are talking about him, but the course fit is real.

⭐️ Pro Tip: Target players who start on the easier La Quinta and Nicklaus Tournament courses, where 59s have been recorded, to maximize early scoring upside before the field shifts to the tougher Stadium Course on Sunday.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

❎ One-and-Done Corner

This is a second-tier purse week, and there are still plenty of bigger leverage spots ahead:

• 15 picks remaining in tournaments in a higher purse tier
• 9 picks remaining in tournaments with a higher first prize, but in the same purse tier

Consider this week a balancing act. You want win equity, but you also don’t want to burn a golfer you will wish you had later when the schedule hits the bigger payout events.

Download the One & Done strategy guide by Team Rankings

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Scottie Scheffler +250
Ben Griffin +1700
Ludvig Åberg +1900
Patrick Cantlay +2000
Russell Henley +2200

Mid Tier Contenders
Matt Fitzpatrick +3000
Harry Hall +2700
Sepp Straka +3300
Taylor Pendrith +4000
Davis Thompson +6000

Long Shots
Max Homa +10000
Sahith Theegala +10000
Chris Kirk +15000
Austin Eckroat +15000
Nico Echavarria +30000

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?

Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

Sony Open in Hawaii

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: Sony Open in Hawaii
• Date: January 15-18, 2026
• Venue: Waialae Country Club, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
• Purse: $9,100,000 (winner $1.63 million)
• Course Details: A classic seaside design by Seth Raynor, this par-70 layout measures 7,044 yards and demands precision over raw power. Its narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers reward accurate driving, while small, contoured greens challenge approach shots and putting. Trade winds often add an extra layer of complexity, making ball flight control and creativity around the greens essential for success.
• Weather: Tournament days are expected to be mostly sunny and mild, with highs in the mid-70s to upper-70s °F and light winds, creating ideal playing conditions throughout the event.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The Sony Open in Hawaii kicks off the 2026 PGA Tour season at the picturesque Waialae Country Club—a tight, tree-lined, par‑70 seaside layout where precision is king and the trade winds off the Pacific add plenty of strategic intrigue. With Sony reportedly wrapping up its long-standing sponsorship, this week’s event feels especially nostalgic and competitive. The 120-player field features a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, including defending winner Nick Taylor, former Sony champ Hideki  Matsuyama, Collin  Morikawa, Jordan  Spieth, Russell  Henley, Ben  Griffin, and emerging contender J.J. Spaun—all vying to earn the first 500 FedExCup points of the year.

Past Champions:

• 2025: Nick Taylor (‑16)
• 2024: Grayson Murray (‑17)
• 2023: Si Woo Kim (‑18)
• 2022: Hideki Matsuyama (‑23)
• 2021: Kevin Na (‑21)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

The Sony Open in Hawaii always rewards precision and patience, and this year’s field is stacked with players who fit that mold. Past champions and elite ball-strikers headline the lineup, while a few big names may struggle against Waialae’s tight fairways and swirling trade winds. Success here often comes down to approach play and putting, making course history and recent form critical for fantasy decisions.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Collin Morikawa – Elite ball-striker who thrives on accuracy; his controlled trajectory is perfect for windy conditions.
• Hideki Matsuyama – Former winner here (2022) with a stellar short game; recent form suggests he’s trending upward.
• Jordan Spieth – Creativity around the greens makes him dangerous, though his driver can be erratic on tight fairways.
• Russell Henley – Past champion (2013) and consistent performer at Waialae; excellent approach play suits this layout.
• Nick Taylor – Defending champion; confidence and course familiarity could give him an edge.

Potential Fades:

• Tony Finau – Strong off the tee, but his ball-striking can be inconsistent, and Waialae’s precision-demanding layout may highlight any erratic play. 
• Sahith Theegala – A talented iron player, but his lack of past success at Waialae and mixed finishes in windy coastal conditions make him a riskier fantasy selection this week.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

Waialae rewards accuracy, smart course management, and hot putters—not bombers. Target players with strong Strokes Gained: Approach, Driving Accuracy, and Putting stats. Wind can play a role, so those with proven success in coastal conditions get a boost. Avoid relying on pure distance; this course neutralizes power.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Ben Griffin – Accurate off the tee and strong on approach; quietly posted good finishes on similar layouts.
• Adam Svensson – Excellent iron player who thrives on precision tracks; could surprise with a top-10.
• Eric Cole – Solid iron play and putting upside make him a sneaky value option.
• Adam Long – Accurate off the tee and has shown flashes on similar layouts; fits the Waialae profile well.

⭐️ Pro Tip: Prioritize accurate iron players and strong putters over bombers—Waialae rewards precision and course management, not raw distance.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Russell Henley +1100
Ben Griffin +1700
Hideki Matsuyama +1700
J.J. Spaun +1800
Collin Morikawa +2000

Mid Tier Contenders
Chris Kirk +3500
Jordan Spieth +3500
Chris Gotterup +4500
Aaron Rai +4500
Brian Harman +5000

Long Shots
Tom Kim +10000
Tony Finau +10000
Jacob Bridgeman +12000
Austin Eckroat +13000
Nick Dunlap +20000

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?

Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

The RSM Classic Preview

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: The RSM Classic
• Date: November 20-23, 2025
• Venue: Sea Isle Golf Club, St. Simons Island, Georgia
• Purse: $7,000,000 (winner $1.26 million)
• Course Details: A coastal layout blending Golden Age charm with modern refinements, this week’s venue features strategic bunkering, marshland vistas, and wind-swept challenges that reward precision over power. Originally crafted by Walter Travis and later enhanced by design legends including Harry Colt, Charles Alison, Tom Fazio, and Davis Love III, it offers a true test of shot-making on firm, fast surfaces. Playing at approximately 7,005 yards, it emphasizes accuracy and creativity over sheer distance.
• Weather: Expect mild, mostly sunny conditions with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s and lows around 60°F, plus only a slight chance of rain and light winds—ideal for scoring.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The PGA TOUR wraps up its fall schedule this week at the RSM Classic, the final chance for players to lock up full status for 2026. With only the top 100 in FedExCup points earning exempt cards—a big shift from the old top 125 rule—the pressure is sky-high. Expect drama as local favorites Harris English and Open Champion Brian Harman headline a deep field alongside names like Joel Dahmen, Jake Knapp, and Korn Ferry standout Johnny Keefer. Add in tournament host Davis Love III making his 792nd start and a history of first-time winners at this event, and you’ve got a recipe for volatility and opportunity in your fantasy lineups.

Past Champions:

• 2024: Maverick McNealy (−16)
• 2023: Ludvig Åberg (−29)
• 2022: Adam Svensson (−19)
• 2021: Talor Gooch (−22)
• 2020: Robert Streb (−19)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

The curtain falls on the PGA TOUR’s fall series at Sea Island, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This isn’t just another cozy coastal stop—it’s the last chance for players to secure their 2026 cards under the new top-100 FedExCup rule. With calm, mild conditions expected and firm Bermuda greens that reward a deft touch, accuracy will trump power all week. Add in the unique charm of two classic courses and the swirling winds off the Atlantic, and you’ve got a setting where local knowledge reigns supreme. Expect the “Sea Island Mafia” to flex their home-field advantage, while a few big names might find themselves scrambling to keep pace.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Harris English – A Sea Island resident and world No. 13, English thrives on coastal layouts and has multiple top finishes here. His elite approach game and putting on Bermuda make him a strong anchor for fantasy lineups.
• Brian Harman – The Open Champion and another local favorite. Harman’s accuracy off the tee and short-game prowess fit perfectly for this venue. He’s posted several top-10s at Sea Island.
• Chris Kirk – Former winner (2013) with a history of strong ball-striking on shorter tracks. Kirk’s consistency and course familiarity make him a solid mid-tier play.
• Kevin Kisner – Past champion (2015) who loves Bermuda greens. While recent form is shaky, his course history is elite, making him a high-risk/high-reward option.
• Greyson Sigg – A local with strong recent form and two top-15 finishes here in the past two years. Great sleeper pick for large-field contests

Potential Fades:

• Matt Wallace – Despite strong DP World Tour form, Wallace has never cracked the top 30 here in three tries. Course fit remains questionable.
• Brendon Todd – Returning from a long layoff and ranked outside the top 400 in the world. Even with past success on short courses, rust is a major concern.
• Joel Dahmen – Fighting to keep his card, but his recent form and lack of strong finishes at Sea Island make him a fade candidate.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

This week is all about precision and putting. With calm conditions and firm Bermuda greens, bombers lose their edge while accurate iron players and short-game specialists thrive. Two courses in play—Seaside and Plantation—mean plenty of birdie chances, but the winner will likely come from those who keep the ball in play and roll it well on Bermuda. Lean toward players with strong approach numbers, elite putting splits on Bermuda, and proven success on shorter coastal tracks.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Greyson Sigg – Local knowledge and trending form make him a sneaky value. Two straight top-15s here suggest he’s comfortable on these greens.
• Patton Kizzire – Another Sea Island regular with a history of low rounds on Bermuda. High variance, but worth serious look.
• Ben Griffin – Solid ball-striker who ranks well in SG: Approach and thrives on shorter setups. Has shown flashes of upside in fall events.
• Chesson Hadley – Streaky putter who loves Bermuda and has popped in past fall swings. Medium risk, high ceiling.
• Davis Thompson – Young talent with ties to the area and a game built for precision. Could surprise with a breakout week.

⭐️ Pro Tip: Target accurate iron players and strong Bermuda putters—calm conditions and short coastal layouts mean precision and local knowledge will beat raw power this week.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Harris English (+1800)
Brian Harman (+2500)
Si Woo Kim (+2500)
Chris Kirk (+3000)
Denny McCarthy (+3000)

Mid Tier Contenders
Daniel Berger (+3500)
J.T. Poston (+3500)
Davis Thompson (+4000)
Keith Mitchell (+4500)
Matt Kuchar (+5000)

Long Shots
Mackenzie Hughes (+6500)
Greyson Sigg (+12000)
Patton Kizzire (+25000)
Adam Schenk (+10000)
Chesson Hadley (+15000)

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

Butterfield Bermuda Championship Preview

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: Butterfield Bermuda Championship
• Date: November 13-16, 2025
• Venue: Port Royal Golf Course, Southampton, Bermuda
• Purse: $6,000,000
• Course Details: This week’s PGA Tour stop features a scenic coastal layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1970. With dramatic elevation changes, cliffside fairways, and ever-present ocean winds, the course demands precision and creativity. At just under 6,830 yards, it’s short by tour standards but full of strategic challenges.
• Weather: Expect windy and variable conditions throughout the tournament. Thursday opens with sustained winds around 25 mph, tapering slightly in the afternoon. Friday looks calmer, especially mid-day, while Saturday brings rain and gusts, and Sunday starts breezy before settling later in the day.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Fall series continues this week with the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, the sixth of seven events in the season-ending stretch. Played at the coastal Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda, this tournament offers a prime opportunity for players outside the top tier to secure full Tour status for 2026 and earn spots in next season’s signature events. With most of the world’s top-ranked players sitting out, the field features names like Sahith Theegala, Matt Kuchar, Patrick Rodgers, and defending champion Rafael Campos, making it a compelling week for fantasy players to target value picks and emerging talent.

Past Champions:

• 2024 – Rafael Campos (−19)
• 2023 – Camilo Villegas (−24)
• 2022 – Séamus Power (−19)
• 2021 – Lucas Herbert (−15)
• 2020 – Brian Gay (−15)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

With most of the world’s top-ranked players sitting out, this week’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship presents a prime opportunity for value plays and course specialists to shine. Port Royal Golf Course rewards precision, short-game skill, and wind management, making past performance and course fit especially important.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Patrick Rodgers – A Bermuda regular with three top-10 finishes in his last three starts here. He’s in solid form and has the short game to thrive in windy conditions. This could be the week he finally breaks through for his first PGA Tour win.
• Seamus Power – The 2022 champion returns to a course where he’s consistently played well. His putting and wedge game are ideal for Port Royal’s setup.
• Nico Echavarria – A recent winner and trending upward, Echavarria ranks well in approach and putting stats. He finished T29 here last year and could improve on that with current form.
• Matt Kuchar – A veteran with a strong short game and wind experience. He’s not long off the tee, but that’s not a requirement here. Kuchar’s consistency makes him a safe option.
• Steven Fisk – Quietly climbing the ranks with solid ball-striking and a win earlier this year. He’s a sleeper pick with upside in calmer conditions.

Potential Fades:

• Rafael Campos – Last year’s winner, but has missed 10 of his last 12 cuts on Tour. Course history is a plus, but current form is a major concern. 
• Lucas Glover – A major winner with name recognition, but he’s struggled at Port Royal and finished T42 last year. Wind and putting are not his strengths.
• Kevin Kisner – Another veteran who’s had success elsewhere, but Bermuda hasn’t been kind to him. His recent form and lack of distance could be limiting factors.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

With a weaker field and a coastal course that rewards accuracy and short-game finesse, this is a great week to lean into course history, wind management, and recent form over name recognition. Port Royal Golf Course doesn’t favor bombers, so prioritize players who excel in approach play and putting. Ownership will be spread thin, making it a prime opportunity to differentiate with low-cost sleepers who have upside.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Brent Grant – Quietly solid in windy conditions and has gained strokes on approach in recent starts. A low-owned option with top-25 upside.
• Ryan Brehm – Finished T17 here last year and has shown flashes of form in the Fall series. His ability to handle coastal layouts makes him a sneaky play.
• Ben Crane – Veteran presence with a strong short game. He’s made multiple cuts here and could be primed for a run.
• Zecheng Dou – Young player with streaky upside. If the putter heats up, he could easily crack the top 10.
• Austin Smotherman – Has gained strokes tee-to-green in recent events and finished T22 here last year. A solid pivot off more popular mid-tier plays.

⭐️ Pro Tip: With wind always in play and elite talent mostly absent, prioritize players with strong short games and proven success in coastal conditions—this is a week where course fit trumps star power.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Rico Hoey (+2000)
Kevin Yu (+2000)
Thorbjørn Olesen (+2200)
Pierceson Coody (+2800)
Nico Echavarria (+3000)

Mid Tier Contenders
Matt Kuchar (+4000)
Chad Ramey (+4000)
Eric Cole (+4000)
Sahith Theegala (+4500)
Victor Perez (+4500)

Long Shots
Jackson Suber (+7500)
Cameron Champ (+7000)
Justin Lower (+8000)
Ben Kohles (+10000)
Andrew Putnam (+11000)

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

World Wide Technology Championship Preview

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: World Wide Technology Championship
• Date: November 6-9, 2025
• Venue: El Cardonal at Diamante, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Purse: $6,000,000
• Course Details: This week’s venue is a par-72 layout measuring 7,363 yards — the first course ever designed by Tiger Woods. Generous fairways invite aggressive play, but strategic bunkering and undulating greens demand precision. Coastal winds can turn scoring into a chess match, rewarding players who control trajectory and adapt quickly.
• Weather: Expect warm and dry conditions in Cabo San Lucas during the tournament, with highs around 82–87°F, lows near 71–75°F, plenty of sunshine, and only a minimal chance of rain. Coastal breezes could play a role, so wind management will be key.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The PGA TOUR heads to Cabo San Lucas for the World Wide Technology Championship, a FedExCup Fall event that offers players one last chance to make a statement before the season winds down. What makes this week special? The tournament is staged on the first course ever designed by Tiger Woods, a scenic par-72 layout that rewards bold play and creativity. Headlining the field are U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun, Ryder Cup standout Ben Griffin, and defending champion Austin Eckroat, joined by stars like Tony Finau and Luke Donald. With coastal winds in the forecast and plenty of risk-reward holes, expect drama as veterans and rising talents battle for glory.

Past Champions:

• 2024: Austin Eckroat (−24)
• 2023: Erik van Rooyen (−27)
• 2022: Russell Henley (−23)
• 2021: Viktor Hovland (−23)
• 2020: Viktor Hovland (−20)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

This week’s field in Cabo San Lucas is a fascinating mix of Ryder Cup stars, rising talents, and past champions. The Tiger Woods-designed layout rewards creativity and adaptability, and history at El Cardonal can offer clues about who might thrive—or struggle:

• J.J. Spaun – Fresh off a U.S. Open win and a Ryder Cup appearance, Spaun’s precision iron play and ability to handle wind make him a top contender.
• Ben Griffin – Two-time winner this season and another Ryder Cup standout. His strong approach game should shine on El Cardonal’s wide fairways and tricky greens.
• Austin Eckroat – The defending champion knows this course well and has proven he can go low here. His past success in Cabo makes him a must-watch.
• Tony Finau – A six-time PGA TOUR winner with length off the tee and creativity around the greens—both assets on this risk-reward layout.
• Luke Donald – Ryder Cup captain and former World No. 1 brings experience and short-game prowess, which could be crucial if winds pick up.

Potential Fades:

• Joel Dahmen – A fan favorite and Netflix star, but recent form has been shaky, and he’s fighting to keep his card.
• Harry Higgs – Another popular player who has struggled to find consistency this season; not an ideal fit for a course that demands precision.
• Adam Hadwin – Solid ball striker, but his recent results and lack of strong finishes in Cabo suggest he may be a fade candidate.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

This week’s course sets up perfectly for aggressive players who can pair distance with precision. Wide fairways invite bold tee shots, but success hinges on sharp approach play and creativity around undulating greens. Coastal winds are expected to play a role, so golfers who control trajectory and adapt quickly will have an edge. Short-game specialists gain extra value if conditions get tricky, making this a week where versatility matters.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Erik van Rooyen – A former winner here with a proven ability to go low on coastal layouts. His recent form suggests he could surprise at low ownership.
• Brandon Wu – Strong in windy conditions and comfortable on courses that reward ball-striking. A solid upside play for deeper pools.
• Mark Hubbard – Consistent iron player who thrives on precision setups. If the putter cooperates, he’s a sneaky value pick.
• Akshay Bhatia – Creative shot-maker with the ability to shape shots in the wind. High-risk, high-reward profile that fits this course.

⭐️ Pro Tip: Favor players with strong ball-striking and creative short games—El Cardonal’s wide fairways reward aggression, but coastal winds and tricky greens will punish poor approach play.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Ben Griffin (+1000)
J.J. Spaun (+1200)
Max Greyserman (+2000)
Michael Thorbjornsen (+2200)
Si Woo Kim (+2200)

Mid Tier Contenders
Rico Hoey (+2200)
Garrick Higgo (+2500)
Kevin Yu (+2800)
Wyndham Clark (+3000)
Thorbjorn Olesen (+3000)

Long Shots
Michael Brennan (+3000)
Nick Taylor (+3500)
Emiliano Grillo (+4000)
Nico Echavarria (+4000)
Johnny Keefer (+4500)

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

Bank of Utah Championship Preview

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: Bank of Utah Championship
• Date: October 23–26, 2025
• Venue: Black Desert Resort, Ivins, Utah
• Purse: $6,000,000
• Course Details: Black Desert Resort makes its PGA Tour debut this week. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, the course blends dramatic red rock backdrops with wide fairways and strategic bunkering. At over 7,200 yards, it rewards aggressive play but punishes missed approaches—expect birdies, but only for those who stay sharp.
• Weather: The weather for the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship in Ivins, Utah is expected to be mostly sunny with highs in the mid to upper 70s and cool mornings in the upper 40s. A slight chance of rain may develop over the weekend, but overall conditions look ideal for scoring.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The PGA TOUR returns to the rugged beauty of southern Utah for the Bank of Utah Championship, the fourth stop in the high-stakes FedExCup Fall series. Hosted at the visually stunning Black Desert Resort, a Tom Weiskopf-designed course carved into volcanic rock, this event offers more than just breathtaking views—it’s a career-defining opportunity. With 500 FedExCup points on the line and only the top 100 players securing full status for 2026, the pressure is on. The field features a mix of rising stars and seasoned pros fighting for their futures, including Sahith Theegala, Billy Horschel, and Alex Noren, alongside defending champ Matt McCarty. This is a prime week to find value in motivated players looking to make a late-season leap.

Past Champions:

• 2024 – Matt McCarty (−23)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

With only one year of history at Black Desert Resort, course form is limited—but we do have some early indicators. The wide fairways and elevation changes reward aggressive ball-strikers and those comfortable with altitude. This week’s field includes a mix of rising stars, comeback stories, and veterans fighting for FedExCup status. Here’s who’s trending up—and who might be worth fading.:

• Maverick McNealy – The betting favorite this week, McNealy has seven top-10s this season and is coming off a T13 at the Procore Championship. He’s hungry after being snubbed for the Ryder Cup and could be poised for a statement win.
• Alex Noren – Ranked No. 17 in the world, Noren brings elite ball-striking and consistency. He’s coming off a solid T27 at the Baycurrent Classic and has the experience to handle a new course setup.
• Matt McCarty – The defending champion at Black Desert, McCarty won here in 2024 with a score of −23. He’s back in the field and knows how to navigate the lava-lined layout better than anyone.
• Rico Hoey – Quietly one of the hottest players in the field, Hoey has three top-11 finishes in his last four starts and finished T21 here last year. He ranks top-3 in strokes gained: tee-to-green over the last 24 rounds.
• Kurt Kitayama – A volatile but powerful player, Kitayama finished T25 here in 2024 and has the distance to take advantage of the par 5s. He’s a high-upside play in most fantasy formats.

Potential Fades:

• Billy Horschel – Still shaking off rust after hip surgery, Horschel has only one top-50 finish in three starts since returning. He finished T54 at the Baycurrent Classic and may not be fully back in form.
• Sahith Theegala – A fan favorite and fantasy darling, Theegala is making his first start since his engagement and hasn’t played competitively in weeks. He’s a boom-or-bust option this week.
• Jason Day – While still a big name, Day has been inconsistent this fall and hasn’t shown the sharpness needed to contend on a course that demands precision on approach shots.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

This week is all about balancing upside with volatility. Black Desert Resort’s wide fairways and altitude-adjusted yardages open the door for aggressive play, which means scoring will be plentiful—but so will the risk. In fantasy formats, that creates a perfect storm for differentiation. With many big names either coasting or inconsistent, sharp managers should lean into recent form, ball-striking metrics, and FedExCup motivation to find value.

Players fighting for full status or a spot in the top 60 are far more likely to grind out four solid rounds, while others may be using this week as a tune-up. That makes this a great time to fade popular names with uncertain motivation and instead target under-the-radar players who are trending up statistically and have something to prove. Don’t be afraid to take a few bold swings—this is the kind of week where a well-timed sleeper can carry your lineup to the top.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Ben Griffin – Quietly consistent and trending upward, Griffin has gained strokes on approach in four straight events and ranks top-20 in birdie average over the last 8 weeks.
• MJ Daffue – Finished T12 here last year and has the length to take advantage of the par 5s. A strong play with major upside.
• Chad Ramey – Gained over 4 strokes putting in his last start and has shown flashes of form on similar layouts.
• Austin Eckroat – Young and streaky, but his ball-striking is elite when he’s on. A high-ceiling option if the putter cooperates.
• Ryan Gerard – Top-25 in birdie average recently and thrives in low-scoring shootouts. Could be a sneaky top-10 threat.

⭐️ Pro Tip: With wide fairways and altitude-adjusted yardages at Black Desert Resort, target aggressive ball-strikers and recent form over name recognition—this is a week where sharp pivots can win big.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add the Bank of Utah Championship to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Maverick McNealy (+1400)
Alex Noren (+1800)
Michael Thorbjornsen (+1800)
Kurt Kitayama (+2000)
Jason Day (+2200)

Mid Tier Contenders
Davis Thompson (+2200)
Kevin Yu (+2500)
Rico Hoey (+3000)
Matt McCarty (+3500)
Christiaan Bezuidenhout (+3500)

Long Shots
Ryan Gerard (+5000)
Chad Ramey (+9000)
MJ Daffue (+10000)
Patrick Fishburn (+6000)
Austin Eckroat (+8000)

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

Baycurrent Classic Preview

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: Baycurrent Classic
• Date: October 9-12, 2025
• Venue: Yokohama Country Club, Yokohama, Japan
• Purse: $8,000,000
• Course Details: Designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio, the course blends 16 holes from the West Course with 2 from the East, creating a unique layout that demands precision and creativity. At 7,315 yards and playing to a par 71, expect firm fairways, subtle greens, and a premium on ball-striking.
• Weather: Rain expected Thursday, with heavy downpours likely Friday morning. Sunny spells on the weekend with improving conditions.

The PGA Tour makes its annual stop in Japan this week for the Baycurrent Classic, a standout event on the fall calendar held at Yokohama Country Club, a Tom Fazio-designed course known for its strategic layout and blend of holes from two separate tracks. With an $8 million purse and FedExCup points up for grabs, players are battling for crucial positioning ahead of the 2026 season. The field features a mix of rising international stars, seasoned veterans, and Ryder Cup participantslooking to carry momentum into the final stretch. Rain is expected early in the week, adding an extra layer of challenge to a course that already demands precision and creativity.

Past Champions:

• 2024 – Nico Echavarria (-20)
• 2023 – Collin Morikawa (-14)
• 2022 – Keegan Bradley (-15)
• 2021 – Hideki Matsuyama (-15)
• 2020 – Patrick Cantlay (-23)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

This week’s field at Yokohama Country Club features a compelling mix of elite talent, rising stars, and veterans looking to make a statement. Here’s a quick rundown of key names to consider—and a few to approach with caution—for your fantasy lineups:

• Xander Schauffele – Fresh off a Ryder Cup singles win and riding strong form, Schauffele thrives in no-cut events and should be a top contender on a course that rewards precision.
• Collin Morikawa – The 2023 Baycurrent Classic champion returns to familiar territory. His elite iron play is a perfect fit for Yokohama’s demanding layout.
• Hideki Matsuyama – Japan’s hometown hero won here in 2021 and always commands attention on home soil. Expect a strong showing with local support behind him.
• Rasmus Højgaard – The young Dane has been trending upward with consistent finishes and could be a sneaky pick in fantasy formats.
• Min Woo Lee – Known for his creativity and flair, Lee’s shot-making ability could shine on a course that blends two different layouts and demands versatility.

Potential Fades:

• Wyndham Clark – Still working back from injury, Clark has struggled to find his rhythm and may not be a reliable fantasy option this week.
• Billy Horschel – Despite his veteran status, Horschel’s recent form has been inconsistent, and he hasn’t shown signs of turning things around just yet

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

With a no-cut format and unpredictable weather in play, the Baycurrent Classic offers a prime opportunity to differentiate your fantasy lineup with smart value picks. Yokohama Country Club’s blended layout favors ball-strikers and creative shot-makers, especially those who can adapt to softer conditions early in the weekand firmer greens by Sunday. While top-tier names like Schauffele and Morikawa will be popular, the real edge may come from identifying under-the-radar talent poised to outperform expectations.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Takumi Kanaya – A local favorite with deep experience on Japanese courses, Kanaya’s familiarity with the terrain and conditions could give him a quiet edge. 
• Kurt Kitayama – Kitayama has shown he can contend in elite fields and tough conditions. His aggressive playstyle and streaky putting make him a volatile but potentially high-reward pick.
• K.H. Lee – Consistent tee-to-green and comfortable in international settings, Lee has the kind of steady game that could quietly deliver a top-15 finish.
• Cam Davis – The Aussie’s length and creativity suit Yokohama’s hybrid layout. He’s shown flashes of form recently and could be a sneaky top-10 threat if the putter heats up.
• Ryo Hisatsune – A rising star on the DP World Tour, Hisatsune brings local knowledge and recent momentum. He’s a deep sleeper with breakout potential in front of a home crowd.

⭐️ Pro Tip: With rain expected early and a no-cut format in play, target ball-strikers and international players familiar with soft conditions to gain an edge in your fantasy lineup.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add the Baycurrent Classic to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Xander Schauffele +950
Collin Morikawa +1600
Hideki Matsuyama +1800
Chris Gotterup +1800
Alex Noren +2000

Mid Tier Contenders
Kurt Kitayama +2000
Rasmus Højgaard +2200
Si Woo Kim +2200
Michael Thorbjornsen +3000
Min Woo Lee +3000

Longshots
Kevin Yu +3300
Garrick Higgo +3300
Gary Woodland +4500
Matt Wallace +5000
Ryo Hisatsune +7000