The VPAR Team’s Open Championship Picks

vpar team's open championship picks

Will B’s Picks:

Winner: Tommy Fleetwood
Each way: Tyrrell Hatton

Fleetwood’s been knocking on the door for a while now and it feels like it’s only a matter of time before he gets that win at The Open. Hatton’s been solid too, always hanging around the top of the leaderboard and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a run.

Andy’s Picks:

Winner: Justin Rose
Each way: Aldrich Potgieter

Rose has the experience and still has the game to pull off his second major win. Potgieter’s a bit of a wildcard, but he’s got serious talent. Could be a surprise package if things go his way.

Will G’s Picks:

Winner: Scottie Scheffler
Each way: Robert MacIntyre

Scheffler‘s consistency and composure make him the clear favourite at Royal Portrush. MacIntyre had an impressive runner-up finish at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont, where he was the only player to card both weekend rounds under par. Additionally, his T6 finish at the 2019 Open Championship there shows he’s got a feel for the place.

Joakim’s Picks:

Winner: Jon Rahm
Each way: Tommy Fleetwood

Rahm has finished in the top 15 in all the other majors this year and is coming off a strong performance on LIV. As for Fleetwood, he’s been knocking on the door for a while. He’s on the path to a big win and could finally get one under his belt at Royal Portrush.

Steve’s Picks:

Winner: Rory McIlroy
Each way: Ryan Fox

Rory’s course record at Royal Portrush speaks volumes about his comfort level of the layout. With that and his Masters win in April, he’s the top pick. Also, Fox might be under the radar, but his ball striking capability makes him a smart each-way bet.

Jack’s Picks:

Winner: Sepp Straka
Each way: J. J. Spaun

Straka’s been consistent this season, with a win at The American Express and a solid showing on a links course at the Genesis Scottish Open last week. Spaun, fresh off his U.S. Open victory, is a great course fit. All in all, his accuracy could really pay off around Royal Portrush.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

A former professional cricketer, Will played for Essex County Cricket Club from 2018 to 2023 before joining the VPAR team in 2024. During his cricket career, he competed in First Class, List A, and T20 matches, contributing to the club’s recent successes.
Now, Will’s focus has shifted to golf. He plays off a VPAR Handicap of 4.5 and is aiming to reach scratch in the near future. His favourite course is Poppy Hills, a hidden gem just above Pebble Beach, and his top venue to work at is Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Whether you’re seeking top golfing destinations, a fresh perspective on the ever-changing professional game, or betting tips for major events, Will offers valuable insights. For him, golf is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle, and he loves sharing that passion with the VPAR community.

The VPAR Team’s 2025 PGA Championship Picks

pga championship

Niall’s Pick

Viktor Hovland has all the tools to win the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. Known for his elite ball-striking and remaining calm under pressure, Hovland thrives on demanding courses that reward precision, exactly what Quail Hollow requires. His steady improvement around the greens, combined with major championship experience and a FedEx Cup title under his belt, makes him a serious threat. If he brings his A-game, especially with the putter, there’s every reason to believe he can capture his first major title in Charlotte. 

Will B’s Pick

At odds of 200-1, Ryan Fox presents an intriguing opportunity for this week’s PGA Championship. Fresh off his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Myrtle Beach Classic, Fox comes into the tournament with confidence and form. The New Zealander is no stranger to high-pressure situations, having secured significant wins around the world including the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. His proven ability to compete on big stages, combined with a game well-suited to Quail Hollow, makes him a great each-way choice. Fox’s length off the tee will be a valuable asset on this demanding layout, and if he can maintain his recent momentum, he has the potential to contend well into the weekend.

Andy’s Pick

Off the back of my successful Masters pick, and all of the stick that was thrown in my direction, there’s only one man I’m backing for the 2025 US PGA Championship and that’s Rory McIlroy. The shackles are off and I’m ready for the Major floodgates to open!

Joakim’s Pick

Justin Thomas, a two-time PGA Championship winner, including a memorable victory at Quail Hollow, remains a formidable presence in any major field. If he can maintain his recent form, Thomas is well-positioned for another strong showing. As we’ve seen with his performances at the RBC Heritage and last week at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, when he’s on his game, he’s a constant threat to climb the leaderboard.

Jack’s Pick

At Quail Hollow, Rory McIlroy has been nothing short of dominant, being a remarkable 109-under par over the past decade, compared to the next closest competitor at around 50-under par. His elite distance off the tee allows him to fly many of the course’s natural bottlenecks that force others to lay back, giving him a clear strategic edge. Combine that with his deep familiarity with a course he knows like the back of his hand, and McIlroy enters the PGA Championship with a significant advantage over the field.

Will G’s Pick

Despite a disappointing start to the year due to injury, I believe Xander Schauffele will defend his title at the PGA Championship. He has an impressive track record at Quail Hollow, having finished runner-up at the Wells Fargo Championship in both 2023 and 2024. Class is permanent!

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

A former professional cricketer, Will played for Essex County Cricket Club from 2018 to 2023 before joining the VPAR team in 2024. During his cricket career, he competed in First Class, List A, and T20 matches, contributing to the club’s recent successes.
Now, Will’s focus has shifted to golf. He plays off a VPAR Handicap of 4.5 and is aiming to reach scratch in the near future. His favourite course is Poppy Hills, a hidden gem just above Pebble Beach, and his top venue to work at is Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Whether you’re seeking top golfing destinations, a fresh perspective on the ever-changing professional game, or betting tips for major events, Will offers valuable insights. For him, golf is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle, and he loves sharing that passion with the VPAR community.