The PGA Tour is the primary avenue for golf enthusiasts and professionals to enjoy the sport and see some of the top athletes go head-to-head.
With over 100 golfers participating, upsets often come from those who are not even in contention based on the bookmakers. But this is part of the appeal of golf. It is an unpredictable sport with numerous possible outcomes.
When it comes to the bookies prediction for the PGA Tour, the odds are often very attractive to punters. The sheer number of contestants means that outright bets have longer odds when compared to most other mainstream sports, such as football, basketball, or tennis.
Every new PGA Tour event creates a buzz among golf enthusiasts, who analyze past performances, recent form, and overall game style of some of their favorite golfers in the pro circuit.
Who Is the Dark Horse on Tour?
Dark horses are contestants that are not viewed as favorites by most people, but have a proven track record and are competitive enough to pose a threat to the favorites.
Whether it is a run of form or another factor, these contestants are ready to take down the players with the shortest odds on the PGA Tour, which makes them exceptionally lucrative for punters.
Sepp Straka
Sepp Straka has managed to land two PGA Tour wins in 2025, which places him among the favorites to repeat the feat. Resilience in high-pressure situations and an impressive record in total strokes gained make Sepp Straka one of the most viable dark horse bets at the moment, with a real chance to deliver an upset.
Russell Henley
After multiple solid showings in 2025, Russell Henley is another golfer worth watching during this week’s PGA Tour. After finishing T7 at the US Open and T5 at the Open Championship, Henley is an interesting pick as a dark horse.
Precision and consistency give him a solid shot at a high finish, with a decent possibility to go all the way as well.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Matt Fitzpatrick is one of the most resilient golfers currently playing and is a former winner of the US Open, making him one of the most realistic candidates for an upset at the current PGA Tour.
Other experienced golfers often point to Matt Fitzpatrick as an interesting golfer to watch in high-stress situations, due to his successful track record and mental fortitude.
Daniel Berger
While Daniel Berger may have yet to break out with a win in 2025, he has consistently finished toward the top and is among the best players currently competing, based on tee-to-green stats alone.
Despite not being a headline-grabbing contestant, Berger has proven himself as a resilient golfer, thriving in high-stakes situations.
How to Pick Dark Horses in Golf
Choosing a dark horse in golf and other sports may sound easier than it is in practice. Golf is particularly challenging in this regard, as over 100 contestants enter the PGA Tour at the beginning, which creates a large pool of potential candidates who could deliver the upset.
However, this does not mean that it’s entirely up to chance. In fact, a tried and tested method can increase your chances of picking the right golfer to go on and win the title.
Here are some factors you should not overlook when looking for an unlikely winner:
- Recent form: The player’s performance in recent weeks and months can reveal a great deal about their preparation levels. If there is a sense of progression in the results, this is generally a good sign
- Course fit: Certain players thrive on more strategic tests, courses that are less forgiving toward missed fairways, and inconsistent putting strokes
- Statistical indicators: Advanced stats like Stokes Gained provide valuable information on how a player performs under certain conditions, as well as how well-prepared they are to mentally handle pressure
- Weather and external conditions: Weather factors can play a major role in how players perform on the golf course, which is important to consider when looking to bet on a dark horse
The odds will also provide you with important signals. Dark horses often have longer odds, which is an indicator that punters are undervaluing their chances.