After the Masters, PGA Championship, and several key PGA Tour events, the latter half of the 2025 golf season is heating up. The U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club is next, followed by other major tournaments, including the Ryder Cup and Tour Championship. The race for the PGA Tour Player of the Year title looks more competitive than ever, given the season’s strong start.
Will Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler dominate the remaining majors? Could players like Sepp Straka or U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley surprise everyone with their current performances? Will Jon Rahm continue his impressive comeback in crucial championships?
As we look ahead, our CBS Sports analysts have gathered to discuss head-to-head predictions, covering the upcoming major events and identifying standout golfers for international competitions. Here’s our perspective on how the 2025 season may unfold as it progresses into the fall. Odds via DraftKings
U.S. Open Champion (Oakmont)
Scottie Scheffler (7/2) — Scheffler is gaining momentum and currently stands as one of the most versatile players globally. He is set to demonstrate his exceptional driving, iron play, short game, and putting skills at Oakmont, likely securing his fourth major title in Pittsburgh and setting his sights on completing the career grand slam. — Patrick McDonald
Bryson DeChambeau (11-1) — While I have some reservations regarding Bryson’s approach shots, his driving distance will be a significant advantage at Oakmont. We’ve seen him dominate tough courses before, and his strong short game and putting might just serve him well here. Plus, it would be exciting to see the current top three golfers each claiming major titles leading into The Open. — Robby Kalland
Open Champion (Royal Portrush)
Tyrrell Hatton (20-1) — The English golfer has kept a low profile in the first two majors but is expected to shine at Royal Portrush. With three top-20 finishes in the last five Opens, including a T6 last time the trophy was awarded there, he just needs to iron out his putting issues. The change in conditions in Northern Ireland should be advantageous. — McDonald
Jon Rahm (14-1) — Despite a late stumble at Quail Hollow, Rahm’s overall game remains encouraging. Not having won the Claret Jug yet, he has consistently performed well at The Open, notching four top-10 finishes in seven attempts. After experiencing the thrill of competition at the PGA Championship, he’s poised to chase that excitement again come July. — Kalland
FedEx Cup Champion
Daniel Berger — The FedEx Cup champion predictions can be unpredictable, but Berger, currently within the top 15, appears set to claim a victory before the Tour Championship, positioning himself well as the playoffs unfold. His strong record at TPC Southwind makes him a formidable contender, especially if he secures an early win and gains valuable points ahead of East Lake. — McDonald
Rory McIlroy — I anticipate Scheffler entering the Tour Championship with the points lead, but McIlroy is expected to ultimately outplay him at East Lake if he continues to replicate his early-season form. His familiarity with the course makes him a strong candidate to win. — Kalland
PGA Tour Player of the Year
Scottie Scheffler — Currently, this award seems to be a showdown between Scheffler and McIlroy, although Sepp Straka could disrupt the momentum if he claims a major. As the world No. 1, Scheffler is on track to win multiple tournaments, potentially including another major. His consistent top finishes this season highlight his caliber. — McDonald
Rory McIlroy — Should Scheffler win another major, the race tightens. However, if McIlroy secures two additional victories this season, he would solidify his chance, ending with five wins while achieving a career grand slam. This scenario might render him the standout narrative for the season. — Kalland
