As the excitement builds for the **2025 PGA Championship**, we delve into the contenders, dark horses, and betting tips that can help you make informed picks. The championship, hosted at the iconic **Quail Hollow Club** in Charlotte, N.C., kicks off on **Thursday, May 15**. With only four golfers boasting top-10 finishes in the last two majors—**Scottie Scheffler** and **Xander Schauffele**, alongside surprises **Justin Rose** and **Sungjae Im**—this year’s tournament promises to be unpredictable and thrilling.
The Surprising Contenders
Among these four, **Justin Rose** stands out. The English golfer, with **top-five finishes** at both the **2025 Masters** and the **2024 British Open**, is riding the momentum of being a **runner-up** in both events. Remarkably, he has achieved **top-10 finishes in four out of his last five PGA Championship starts**, positioning him as a key player to watch. Despite being a **55-1 longshot**, could Rose defy the odds and win the 2025 PGA Championship?
Experience Meets Determination
At **44 years old**, Rose aims to cement his legacy as the **seventh-oldest major champion** in history. But will his recent success continue to shine in this prestigious tournament? Before diving into your own predictions, ensure you check out the insights from our proven model at **[SportsLine](https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/2025-pga-championship-odds-picks-proven-golf-model-reveals-projected-leaderboard-surprising-predictions/#ttag=04142025_agg_cbssports_picks_golf_pgatour_model_PGAChampionshipleaderboardV1)**, which has accurately projected outcomes based on extensive simulations.
A Model with a Winning Track Record
Built by DFS expert **Mike McClure**, SportsLine’s proprietary model has significantly increased bettors’ profits since the Tour resumed in June 2020, amassing nearly **$9,000** in winning bets. This remarkable model has also accurately predicted **14 majors**, including the **2025 Masters** and last year’s **PGA Championship** and **U.S. Open**. Anyone who follows its picks has experienced remarkable returns using top **[betting apps](https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/best-betting-apps/)** like **[FanDuel](https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/fanduel-promo-code/)** and **[DraftKings](https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/draftkings-promo-code/)**.
Insights from the Model: Key Predictions
In a bold forecast, the model suggests that **Xander Schauffele**, the defending champion and former major winner, might struggle and barely make the top 10. While Schauffele has shown strength with **nine career wins** and an impressive streak of **62 consecutive cuts**, he’s battling a rib injury this season. His rankings reflect this struggle, so **investing in him might not be wise**. Comparatively, the model spots greater value elsewhere in the field.
Justin Thomas: A Dark Horse
On the other hand, keep your eyes peeled for **Justin Thomas**, a **21-1 longshot** poised to make a charge for the title. Having previously triumphed at Quail Hollow, Thomas is eager to join the elite company of **Tiger Woods** as one of the few golfers to win multiple PGA Championships on the same course. Following a victorious **RBC Heritage** in April, he’s regained his form and is now a prime candidate for a comeback.
Thomas’s stats are impressive: ranking in the top 10 for **strokes gained: total**, **SG: tee-to-green**, and **SG: approach the green**. Additionally, he leads the PGA Tour in **putting average**. With such a solid performance, is it any wonder many see him as **underestimated** in the betting odds? You can view more insights about him **[here](https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/2025-pga-championship-odds-picks-proven-golf-model-reveals-projected-leaderboard-surprising-predictions/#ttag=04142025_agg_cbssports_picks_golf_pgatour_model_PGAChampionshipleaderboardV1)**.
Finding Your Winning Picks
To maximize your betting potential, consider backing three other golfers boasting odds longer than 20-1, as identified by our model. The opportunity for a significant payday awaits those willing to take risks! Only the model can reveal these hidden gems, so check it out at **[SportsLine](https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/2025-pga-championship-odds-picks-proven-golf-model-reveals-projected-leaderboard-surprising-predictions/#ttag=04142025_agg_cbssports_picks_golf_pgatour_model_PGAChampionshipleaderboardV1)**.
Who will rise to the occasion in the **2025 PGA Championship**, and which underdogs will stun the golfing community? Check the expectations and betting recommendations below, and make sure to visit **[SportsLine](https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/2025-pga-championship-odds-picks-proven-golf-model-reveals-projected-leaderboard-surprising-predictions/#ttag=04142025_agg_cbssports_picks_golf_pgatour_model_PGAChampionshipleaderboardV1)** for the projected leaderboard and the model’s winning insights!
2025 PGA Championship Odds and Favorites
Here’s a rundown of the latest odds:
- Scottie Scheffler +500
- Rory McIlroy +500
- Bryson DeChambeau +1000
- Ludvig Aberg +1200
- Xander Schauffele +1200
- Collin Morikawa +1400
- Jon Rahm +1800
- Justin Thomas +2000
- Brooks Koepka +2000
- Viktor Hovland +2500
- Patrick Cantlay +2800
- Tyrrell Hatton +2800
- Hideki Matsuyama +3000
- More odds available on SportsLine
