The 2025 Truist Championship, scheduled from May 8 to 11, promises a compelling contest as the PGA Tour’s elite converge on the historic Wissahickon Course at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. This par-70, 7,119-yard layout, hosting the event for the first time due to Quail Hollow’s preparation for the PGA Championship, introduces a fresh challenge for the 72-player field. With a $20 million purse and no cut, the tournament offers both high stakes and the opportunity for players to fine-tune their games ahead of the season’s second major.
Truist Championship Tournament Preview
Rory McIlroy, fresh off his Masters victory that completed his career Grand Slam, returns to individual competition aiming to defend his Truist Championship title. McIlroy’s history with this event is notable, having secured four wins when it was previously held at Quail Hollow. His recent form suggests he is a strong contender, although the transition to the Wissahickon Course introduces new variables.
The field also features top-ranked players such as Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, and Ludvig Aberg. Notably absent is World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who has opted to rest ahead of the PGA Championship after his recent victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. This opens the door for other competitors to capitalize on the opportunity to win without Scheffler on the course.
Collin Morikawa enters the tournament with a new caddie, Joe Greiner, following a recent split from longtime partner J.J. Jakovac. Morikawa’s consistency remains a strength, but the new partnership’s impact on his performance will be closely watched. Justin Thomas, having recently ended a winless streak with a victory at the RBC Heritage, seeks to build momentum, while Ludvig Aberg continues to impress with his steady play.
Betting Insights
With Scheffler absent, McIlroy stands as the clear favorite at +450 at DraftKings Sportsbook. However, the Wissahickon Course’s small, undulating greens may favor players with exceptional putting skills. This consideration brings several other contenders into focus:
- Maverick McNealy (+4500): Demonstrates strong recent form with two third-place finishes at the Texas Open and the Heritage, and a runner-up finish at the Genesis earlier this year.
- Russell Henley (+3000): Known for his putting prowess, Henley showed signs of resurgence with an opening 64-68 at the Heritage, despite a fade to eighth place.
- Andrew Novak (+6000): Coming off a runner-up finish at the Heritage, Novak’s current form makes him a compelling option.
- Sam Burns (+5000): A strong putter who finished just outside the top ten at Hilton Head and secured a share of fifth in Dallas.
- Rasmus Hojgaard (+10000): An emerging talent with recent performances suggesting potential for a breakthrough.
These players offer value for bettors seeking alternatives to the favorite, especially considering the course’s characteristics that may level the playing field.
2025 Truist Championship Prediction
Russell Henley (+3000)
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- Henley is top-five in the field in shots gained and should be a good value pick at +3000.
- Rory McIlroy won this tournament last year, but that was at a different course and he could have a completely different outcome this time around.
While Rory McIlroy’s recent achievements and familiarity with the Truist Championship make him a formidable contender, the unique challenges presented by the Wissahickon Course could influence the outcome. The course’s demanding greens may neutralize some of McIlroy’s advantages, bringing other skilled putters into contention.
Among the field, Maverick McNealy stands out as a strong candidate for a high finish or potential victory. His recent performances indicate a player on the cusp of a significant breakthrough, and his putting ability aligns well with the course’s demands. Similarly, Russell Henley’s experience and putting skill position him as a viable contender.
In conclusion, while McIlroy remains the favorite, the tournament’s outcome is far from certain. Bettors should consider the course’s nuances and the form of players like McNealy and Henley when making their selections. We will take Henley to win this tournament, as McIlroy’s previous successes at this event don’t project onto a different course.
