Breaking Down the Favorites: Who’s Leading the PGA TOUR This Season

The 2025 PGA TOUR season is hitting its final stretch, and the top of the FedEx Cup and Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) lists are showcasing a new level of dominance and consistency from the game's elite. Unlike previous years marked by constant fluctuation, the current campaign has seen a handful of players separate themselves from the field with multiple victories and deep runs in major championships. This consolidation of power at the top has created a clearly defined group of favorites heading into the final Signature Events and the much-anticipated FedEx Cup Playoffs.

Leading the charge is a potent combination of established world number ones and surprising breakout stars, all of whom possess the form, statistics, and mental fortitude to capture the season’s ultimate prize. The battle for the season-long title has become a three-man race, but the depth of talent just below them promises a thrilling conclusion to the competition.

The Unchallenged No. 1: Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler continues to rewrite the definition of consistent excellence and stands as the undisputed World No. 1 and current leader in the FedEx Cup standings. His 2025 season has been nothing short of historic, highlighted by an astonishing six victories and 17 top-10 finishes across his 20 starts. Scheffler’s ball-striking metrics remain the gold standard on Tour, dominating the Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green category week after week, making him a perpetual threat regardless of the course setup.

Crucially, Scheffler has seemingly solved his only previous weakness—the putter—resulting in his most efficient scoring season to date, including a major championship title. His tremendous lead in the FedEx Cup points shows a level of sustained success that places him far ahead of the competition entering the final stretch. According to current PGA TOUR odds, Scheffler is the heavy favorite to claim the season-long FedEx Cup for the third time in his career. The competition is playing for second place.

The Consistent Challenger: Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy, the perennial crowd favorite and one of the sport’s most powerful players, holds a firm position as the World No. 2 and Scheffler's closest rival on the money list. The Northern Irishman has put together another stellar campaign, securing three victories and eight top-10 finishes, proving his place among the game's very best. His driving ability and iron play remain magnificent, allowing him to overpower most PGA TOUR venues, especially the longer, championship-style courses.

McIlroy has shown flashes of brilliance this year, particularly in major championships and the elevated Signature Events, which has helped him amass significant FedEx Cup points. His consistent contention places him in a strong position to launch a challenge in the Playoffs, where he has historically thrived. To overtake Scheffler, McIlroy will need his putter to heat up, converting more scoring opportunities to close the point gap as the calendar turns to August.

The Breakout Star: Ben Griffin

The biggest surprise and one of the season's most compelling storylines belongs to Ben Griffin, who has emerged as a top-tier competitor and a genuine three-time winner in 2025. Griffin recently clinched his third victory of the season at the World Wide Technology Championship, vaulting him into the top echelon of the FedEx Cup rankings alongside Scheffler and McIlroy. His ascent is marked by a significant improvement in his short game and putting, making him an incredibly dangerous closer on Sunday.

Griffin’s remarkable consistency, including multiple top-10s throughout the season, has solidified his spot in the World Top 15 for the first time in his career. His victories include the Zurich Classic of New Orleans (a team event) and the Charles Schwab Challenge, demonstrating his versatility under varied conditions. The 29-year-old’s high ranking and knack for winning in clutch moments ensure he will be a massive factor in the FedEx Cup Playoffs and a potential dark horse candidate for a major next season.

The European Threat: Tommy Fleetwood

England's Tommy Fleetwood has put together a career season that sees him firmly entrenched in the top five of the FedEx Cup standings, making him the leading European challenger. Fleetwood has recorded numerous top-10 finishes and remains one of the Tour's most reliable and statistically sound players, excelling in Strokes Gained: Approach and around the greens. His ability to navigate difficult courses and perform under pressure has been evident, especially in his solid showing at the PGA Championship.

Fleetwood has previously won the FedEx Cup on the DP World Tour, proving he has the stamina and skill set to succeed in a season-long race, despite having only one official PGA TOUR win to his name in 2025. His consistency, including strong performances in the Signature Events, means he will enter the Playoffs with an excellent starting position in the staggered scoring format. If Fleetwood can finally break through with a marquee victory, he has the foundation to capture the entire FedEx Cup title.

The FedEx Cup Outlook

The narrative for the 2025 PGA TOUR season is clearly dominated by the sustained excellence of Scottie Scheffler, whose record-setting year makes him the overwhelming favorite. However, the presence of Rory McIlroy and the surprising rise of Ben Griffin ensure that the season finale will be far from a coronation. The battle for the remaining spots in the season-ending TOUR Championship is incredibly tight, with veterans like Justin Thomas and emerging talents like Ludvig Åberg fighting for their place. The next few months of competition will determine not only the champion but also the next generation of favorites in professional golf.