2025 PGA Tour Playoffs: Surprising Contenders Rise At TPC Sawgrass Amidst Cantlay's Favorable Odds

The 2025 PGA Tour Playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable series of events in recent memory, with several surprising contenders emerging as dark horses in the mix. As the postseason gets underway at the iconic TPC Sawgrass, favorites like Patrick Cantlay are still favored to make a deep run, but the likes of Tony Finau, Brooks Koepka, and a surprise or two could still throw a wrench into the machine.

The PGA Tour Playoffs are always a thrilling time of year, as the best golfers in the world come together to battle it out for a coveted spot on the coveted Champions Tour. This year's postseason is no exception, with a talented field of contenders vying for the top prize. As the players take to the course at TPC Sawgrass, one thing is clear: it's anyone's game.

With Cantlay sitting atop the leaderboard at 8/1 odds, he's clearly the one to beat. A consistent performer throughout the year, Cantlay has the talent and the experience to make a deep run in the playoffs. But he's not without his competition, as players like Finau and Koepka look to make a late-season surge.

The Case for Patrick Cantlay

Cantlay is the one to beat heading into the playoffs, and for good reason. A three-time PGA Tour winner, he's proven himself to be one of the most consistent players on tour. With a solid game plan and a hot streak, Cantlay could make a serious push for the top prize.

• Recent form: Cantlay has been on a tear lately, winning back-to-back events at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Valspar Championship.
• Consistency: Cantlay has been one of the most consistent players on tour all year, finishing in the top 10 at least once in 12 of his last 15 starts.
• Experience: Cantlay has a wealth of experience in big tournaments, having competed in the playoffs multiple times before.

The Dark Horses: Tony Finau and Brooks Koepka

Finau and Koepka are two players who could potentially make a deep run in the playoffs, despite being lower-seeded than Cantlay. Both players have been on a tear lately, and their hot streaks could continue to propel them up the leaderboard.

Finau's Surging Form

Finau has been one of the most surprising players on tour all year, winning two events in the last 12 weeks and finishing in the top 10 at least once in 7 of his last 10 starts. With his powerful drive and accurate iron play, Finau is a threat to make a deep run in the playoffs.

• Recent form: Finau has been on a tear lately, winning the RBC Heritage and finishing second at the Masters.
• Consistency: Finau has been one of the most consistent players on tour all year, finishing in the top 10 at least once in 10 of his last 12 starts.
• Power: Finau has one of the strongest drives on tour, averaging over 320 yards per round.

Koepka's Comeback Kid Story

Koepka has been one of the most underappreciated players on tour all year, quietly making a deep run in the playoffs despite a lack of top-10 finishes. With his pinpoint accuracy and clutch putting, Koepka could make a surprise run at the top prize.

• Recent form: Koepka has been on a tear lately, finishing second at the CJ Cup and fourth at the US Open.
• Consistency: Koepka has been one of the most consistent players on tour all year, finishing in the top 10 at least once in 8 of his last 10 starts.
• Clutch: Koepka has a reputation for coming through in the clutch, having won numerous events in the playoffs throughout his career.

Other Contenders to Watch

While Cantlay, Finau, and Koepka are the top contenders, there are several other players who could still make a deep run in the playoffs. Players like Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm are all in the mix, and could potentially make a surprise run at the top prize.

Thomas's Big Game

Thomas has been one of the most dominant players on tour all year, winning two events and finishing in the top 10 at least once in 10 of his last 12 starts. With his powerful drive and accurate iron play, Thomas is a threat to make a deep run in the playoffs.

• Recent form: Thomas has been on a tear lately, winning the PGA Championship and finishing second at the FedEx St. Jude Invitational.
• Consistency: Thomas has been one of the most consistent players on tour all year, finishing in the top 10 at least once in 12 of his last 15 starts.
• Power: Thomas has one of the strongest drives on tour, averaging over 320 yards per round.

McIlroy's Solid Play

McIlroy has been one of the most consistent players on tour all year, finishing in the top 10 at least once in 8 of his last 10 starts. With his pinpoint accuracy and clutch putting, McIlroy could make a deep run in the playoffs.

• Recent form: McIlroy has been on a tear lately, finishing second at the Wells Fargo Championship and fourth at the US Open.
• Consistency: McIlroy has been one of the most consistent players on tour all year, finishing in the top 10 at least once in 10 of his last 12 starts.
• Clutch: McIlroy has a reputation for coming