After getting the Thanksgiving break off (unless you wagered on the Skins Game), the PGA Tour returns to offer us one last shot at glory in 2025 with the Hero World Challenge. Tiger Woods is on site as host but won’t be teeing it up this year. And while the small field does leave a bit to be desired, the big bad wolf, Scottie Scheffler, is at Albany and looking to cap off yet another incredible season with another win.
Scheffler has just 19 other combatants, a group that includes U.S. Ryder Cuppers J.J. Spaun, Cameron Young and Harris English, as well as their captain, Keegan Bradley. A pair of rising stars, Chris Gotterup and Akshay Bhatia, also got the invite onto the big stage.
Are all these guys playing for second? Recent history would suggest yes, but a few of our experts went hunting for some value down the odds board. Below ared our outright selections for this week’s Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.
RELATED: Tiger Woods explains why the PGA Tour is weighing drastic changes for its future
Anonymous Swing Coach of the Week: Scottie Scheffler (+150, BetMGM) — Don’t overthink it. Scheffler could roll out of bed hungover and win this by four strokes. Let’s cash another Scheffler ticket to end the year.
Pat Mayo, Underdog/Fantasy National, Mayo Media Network analyst: Scottie Scheffler (+150, BetMGM) — He’s the same odds in this event as he was vs 155 other guys at points this summer. This is a no-brainer.
Keith Stewart, PGA, Read The Line: Keegan Bradley (18-1, BetMGM) — Say what you want, Keegan Bradley cares. The losing Ryder Cup captain went to the Skins Game on Friday and lapped the field. It was obvious he was more prepared than the others, who were on an extended vacation of sorts. This is Keegan’s fourth trip to Albany. Bradley finished fifth last year and has more to prove than ever when he tees it up. I’m following his momentum from Friday, and one of the best ball strikers on tour when they play Bermudagrass.
Stephen Hennessey, Golf Digest managing editor: Cameron Young (+850 without Scottie Scheffler, DraftKings) — I’m not losing to Scottie Scheffler again to end my 2025. I’m sure Scheffler will run away with this, but I’ve been betting Cameron Young at the Hero since the neanderthals walked the shores of Albany Resort. I’m expecting big things from Cam in 2026, and it’ll start with another top finish in the Bahamas.
Christopher Powers, Golf Digest senior writer: Sam Burns (18-1, BetMGM) — After heating up in the early-summer, Sam Burns cooled off down the stretch in July but reheated with a high finish at the BMW in August and posted another strong result at the Procore in the fall. Then came the Ryder Cup, where he managed to eek out a few halves in two of his three matches, which classified as a decent performance for the U.S. side at Bethpage. Perhaps he can ride a scorching hot putter on his favoritev surface, Bermudagrass, this week and take down his best bud.
RELATED: Hero World Challenge tee times, viewer’s guide
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
