In the high-stakes world of professional golf, the narrative is often dominated by a select few. The conversation usually revolves around established stars like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, and their odds of winning a major are consistently low. However, the true drama and excitement of the PGA Tour lie in the potential for an underdog to rise.
The 2025 season has proven this time and again, with long shots and rising stars not only contending but also winning on the biggest stages. These players, often overlooked in the pre-tournament buzz, are demonstrating the skill, composure, and grit to challenge the game’s elite and make a lasting impression. Here’s a deeper look at some of the under-the-radar players and rising stars who have surprised many and are poised for even greater things.
J.J. Spaun’s Major Breakthrough and Consistent Contention
J.J. Spaun’s 2025 season has been nothing short of a career-defining year. While he entered the year as a solid tour pro, few outside of the most dedicated golf fans would have predicted his historic run. The pinnacle of his season came at the U.S. Open, where he secured a major championship victory with a stunning final-round performance at Oakmont.
This win, at staggering pre-tournament odds of +12500, was a classic underdog story that captivated the golf world. His final score of -1 was a testament to his mental fortitude on one of golf’s most challenging courses.
But his success wasn’t a one-off fluke. Spaun has demonstrated an impressive level of consistent play throughout the year. His ability to perform under pressure was again on display at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. There, he battled against the seasoned veteran Justin Rose in a dramatic three-hole playoff, ultimately finishing as the runner-up. This performance, against a former major champion, reinforced that his U.S. Open win was not an anomaly but a reflection of his enhanced skill set.
With his major title and a string of high finishes, Spaun has cemented his status as a legitimate threat to win any tournament he enters. His current position at number three in the FedEx Cup standings and his high PGA betting odds are a clear indicator that he is a clear contender and playing the best golf of his career.
The High-Stakes Style of Ben Griffin
Ben Griffin is the embodiment of a high-risk, high-reward player, making him an intriguing long-shot pick every time he tees it up. His 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of exhilarating highs and a few sobering lows, but his successes far outweigh the setbacks.
Griffin has celebrated two victories this year, starting with a significant win at the Charles Schwab Challenge and following it up with another at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. These wins demonstrate his ability to get to the top of the leaderboard and close out a tournament.
Beyond his victories, Griffin’s game is marked by a penchant for top finishes. He has notched five top-four finishes, including a runner-up performance at the prestigious Memorial Tournament. This kind of play is exactly what makes an underdog a potential winner; he has the game to compete with the best. While he has missed a few cuts, his recent form suggests he’s found a rhythm.
His T-9 finish at the FedEx St. Jude Championship shows he is peaking at the right time. For fans looking for a player who can either miss the cut or hoist the trophy, Ben Griffin is a name that commands attention.
Ludvig Åberg’s Rapid Ascent
While Ludvig Åberg’s name is becoming increasingly familiar to golf fans, his rapid rise means he is still often priced as a long shot compared to the tour’s most seasoned veterans. The 25-year-old Swede has a game that is built for long-term success, anchored by a powerful and incredibly accurate drive. He ranks among the very best on the PGA Tour in strokes gained: off the tee, a statistic that often correlates directly with success.
Åberg’s 2025 campaign has been a thrilling mix of highs and lows. The highlight of his season came at The Genesis Invitational, where he claimed a massive victory against a stacked field. This win was a definitive statement that he belongs in the conversation with golf’s elite. Furthermore, his performance at the Masters Tournament was a sign of his composure and ability to perform on the biggest stages, where he finished tied for seventh.
Having the look and feel of a future major champion, it’s only a matter of time before Åberg breaks through for a major victory. His inclusion on this list is a recognition that, while his talent is undeniable, he is still a long shot in comparison to established champions, making him a tantalizing pick.
Final Words
While the betting favorites will always draw the most attention, the beauty of golf is that any player can catch fire at any time. The players listed above represent a new generation of talent and a few seasoned players finding their peak form. Their high upside and recent successes make them the perfect “underdogs” to watch for a surprising run at a title. The 2025 season has already been full of unexpected heroes, proving that on any given Sunday, a long shot can become a champion.
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